Sandbox and live modes

Workflows can be set to sandbox mode (for development and testing) or live mode (for production).

In sandbox mode, external checks (such as KYC verification, wallet screening, AML screening, and fraud screening) are not performed: mock data is generated instead. This means that in sandbox mode no KYC costs are incurred. All parts of the simulated verification process happen without delay and there is no need for the customer to exit the process and return later. VCs are issued by a testnet issuer.

In live mode, KYC verification and all checks are performed, and return real data. The widget will only work with an app on the specified hosts or localhost. Some parts of the verification process may take longer. The customer can choose to stay within the app and wait for the result, or exit the app and be notified of the result by email. Data is shared with the app as soon as it is generated by the KYC provider. VCs are issued by a Mainnet issuer.

A workflow should stay in sandbox mode until integration is finished and it is time to go live.

To switch between live mode and sandbox mode:

In the Dashboard menu, select Settings, > Workflows. The Workflows page is displayed.
Select the workflow you want to update. The workflow detail page is displayed.
Use the toggle at the top right of the page to switch between the modes.

When sandbox mode is active, the toggle is grey.

When live mode is active, the toggle is blue.

The differences between sandbox mode and live mode are summarized below.

	Sandbox mode	Live mode
Will only work with specified hosts and `localhost`	❌	✅
External checks performed	❌	✅
Data returned	Mock	Real
VCs issued by	Testnet issuer	Mainnet issuer
VC data verified	❌	✅

Sometimes sandbox mode will generate mock data that leads to the customer being rejected. For example, the mock data might be for a customer under the age of 18, who is then rejected.
In sandbox mode, after each KYC, there is a 1 in 5 chance that an AML alert will be created. The customer will see the widget saying that KYC is pending validation, and their status is set to To be reviewed. When the alert is closed and the customer is set to Active, the widget will tell the customer that KYC was successful.