Skip to main content

Login requirements

How Login Requirements Work​

Free Downloads for WooCommerce allows you to require users to log in before downloading files. This is useful for tracking downloads, building your user base, or restricting content to registered users.

When login is required:

  1. Logged-out users see a message instead of the download button
  2. A login link is provided
  3. After logging in, users are redirected back to the product page
  4. The download button appears and works normally

Enable Login Requirement​

To require login for all free downloads:

  1. Go to WP Enhanced > Free Download Woo
  2. Click General in the sidebar
  3. Check Require login to download
  4. Save changes

Once enabled, all free download products will require authentication.

info

This setting applies globally to all free download products. For per-product control, use WooCommerce Memberships (see WooCommerce Memberships).

What Users See​

Logged-Out Users​

When a logged-out user visits a free download product:

  • The download button is replaced with a message
  • Default message: "You must be logged in to download this file"
  • A "Login" link is displayed
  • The product is still visible and browsable

Logged-In Users​

When a logged-in user visits the same product:

  • The download button appears normally
  • Downloads work immediately
  • No additional steps required

Customizing the Login Message​

You can customize the message shown to logged-out users.

Change the Message Text​

  1. Go to WP Enhanced > Free Download Woo, then click General in the sidebar
  2. Find Login required message field
  3. Enter your custom message
  4. Save changes

Example Custom Messages​

  • "Please log in to access this free download"
  • "Create a free account to download this resource"
  • "Sign in to get your free download"
  • "Members only: Log in to download"
tip

Keep the message friendly and action-oriented. Explain the benefit of logging in rather than just stating a restriction.

Login and Registration Flow​

For Existing Users​

  1. User clicks the login link
  2. Enters credentials on the login page
  3. Is redirected back to the product page
  4. Can now download the file

For New Users​

If users don't have an account:

  1. They need to register first
  2. Standard WooCommerce registration applies
  3. After registration and login, they can download

Enable WooCommerce Registration:

  1. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Accounts & Privacy
  2. Check Allow customers to create an account during checkout
  3. Check Allow customers to create an account on the "My account" page
  4. Save changes

Benefits of Requiring Login​

Track Downloads​

When users are logged in, you can:

  • See who downloaded what (Pro feature)
  • Track download counts per user (Pro feature)
  • Analyze popular content
  • Identify engaged users

Build Your User Base​

Requiring login helps you:

  • Grow your registered user base
  • Collect user data (with consent)
  • Enable future marketing opportunities
  • Create a community around your content

Reduce Abuse​

Login requirements help prevent:

  • Automated scraping of downloads
  • Excessive downloads from single sources
  • Sharing of download links
  • Bandwidth abuse

Enable Advanced Features​

Login is required for:

  • Download limits (Pro feature)
  • Email capture (Pro feature)
  • User download history (Pro feature)
  • Personalized recommendations

Combining with Other Features​

WooCommerce Memberships​

For more granular control, combine login requirements with WooCommerce Memberships:

  • Require login globally
  • Use memberships for specific products
  • Create tiered access levels
  • Offer premium content to members only

See WooCommerce Memberships for details.

Download Limits (Pro)​

In the Pro edition, you can combine login with download limits:

  • Require login to track downloads
  • Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits
  • Prevent excessive downloads
  • Encourage upgrades for unlimited access

See Download Limits (Pro) for details (Pro feature).

Email Capture (Pro)​

The Pro edition offers email capture as an alternative to login:

  • Collect emails without requiring full registration
  • Lower barrier to entry
  • Build email list
  • Option to create account later

See Email Capture (Pro) for details (Pro feature).

User Experience Considerations​

Pros of Requiring Login​

✅ Track who downloads what
✅ Build registered user base
✅ Reduce abuse and scraping
✅ Enable personalization
✅ Create community

Cons of Requiring Login​

❌ Adds friction to download process
❌ May reduce conversion rates
❌ Requires users to remember credentials
❌ Can frustrate casual visitors
❌ Increases support requests

Best Practices​

When to Require Login:

  • High-value content worth the friction
  • Building a community or membership site
  • Need to track downloads for analytics
  • Preventing abuse is a concern
  • Offering personalized content

When NOT to Require Login:

  • Low-value or promotional content
  • Maximizing reach is the goal
  • First-time visitor acquisition
  • Viral sharing is desired
  • Minimizing barriers is critical

Technical Details​

Session Handling​

The plugin uses WordPress's built-in session management:

  • Sessions are handled by WordPress core
  • No additional cookies are set
  • Standard WordPress authentication applies
  • Compatible with all authentication plugins

Redirect Behavior​

After login, users are redirected back to the product page:

  • Original product URL is preserved
  • Query parameters are maintained
  • Works with custom login pages
  • Compatible with WooCommerce endpoints

Security​

Login requirements add security:

  • Nonce verification on all downloads
  • User capability checks
  • WordPress authentication integration
  • Protection against unauthorized access

Troubleshooting Login Requirements​

If the login link doesn't work:

  1. ✅ Check WordPress login page is accessible
  2. ✅ Verify no login page customization conflicts
  3. ✅ Test with default WordPress theme
  4. ✅ Check for plugin conflicts
  5. ✅ Clear browser cache

Users Not Redirected After Login​

If users aren't redirected back:

  1. ✅ Check for custom login page plugins
  2. ✅ Verify redirect filters aren't interfering
  3. ✅ Test with default WordPress login
  4. ✅ Check for JavaScript errors
  5. ✅ Disable other plugins temporarily

Download Button Still Not Showing After Login​

If logged-in users don't see the button:

  1. ✅ Verify user is actually logged in
  2. ✅ Clear all caches (browser, server, plugin)
  3. ✅ Check for page caching issues
  4. ✅ Test in incognito mode
  5. ✅ Verify product is still free and downloadable

Registration Not Working​

If new users can't register:

  1. ✅ Enable registration in WooCommerce settings
  2. ✅ Check for spam protection blocking registration
  3. ✅ Verify email sending is working
  4. ✅ Check for registration form conflicts
  5. ✅ Test with default theme

Alternative Approaches​

Per-Product Login Requirements​

If you want login required for some products but not others:

Option 1: Use WooCommerce Memberships

  • Create a free membership plan
  • Assign products to the plan
  • Non-members see membership message

Option 2: Use Template Overrides

  • Copy plugin templates to your theme
  • Add conditional logic based on product ID
  • Customize per product

See Template Customization for details.

Social Login​

To make login easier, consider social login plugins:

  • Nextend Social Login - Free, supports Google, Facebook, Twitter
  • Super Socializer - Free, supports many networks
  • WooCommerce Social Login - Premium, official WooCommerce extension

Social login reduces friction by eliminating registration forms.

What's Next​