Understanding Sandbox vs Production Environments
Dots provides separate Sandbox and Production environments so you can safely test your integration before going live. This guide explains the differences and how to work with each environment.
What Are Environments?
Environments are isolated spaces that keep your test data separate from real payments:
Sandbox: A safe testing environment with simulated data, pre-funded balances, and no real money movement
Production: The live environment where real payouts are sent and funds are transferred
Each environment has its own API keys, users, and payout data—nothing crosses between them.
Sandbox Environment
Sandbox is automatically available when you create your Dots account. It's designed for:
Testing API integration without risk
Developing and debugging your payout flows
Training your team on the dashboard
Previewing features before production use
Sandbox Features
Pre-funded balance: Your account starts with $100 or $1M in test funds
Sample data: Pre-loaded users and payouts for testing
Simulated transfers: Payouts complete instantly without real bank connections
Full feature access: Test all Dots products (Payouts, Onboard, Tax, etc.)
Sandbox mode is perfect for testing edge cases like failed payouts, compliance checks, and webhook responses.
Switching to Sandbox Mode
To enable Sandbox mode in the dashboard:
Look for the environment toggle in the upper-left corner of the dashboard
Click to switch to Sandbox
A badge will appear indicating you're in Sandbox mode
When in Sandbox mode, all dashboard actions and API calls use your sandbox API keys and test data.
Production Environment
Production is where your live business happens. To access Production:
Complete the Request Access form in your dashboard
Submit your company details and flow-of-funds information
Wait for Dots to approve your application
Once approved, you can:
Toggle to Production mode using the environment switch
Create new apps with production API keys
Connect your real bank account
Send live payouts to recipients
Production API keys handle real money. Keep them secure and never use them in Sandbox or share them publicly.
API Keys and Environments
Each environment requires its own API credentials:
Sandbox keys: Retrieved from API Management while in Sandbox mode
Production keys: Retrieved from API Management while in Production mode
When making API calls, ensure you're using the correct keys for the environment you want to target.
# Sandbox example
Authorization: Basic <base64_encoded_sandbox_client_id:api_key>
# Production example
Authorization: Basic <base64_encoded_production_client_id:api_key>For authentication details, see the API Authentication documentation.
Best Practices
Test thoroughly in Sandbox before switching to Production
Use environment variables in your code to easily switch between keys
Create separate apps for Sandbox and Production to avoid confusion
Monitor both environments during your initial rollout
Keep Sandbox updated to match your Production configuration
You can switch between environments anytime in the dashboard. Your work in each environment is saved independently.
Common Questions
Do I need approval for Sandbox?
No. Sandbox access is automatic when you create your account.
Can I test webhooks in Sandbox?
Yes. Webhooks work the same way in Sandbox as Production. Use a tool like ngrok to test locally.
Will my Sandbox data appear in Production?
No. Environments are completely isolated. Users, payouts, and settings in Sandbox never affect Production.
How do I know which environment I'm in?
Check the environment badge in the upper-left corner of the dashboard, or look at which API keys you're using in your code.