Allowing users to log in with Google

You can allow your forum members to log in using their Google account by setting up Google Login. This makes it faster and easier for users to join your forum — studies show it can increase sign-ups by 35–50%. It also automatically imports their Google profile picture for a smoother experience.

Once enabled, a Sign in with Google button will appear on your forum’s Log In and Sign Up screens. When members use it, a Website Toolbox forum account will be created automatically, and they’ll appear as regular users within your forum.

Google Login works safely on both public and private forums — no information is shared outside your forum.

This feature is available only on the Growth Plan and higher. If you're on a lower plan, consider upgrading to unlock Google Login and other advanced features.

Follow the steps below to set up Google Login for your forum:

1. Create a project in Google Cloud

1. Visit the Google Developers Console. You must be logged into your personal Google account to create an app.
2. At the top of the page, click Select a project next to the search bar.
3. Click New Project.
4. Enter a name for your project in the Project Name field.
5. Choose a location or keep the default selection, then click Create.
6. Once created, select your new project near the search bar at the top.

2. Configure the OAuth consent screen

1. Click API & Services in the left menu.
2. Select OAuth Consent Screen from the left panel.
3. Click Get Started.
4. Enter your App Name (for example: Forum).
5. Select your Support Email Address and click Next.
6. Set the Audience to External and click Next.
7. Provide your Contact Email Address and click Next.
8. Accept the Google API Services User Data Policy and click Create.

3. Add app branding and domain information

Before starting this step, log in to your Website Toolbox account to view the exact URLs related to your forum. Alternatively, you can use the example URLs below by replacing username with your own Website Toolbox account username.

1. From the left menu, click Branding.
2. Upload your App Logo (optional, must be less than 1MB).
3. Enter the following URLs:
• Application Home Page:
  https://username.discussion.community
• Privacy Policy URL:
  Use your website’s privacy policy link. If you don’t have one, enter:
  https://username.discussion.community/privacy
• Terms of Service URL:
  Use your website’s terms of service link. If you don’t have one, enter:
  https://username.discussion.community
4. Click + Add Domain and enter the top-level domain of your forum. For example, if your forum address is forums.mydomain.com, enter mydomain.com.
5. Enter your Developer Email Address (if not already filled in).
6. Click Save.

4. Configure data access

1. From the left menu, click Data Access.
2. Click Add or Remove Scopes.
3. Select the checkboxes next to the following:
• userinfo.email
• userinfo.profile
4. Scroll down and click Update.
5. Scroll again and click Save.

5. Create the OAuth client ID

1. From the left menu, click Clients.
2. Click + Create Client.
3. Choose Web Application as the application type.
4. Enter a name or keep the default.
5. Under Authorized Redirect URIs, click Add URI and enter:
   https://username.discussion.community/oauth?service=Google&action=doOauthCallback
   (Replace username with your own Website Toolbox account username.)
6. Click Create.
7. Copy your Client ID and Client Secret.

6. Connect Google login to your Website Toolbox forum

1. Log in to your Website Toolbox account.
2. Click the Integrate link.
3. Click the Single Sign On link.
4. Check the Google option.
5. Paste the Client ID and Client Secret you copied earlier.
6. Click Save.

That’s it! Your forum members can now log in using their Google account credentials.

If you still need help, please contact us.