# Test mode

> Try every step, including checkout and certificate issuance, without paying or ordering a real certificate.

Test mode ([sandbox](https://getverifiedinbox.com/docs/glossary.md#sandbox)) is a separate practice environment. It works like Stripe's test mode: you switch between **Live** and **Test** with one toggle, and the two never mix.

## What's different in test mode

| | Live | Test |
|---|---|---|
| Payments | Real (Stripe) | Stripe test mode: nothing is charged; use Stripe's test cards |
| Certificates | Issued by DigiCert | Simulated issuer; certificates aren't trusted by any inbox |
| Data | Your real domains and orders | Kept completely separate |
| API keys | `vi_live_…` | `vi_test_…` |
| Banner | — | An orange "Test mode" bar across the top |

The free checks (domain, email health, logo, trademark, eligibility) are real in both modes, because they only read public information.

## How to switch

- **Website:** sign in, then use the Live/Test switch in your dashboard. An orange banner shows whenever you're in test mode.
- **API:** use a `vi_test_…` key (keys are tied to one environment), or send `VI-Environment: test` with an OAuth token.
- **MCP / AI assistants:** connect with a test key, or pass `environment: "test"` to account tools.

## Good uses for test mode

- Showing your team the whole process before buying.
- Letting your AI assistant rehearse the flow.
- Building and testing an integration against our API.

Test data may be reset from time to time.