# ChurchCRM 7.2.1 — Refinement & Reliability

**Release Date**: April 16, 2026  
**Theme**: Polishing the Foundation  
**Previous Release**: [7.2.0](./7.2.0.md)

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Hot on the heels of our major 7.2.0 release, **Version 7.2.1** arrives as a focused maintenance update. This release is all about "smoothness"—fixing those small friction points in the login process, security settings, and photo management to ensure your experience is as seamless as possible.

## 🛡️ Smarter Security & Access

We've refined how the system handles permissions to make sure the "gates" are always locked for the right people, but open for you when you need them.

- **Fixing the "Password Loop"**: We resolved a specific issue that caused some users to get stuck in a "redirect loop" when trying to change their passwords. You can now update your credentials without any technical hiccups. (#8405, #8676)
- **Streamlined Permissions**: We've overhauled how the system checks your access levels. This ensures that even if you have "limited permissions," you are always allowed to access essential security features like changing your password or setting up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). (#8680, #8683, #8684)
- **Cleaner Logins**: We've blocked browsers from trying to "autofill" your 2FA security codes. This prevents your browser from accidentally putting a saved password into the security code box, making your login much faster. (#5143, #8664)

## 🖼️ Instant Photo Updates

Have you ever uploaded a new profile photo only to see the old one still staring back at you?

- **Cache Busting**: We've fixed a bug where the browser would "remember" your old photo too well. Now, the moment you upload a new profile picture, it will update across the entire system instantly. No more manual page refreshing required! (#8662, #8677)

## 🌍 Global & Technical Stability

While you might not see these changes on the surface, they make ChurchCRM faster and more reliable for your church:

- **Speedy Testing**: Our developers have optimized our automated testing suite, making it much faster to verify that new updates are safe to release. (#8652, #8655)
- **Cleaning House**: We've removed "dead code" (old files that were no longer used), which keeps the system lean and efficient. (#8159, #8673)
- **Library Updates**: We've updated our security "cleaning" tools (like DOMPurify) to the latest versions to keep your data safe from modern web threats. (#8686)

## 🌟 Legacy of the 7.2.0 Series

If you are just joining us for the 7.2.x series, don't forget these recent major milestones:

- **Mabuhay!** Filipino is now an officially supported language.
- **Events Overhaul**: A faster, more responsive calendar and a brand-new Events Dashboard.
- **Fortress Security**: Deep database protections and human-readable 2FA recovery codes.

## ⚠️ Important Notes

- **Server Requirement**: This version continues to **require PHP 8.4**.
- **Guided Upgrade**: Use our built-in update wizard to move safely from 7.2.0 to 7.2.1.

## 📊 Release Statistics

- **14 commits** since 7.2.0
- **3 security / permission fixes**
- **1 photo cache fix**
- **2 testing & housekeeping improvements**

**Download**: [GitHub Release](https://github.com/ChurchCRM/CRM/releases/tag/7.2.1)
