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better_messages_my_messages_url

info

How to add shortcodes?

A URL-only shortcode that returns the path to the logged-in user's inbox. Doesn't render any UI — just the URL string. Designed for use cases where you need the inbox URL as a link target (menu items, buttons, custom dashboard widgets) without embedding the full messenger.

When to use it​

ScenarioPattern
WordPress menu link to MessagesUse this shortcode with the Shortcode in Menus plugin
Custom dashboard "View Inbox" buttonWrap the URL in your own anchor tag
Account-page link listAdd as one item in a user's account-actions list
Author bio "Message me" linkURL-only with custom button styling

Usage​

[better_messages_my_messages_url]

Returns the URL of the page where the messenger lives — typically /messages/ or wherever WP Admin → Better Messages → Settings → General → Messages Location points.

In a menu (via Shortcode in Menus)​

  1. Install Shortcode in Menus
  2. Appearance → Menus → Add a Custom Link
  3. URL: [better_messages_my_messages_url]
  4. Label: "Messages"

When rendered, the URL placeholder is replaced with the actual inbox URL.

In a custom anchor​

<a class="btn btn-primary" href="[better_messages_my_messages_url]">
  View My Messages
</a>

The shortcode renders to the bare URL — wrap it in any element you want.

Frequently asked questions​

What URL does this return for non-logged-in users?​

The login URL is returned, with a redirect parameter pointing back to the messages page after login.

Does this return a relative or absolute URL?​

Absolute URL — full https://yoursite.com/messages/ form. Useful for emails and external links.

Can I include this in an email template?​

Yes — though emails typically use a different anchor (each thread has its own deep-link URL). For "view all my messages" links in transactional emails, this is useful.

Does the URL include any query parameters?​

By default, no — just the base inbox path. Use the bp_better_messages_inbox_url filter to add custom params (e.g., utm tracking).

Will the URL work for guest users?​

Guests don't have a personal inbox — the URL falls back to the chat room or guest landing page configured in settings.

See also​