We’re excited to roll out phpFox 5.1.18, the latest version packed with new app, essential enhancements, and bug fixes, that bring more stability and smoother experiences to your phpFox platform. At phpFox, we’re committed to evolving alongside our clients—and this release is another step forward in helping you deliver a faster, more seamless, and user-friendly community.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s new.

1. New App

Tour Guide (new app)

Excited to show off your platform? So are we! The Tour Guide app is here to help you create engaging, interactive walkthroughs that guide your users through the heart of your community. Whether they’re brand new or exploring fresh features, Tour Guide makes every step feel intuitive and exciting. It’s easy to set up, fun to use, and a powerful way to turn first-time visitors into confident, happy members. Let’s show them around!

Highlighted Features

• Site administrators can create a unique tour guide for each page and add multiple steps to guide users through specific elements or workflows. 
• Users can experience the tour guide step-by-step on the selected page.
• Users can repeat the tour, go back to a previous step, refresh the guide, move forward, or end it at any time.
• The tour guide is automatically disabled once the user finishes it, ensuring a clean and unobtrusive experience.

2. Core Updates

Admin CP

Members Management

• Admins can now export user data to a CSV file directly from the AdminCP.
  
• Super Administrators can designate other users as Super Administrators
• Member Settings: Add a new setting to control token lifetime.

Registration Settings

• Admins can assign multiple users as ‘On Signup New Friends’—a great way to boost engagement from the first login.
  
• “Send Welcome Email” setting has been removed. Welcome emails are now managed via:
  AdminCP > App Settings > Notifications > Types > App Name (User)
  

Global & Visual Settings

• You can now configure a custom logo for emails, adding a consistent brand touch to every message.
  

Reports & Notifications

• Admins can now choose who receives notifications for new user reports—ensuring issues are seen and handled quickly
  

Localization Enhancements

• Admins can now set the default country and language to streamline onboarding for users in specific regions.
  

Staff Permissions

• Fine-grained AdminCP access control now available—manage what your staff can see and do with new permission settings.
  

Storage Settings

• Storage configurations can now be removed even if they contain uploaded files, giving admins more control over storage cleanup.
  

Ban Filters & Validation

• A new “Active” column has been added to all ban filter pages (Email, IP Address, Word).
  
• System now validates email format before adding it to the banned list.
  
• Regex rules are now checked for correct formatting before being accepted.
  

UI/UX Improvements

We’ve made several refinements across both the web and mobile app to enhance the overall user experience—from cleaner layouts to better responsiveness and smoother interactions

Frontend Web Enhancements

• Improved usability on the Dashboard: the member item viewer no longer appears when hovering over a member’s name.
  
• User info updates now reflect instantly after editing—no need to refresh!
  
• On mobile view: Notification badge count is now hidden after opening the notification popup, keeping the interface clean.
  

• Global Search View: Removed repetitive titles when viewing type details for a more streamlined experience.
  
• You can now change the language directly from the Registration page, improving accessibility for new users worldwide.
• Enhanced color border contrast for better visibility and accessibility.
  

Mobile App Enhancements

• In the Composer Feed, the URL Video button is now hidden when posting in Events, User Profiles, Groups, and Pages—making the interface cleaner where it’s not needed.
  
• Date of Birth field now behaves more intuitively when selecting data, improving the overall registration flow.
  

3. App Update

Invitations 

New Permissions & Features

• Set Invitation Permissions: Admins can now define exactly who’s allowed to invite others to the platform.
  
• Refresh Invite Code: A handy new feature that allows users to refresh their invite codes as needed.
  
• Manage Invite Codes: Easily track and manage all invite codes in one place.
  
• Smart Cleanup: If the inviter’s account is deleted, their invite code is automatically deactivated—keeping your system clean and secure.
  

AdminCP UI/UX Improvements

• Smarter Layouts:
  
  • Repositioned the Search button for easier access.
    
  • Added mass delete actions and sortable columns to the Manage Invitations page.
    
  • Enhanced checkbox UI for better usability when resending multiple invites.
    
• Improved Messaging: Invitation content now displays more clearly—even if no personal message was added.
  
• Bug fixes

E-wallet

New Permissions & Features

• Adjust User Balance: Admins can now manually adjust a user’s wallet balance directly from the AdminCP—perfect for corrections or bonus credits.
  

Frontend UX Enhancements

• Smarter Navigation: After submitting a withdrawal request, users are now redirected straight to the Withdrawal Requests page—no more guesswork.
  
• Bug fixes

Marketplace

UI/UX Improvements

• Improved how pending invoices are handled when a listing expires or the price changes.
  
• The “Repayment” option has been renamed to “Pay Now” for clearer user understanding.
  
• The Pay Now button is now visible directly on listings that require it.
• Added more status filter options in the search form, making it easier to manage listings at scale.
  
• Map UX Fix: Clicking on a listing title in the map view no longer triggers an annoying zoom-in.
• Bug fixes

Activity Points

UI/UX Improvements:

• On the Package Transaction Page:
  
  • Added a “Pay Now” option for pending transactions, allowing users to pay again.
    
  • Remade the “ID” column to “Transaction ID” for better clarity.
    
• Admin/Users: Now you can order data by columns for easier management and review.
  
• AdminCP:
  
  • Added a Payment Method column and filter, allowing admins to manage package transactions by payment method.
    
• Bug fixes

Other minor improvements and bug fixes for:

• Chat Plus
• Forum
• Photo
• Announcement
• Story
• Newsletter
• And more

*Note: For a detailed improvements list of phpFox 5.1.18 , please visit our official 5.1.18 Release Notes for a deeper understanding of the update.

The package of phpFox 5.1.18 is available for you to download in our Client Area. To update your phpFox site to version 5.1.18, run the upgrade routine following our Update Instructions. Update today and unlock a world of possibilities with phpFox version 5 (Metafox)! We highly recommend you back up your site and database before updating. And remember to check with 3rd-party experts about the compatibility of all the apps/templates you use.

For the new phpFox version 5 (Metafox) installation, you can follow the Installation Guide.

Upgrade to phpFox 5.1.18 today to take advantage of these enhancements and ensure your platform runs smoothly!

We have some fantastic news to share with you! We are thrilled to announce that the phpFox version 5 (Metafox) Official Release is available for web and mobile apps. These crucial additions will make your experience on our online community platform even more interactive and exciting for your niche social network.

Are you ready to discover all the eagerly awaited updates? Let’s dive in!

What’s New?

We have four major updates:

New Flatten Theme

The Flatten theme variant introduces a clean and minimalist approach to the design, focusing on simplicity and elegance for your niche social network. The user interface elements are thoughtfully arranged, providing a clutter-free experience that allows users to navigate effortlessly throughout the platform.

With its sleek and streamlined aesthetic, Flatten offers a visually appealing user interface that is visually captivating and user-friendly.

Ads Management (on Mobile App)

This new feature empowers users to efficiently manage their advertisements from their mobile devices (on Apps).

With the ability to manage ads on mobile apps, users gain greater convenience and flexibility in promoting their content and reaching their target audience. Whether it’s promoting a personal brand, a business, or a cause, users can easily create, monitor, and adjust their ad campaigns right from the palm of their hand.

Live Layout Editor

Introducing the powerful Layout Editor feature in our social networking software, allowing administrators to modify page layouts and customize styles visually and intuitively effortlessly. With this feature, admins can take complete control over the design and appearance of their social networking platform, creating a unique and tailored experience for their users.

Seamless phpFox version 5 (Metafox) Update via AdminCP

By offering an in-built Software Updates mechanism within the AdminCP, we aim to simplify the software update experience for our valued users. This feature ensures that administrators can effortlessly keep their products up to date, benefiting from the latest enhancements, bug fixes, security patches, and exciting new features we introduce with each version.

Other Improvements

Support for Sponsored Feed & Blog
Support for invite-only Registration
Live Videos on Groups & Pages
Performance Enhancements
Resolved known issues

You can check out our Release Notes here for full details.

Upgrade to phpFox version 5 (Metafox)

The package of phpFox version 5 (Metafox) is available for you to download in our Client Area. To upgrade your phpFox version 5 (Metafox) site to version 5.1.3, you have to run the full upgrade routine following our Upgrade Instructions.

We highly recommend you back up your site and database before upgrading. And don’t forget to check with 3rd-party experts about the compatibility of all the apps/templates you are using.

For the new phpFox version 5 (Metafox) installation, you can follow the Installation Guide.

Find more details in phpFox version 5 (Metafox) Release Notes.

Get a 5% discount on phpFox version 5 (Metafox) Licenses, Upgrades, and Annual Renewals. Promo Code: FOX4ALL

Don’t hesitate to submit tickets at Client Area for any issues. We appreciate any feedback and idea to make phpFox better!

Don’t wait any longer! Upgrade to phpFox version 5 (Metafox) version 5.1.3 today and witness the remarkable improvements yourself!

Easter Sale 2020

As we continue to stay home, it will be a great time to invest in phpFox to create a community to share, support and engage with one another. So we at phpFox provide you with a 20% discount during this Easter Sale on any purchase or upgrade.

Duration: 9th to 14th April 2020
Code: EASTER2020

Offer valid for five days, build an online presence for your local community or business and take a headstart.

More Easter Deals from Experts

If you are intending to get more 3rd-party interesting apps on phpFox Store, let also check out these marvelous Easter deals from our 3rd-party experts.

YouNetCo

Joining with phpFox Easter Sale 2020, we would like to offer you 20% Off to all products and packages on phpFox Store from Apr 9th to Apr 14th, 2020. Coupon code is YNCEASTER2020. So let grab these great deals now while they last.

FoxExpert

Get 20% discount for any App/Theme or Package for best Phpfox apps of FoxExpert from 8 April to 14 April. Coupon code is foxexpertEaster

Please check the blog periodically as we will keep updating for more 3rd-party Easter deals.

phpFox 4.7.10 Official Release

We are delighted to inform that the phpFox 4.7.10 version is now officially released. This minor and quick release is only focused on fixing issues to make the Script more stable. Big updates will be added in the phpFox 4.8.0 which has been under development. Please see the Release Notes and Changelogs for more details. You can download the package of phpFox 4.7.10 and start upgrading your site from now.

To upgrade your phpFox site to 4.7.10, you will need to run the full upgrade routine as our Upgrade Instructions. We highly recommend you to back up your site and database before proceeding the upgrade. And, don’t forget to check with 3rd-party experts about the compatibility of all the apps/templates you are using.

Have any issues with this version? Please don’t hesitate to submit tickets or report immediately to our GitHub Tracker or Client Area for support.

Build your niche social networks or online communities with us – phpFox

Saved Items app

In case you aren’t familiar with this feature, please don’t worry. We are going to have a quick introduction to this app now. Let’s imagine that you have read a fantastic blog or seen a very interesting video/photo on the online community site. Then you may like to visit those items again or share them with your friends now. You may have many difficulties or uncomfortable feeling when looking for them due to many similar items on your social network. And, everything becomes much more convenient to users with Saved Items app. People can save and organize what they love on phpFox site from now. While surfing feed items on the community, your users will have Saved option right there to save the item they love. Then, all saved items can be managed and organized easily.

One more thing

Also, we have another interesting update about the Reactions and Feed Status Background apps today. Since the official release for these apps, we have been received many upgrade requests for mobile apps as our clients all want to have these important features on both web version and mobile apps. We are so happy that these features have brought a great experience to your users on mobile apps and phpFox sites.

As their significant role to get more user engagement, we decided to bring both Reactions and Feed Status Background apps to phpFox Pro license. Thus, if you are holding Pro licenses, you will be able to install these apps from now.

That’s all for now. I hope that you will like our new updates today. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to submit tickets in Client Area. Any feedback to make phpFox better is always welcome. We believe that with your invaluable contribution, phpFox is getting better day by day!

Since the first release of iOS and Android apps, we are super excited that many clients are interested in using our Premium mobile apps. We have been receiving many requests to start Mobile Build service. Most of them were completed and their mobile apps are now available on Apple Store and Google Play. It’s fantastic, isn’t it? While working on Mobile Build projects, we are so thankful for many valuable suggestions, positive feedback as well as issue reports. They are a big motivation for us to continuously improve our mobile apps with more features as well as make them more stable. Now, let’s take a look at what’s new in the mobile version 1.3

phpFox Mobile App version 1.3

In this new mobile app version, on top of many bug fixes to make mobile apps more stable, we supported 3 main improvements / new features below:

– Monetization with Google Admob

– Performance and UI/UX Improvements

– Integration solution for 3rd-party apps

Monetization with Google Admob Integration

The mobile app version 1.3 support displaying ads by Google Admob. Mobile Ads can be configured easily in AdminCP. You can have either banner ads displaying on top or bottom or full-page ads (Interstitial, Rewarded type) of specific pages on mobile apps. You will see that many ads settings are supported, such as which location and how often ads display, ads priority, etc.

Performance and UI/UX Improvements

We always do care about the Performance, design, and user experience on phpFox mobile apps. In the aspect of performance, we improved the loading speed of both app and user content. We also use Lazy loading that the images are only loaded whenever they need to be displayed. These improvements and other native animations added make the phpFox mobile apps work obviously smoother and faster.

Integration solution for 3rd-party apps

We totally understand that 3rd-party phpFox apps are a very important part of every phpFox site as they help fulfill more functionalities. We have received many questions about how 3rd-party apps could work on phpFox Mobile Apps. In mobile version 1.3, our team has been working really hard to design and implement a mechanism for integration solution. Any 3rd-party experts can merely add necessary APIs to their phpFox apps to make their features work on the phpFox Mobile app. It is amazing, isn’t it? The detailed Development Guide has been prepared and will be published on phpFox Developer Documents very soon.

How to upgrade phpFox Mobile apps

It is necessary to note that the phpFox Mobile app version 1.3 is released along with Mobile API 4.2.0 and RESTful API 4.2.2. Please do not upgrade Mobile API if you are using Premium Mobile apps version older than mobile version 1.3. You can open a Mobile Build ticket in Client Area to request for Mobile upgrade from now.

What’s next?

In the next version of mobile apps, we are going to have the following features:

– Push notifications when having new messages

– Subscription

– Reactions and status with background

Have other suggestions? Please don’t hesitate to share with us.

Wanna get Premium mobile apps

You can merely purchase new or upgrade your phpFox license to ULTIMATE license to get Premium mobile apps. With Premium mobile apps, you can build your mobile apps under your branding. In particular, you can have:

– Change App Launch Screen, App Icon, Logo, etc.

– Change Color Scheme of your mobile app to comply with the web version

– Distribute mobile apps to Apple Store and Google Play under your Developer account.

So let’s start upgrading and replenishing your Social Network with phpFox 4.7.3 now to enjoy all the latest improvements and features!

Improvements

Since the last release, we are continuously tweaking and improving the platform to meet any needs and demands based on clients’ feedbacks. Some highlighted key improvements in this release are:

– Responsive embedded videos in blog posts.

– Message to indicate if a profile is Private.

– Support better multi-language feature.

– Update language & phrases.

Fixed Issues

Aside from the improvements to current features, we also make sure user experiences. This is leveled up by eliminating all the reported issues in this release. Some of the highlights fixed issues include:
– Can’t access installed apps if phpFox Store is down or unavailable.

– Thumbnail image of user profile doesn’t update until clearing the cache.

– Can’t cancel or save cover photo when repositioning.

– Privacy settings are reverted when update Profile menu settings.

– The deactivated menu will be re-activated after re-arranging menu order.

– Site-wide block 3 or 10 positions in unusual places after refreshing the page.

For the full list of improvements and bug fixes, please visit the Release Notes.

Changelog

If you are developers and looking for the changes in the Core script in this version, please refer to the complete changed files.

Installation & Upgrade

We highly recommend you to back up your site and database before performing the upgrade.

Also please check with 3rd-party experts about the compatibility of all the apps/templates you are currently using. Take advantage of useful guides below if you want to upgrade the site yourself.

– Download
– Upgrade Instructions
– Installation Guide

Important Notes

– All the apps from phpFox are fully compatible with the phpFox 4.7.3.

– If your phpFox site is using 3rd-party apps or has customizations, please go over our recommendations to have a swift and safe upgrade process.

If you found any issues with this version, please let us know by submitting tickets or reporting immediately to our GitHub Tracker. We also encourage you to join and stay connected with the Community Forum.

We welcome any feedback to make phpFox better and better every day. So feel free to let us know your thoughts on this release by emailing us at hello@phpfox.com.

Let’s enjoy phpFox 4.7.3 today with us! 

Improvements

We gradually advanced phpFox functionalities to meet any needs and demands based on clients’ feedbacks. You can find some highlighted key improvements from the list below:
– Allow Admin to Enable/Disable countries instead of deleting them.
– Support to restore Theme design when upgrading Platform or template.
– Allow sorting users list to only friends.

– Update and remove unused/unnecessary scripts in several core sections.

Fixed Issues

We collected and resolved all major bugs and issues from the last version. Some of the highlights fixed issues include:
– Duplicated feeds after sharing a post on a friend’s wall.
– Tag users appear on feeds even these users set privacy settings.
– Don’t show custom gender on profile cover.
– If post hashtag combines with URL, there is no space between them.
– Redirect to wrong Pages/Group when clicking on the notification.

For the full list of improvements and bug fixes, please visit the Release Notes.

Changelog

If you are developers and you have a concern about the changes in the Core script on this version. See the complete changed files.

Installation & Upgrade

We encourage you to back up your site and database before performing the upgrade. Make sure to check with 3rd-party experts about the compatibility of all the apps/templates you are using.
Also, take advantages on useful guides below if you want to upgrade the site yourself.

– Download
– Upgrade Instructions
– Installation Guide

Important Notes

– All default apps of phpFox are compatible with the Core 4.7.2

– If your phpFox site is using 3rd-party apps or has customizations, our recommendations can help you.

If you found any issues with this version, please let us know by submitting tickets or reporting immediately to our GitHub Tracker. We also encourage you to join and stay connected with the Community Forum.

We welcome any feedback to make phpFox better and better every day, so feel free to let us know your thoughts on this release by emailing us at hello@phpfox.com.

Let’s start 2019 with phpFox 4.7.2 and enjoy your social network!

It was such an amazing week so far as we have been receiving much positive feedback since the release of the iOS app. Thank you for your contribution. Since the Android app stands as a fully-realized companion to the iOS app, our team have burned energy, fully focused and endeavored to complete the Android app as soon as possible. Today, the Android app is released sooner than the expected time. You now can have a full mobile app solution for your phpFox sites which bring many great values to your users.

How to experience the Android app

Same as the iOS app, we published the Android app to Google Play. Android users can download the app from the Play Store. Let’s go to Google Play on your Android device and search for “phpFox“, then download and install the app named phpFox. Or click on the button below.

Demo Server URL: https://mobileapi.phpfox.com

User: phpfoxtest1@phpfox.com

Password: 123456

How about the iOS app? Let’s check our guide in the phpFox iOS Mobile App Official Release blog.

How to use the Free phpFox Mobile apps with your phpFox site

We are still offering default phpFox Mobile app version to clients holding V4 Pro license now. Please submit tickets in Client Area to get this mobile app version before December 31st, 2018 (PST).

If you are using other V4 licenses, you will need to upgrade your licenses to V4 Pro first. You can refer to the Upgrading the Product Package Type guide.

Our next plan

According to our roadmap of mobile development, we are going to release app versions for Android tablets and iPad. Also, we keep upgrading the iOS and Android mobile apps to maintain, add more new features and improvements. Keep us posted with your thoughts and ideas on both Android and iOS app to see how we can improve the app better by writing to hello@phpfox.com

Also, as our plan, we are going to apply the new price of the phpFox V4 Ultimate license in a few days. The current price of Ultimate license ($1,199) and the upgrade fee from V4 Pro to Ultimate ($660) are being offered as the discounted prices for our early-bird clients. Therefore, if you intend to use Premium White-label mobile version, please don’t miss this chance to get the Ultimate licenses at this time.

On daily basis, people nowadays almost live in smartphones. We work, watch, listen, communicate, do a lot of stuff there. Definitely, your phpFox Social Network needs a mobile app as a comprehensive source of online content and harnessing users’ desire for social connection anytime, anywhere.

Building up with the mindset of easy-to-use yet completed and full-featured, the app has all the tools you can expect from a Social mobile app. In term of appearance, the app consists of a sleek interface which applies incredible user experience techniques.

Expected to be an extra boost to amplify users’ awareness of your community, phpFox iOS app truly enhances social connectivity with real-time access. The app guarantees a higher conversion rate return and cost-efficient values to your Social Network.

Let’s take a quick tour now

Want to experience the mobile app?

We have published our phpFox iOS Mobile app on the Apple Store and set up the phpFox site for demo purpose. You can go to AppStore on your iOS device and search for “phpFox“, then download and install the app named phpFox. Or click on the button below.

Demo Server URL: https://mobileapi.phpfox.com

User: phpfoxtest1@phpfox.com

Password: 123456

New Update on phpFox Licenses

Coming along with the official release of the iOS mobile app, we are glad to inform you about the new phpFox license type: phpFox V4 Ultimate license. The phpFox V4 Ultimate license has all features of the phpFox V4 Pro license and includes Premium Mobile version.

With Premium Mobile version, we will build your mobile apps with your branding and distribute to Apple Store and Google Play under your Developer accounts. On top of all phpFox branding and copyright will be removed, you can:

– Change App Splash Screen

– Change Color Scheme of mobile app

You can refer to this article for more info about our Premium Mobile Build Process

If you are holding Lite, Basic and Pro licenses, you can start upgrading your phpFox licenses to phpFox V4 Ultimate licenses from now. Please follow our guide here.

Or you want to purchase new phpFox licenses right now, please click on the button below.

And one more thing,

In addition to phpFox V4 Ultimate with Premium Mobile version, we are going to have a new phpFox license which will allow you to use the default phpFox Mobile apps for your phpFox community. These mobile apps are published under phpFox Developer accounts on Apple Store and Google Play. They will be upgraded regularly during development. However, the phpFox branding and copyright can’t be removed in this mobile app version. Instead, you will be able to configure to display your site Logo on Login Screen and inside phpFox mobile apps (after logging in). For detailed guidance to use this phpFox Mobile version, please refer to this article.

And, we are happy to offer the default phpFox Mobile version to those who are using phpFox V4 Pro licenses from now to Dec 31st, 2018. Please open tickets in Client Area to request for this Mobile app version.

Having any questions or need support?

Please feel free to contact us in the Client Area or drop us messages to hello@phpfox.com

We welcome any opinions and feedback on how you feel and how we can improve the app in the future.

Carry your community and keep updated anywhere with phpFox iOS Mobile app!

Improvements

Alongside with bug fixes, phpFox 4.7.1 also applies many improvements on Core features in order to level up user experiences on the platform.
You can find a quick list of the key improvements from the list below:

– Support responsive layout in AdminCP

– Ability to add custom Gender

– Can show blocks on the Landing page

– Able to tag friends when sharing photos and videos on feed

Fixed Issues

We carefully reviewed and resolved all the major bugs and issues from the last version. Some of the highlights fixed issues include:

– Cronjob URL is missing a slash.

– Check-in doesn’t show up properly when editing a status

– Several fixes in language phrases and layouts.

– Site Statistic loads duplicated stats

For the full list of improvements and bug fixes, please visit the Release Notes of this version here.

Changelog

If you are developers and you have a concern about the changes in the Core script on this version. See the complete changed file list here.

Installation & Upgrade

We encourage you to back up your site and database before performing the upgrade. Make sure to check with 3rd-party experts about the compatibility of all the apps/templates you are using.
Also, take advantages on useful guides below if you want to upgrade the site yourself.

– Download
– Upgrade Instructions
– Installation Guide

Important Notes

– All default apps of phpFox are compatible with the Core 4.7.1

– If your phpFox site is using 3rd-party apps or has customizations, our recommendations here can help you.

We welcome any feedback to make phpFox better and better every day, so feel free to let us know your thoughts on this release by emailing us at hello@phpfox.com.

Also if you found any issues with this version, please let us know by submitting tickets or reporting immediately to our GitHub Tracker. We also encourage you to join and stay connected with the Community Forum.

New to phpFox?

If you are new and looking for a solution to build up your own Social Network, then phpFox is the right platform for you. phpFox is the ultimate solution for your social network. Thriving to be the best platform for Social Network, phpFox has everything you can expect from a social network: Full-featured, fast, responsive, stable, easy to customize, easy to scale up, Mobile-ready, several extensions from 3rd-party developers…
You can start building your own Social Network within minutes with our best Support service.

Ask us how and get your own license via Live Chat at phpfox.com

Purchase New License

You can purchase phpFox right now to enjoy these above perks just by clicking on the button below. We also have an exclusive 14-day Free Trial for you to try the platform before making any decision, and you can visit our Demo site at any time.

Let’s build and enjoy your social network today!