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Test mode

Build and test against the real API without sending a single SMS or spending balance.

What test mode does

An account owner can switch any API key (API client) into test mode from the dashboard. While it is on:

  • Messages are accepted and recorded, so your code gets real replies and real messageIds.
  • Messages are never sent to the phone.
  • Messages are free — nothing is reserved from your balance.
  • Each message ends with status test, visible in the dashboard and with GET /sms/messages/:id.

When to use it

  • Automated tests and CI pipelines that exercise your send path.
  • A staging environment, on its own API client, so staging can never message real customers.
  • Load-testing your own queueing and retry logic without spending balance.

Turning it on and off

  • Open Clients in the dashboard, pick the client and switch test mode on or off. It applies to that client's key only; other keys keep sending.
  • Turn it off before going live. A message sent while test mode is on is never delivered later.
  • For OTP flows in test mode no SMS arrives, so test the "code received" step with a key that has test mode off.

One key per environment

Keep production and test on separate API clients rather than flipping one key back and forth. It keeps audit logs clear and makes a forgotten switch harmless.