Essential Bubble Security: Protecting Your SaaS Dashboard from Unauthorized Access
When building no-code SaaS applications with Bubble, one of the most critical security considerations is controlling access to protected areas of your app. Most Bubble applications have distinct areas: public pages for registration and login, and private dashboard areas reserved for authenticated users only.
The Two Approaches to User Authentication Redirects
Bubble offers two primary methods for redirecting logged-out users away from protected pages, but only one provides true security protection:
Method 1: "Do When" Workflow Statement
This approach uses a conditional workflow that triggers when "current user is logged out" and redirects to your index page. While functional, this method has a significant security flaw.
Method 2: "User is Logged Out" Page Condition
This is the recommended approach that implements a server-side 302 redirect, preventing any page content from loading before the redirect occurs.
Why Server-Side Redirects Matter for Bubble App Security
The critical difference between these approaches lies in when the redirect happens. When using the "do when" workflow method, Bubble may load some page content before detecting the user's authentication status and executing the redirect workflow. This creates a potential security vulnerability where sensitive dashboard content could briefly appear to unauthorized users.
In contrast, the "user is logged out" page condition triggers a server-side 302 redirect that occurs before any page content loads in the browser. This ensures that logged-out users never see protected dashboard content, even momentarily.
Complete Bubble Security: Privacy Rules + UI Protection
While proper privacy rules remain the fundamental layer of database security in Bubble applications, protecting your user interface is equally important for professional no-code SaaS applications. Users expect seamless, secure experiences where unauthorized access attempts result in immediate redirects to appropriate login pages.
For no-code founders building SaaS applications, implementing both robust privacy rules and proper UI protection creates a professional user experience while maintaining security standards expected in modern web applications.
Best Practices for No-Code App Authentication
When structuring your Bubble application's authentication flow, consider creating clear separation between public and private areas. Your index page should serve as the landing point for logged-out users, featuring registration and login forms, while your dashboard pages should implement the "user is logged out" redirect condition.
This approach ensures that your no-code SaaS application maintains professional security standards while providing smooth user experiences for both authenticated and non-authenticated visitors.