This article explains how to enable or disable Transaction Processing Mode, a feature that allows you to test your website or software implementation without processing live transactions.

Understanding and Managing Transaction Processing Mode

Transaction Processing Mode determines whether your Authorize.net account processes real transactions or operates in a test‑only state.

This mode can be controlled in two places:

• At the account level (inside the Merchant Interface)
• At the integration/API level (in your website, software, or payment plugin)

If your account shows Processing Mode disabled, or you continue receiving Test Mode email receipts, this means your account or integration is still operating in test mode and real transactions will not be processed.

What Transaction Processing Mode Does?

Processing Mode Disabled (Test Mode)

When Processing Mode is disabled, your account behaves like Test Mode:

• Transactions are not processed with card networks.
• Transactions are not stored in the Authorize.net database.
• No activity appears in Search Transactions or Reports.
• Email receipts include Test Mode indicators.
• Your website or integration can be tested safely without real charges.

Processing Mode Enabled (Live Mode)

When Processing Mode is enabled:

• All submitted transactions are processed normally.
• Fees apply to all processed transactions.
• Email receipts originate from the live Authorize.net email domain.

How to Tell When Processing Mode Is Disabled?

• Merchant Interface Indicators

  When Processing Mode is disabled, the Merchant Interface displays a blue banner on every page:

  “Transaction Processing Mode is disabled. Enable Transaction Processing Mode in Settings to process real transactions.”

• Email Receipt Indicators
  Receipts sent for Test Mode transactions show:

  ************* TEST MODE *************

  In addition, test receipts originate from noreply@mail.testauthorize.net and include a warning message instructing the recipient not to reply, click links, or take action.

Processing Mode Is Off (Test Mode) vs. Processing Mode Is On (Live Mode) – What Changes

How to Enabled or Disable Transaction Processing Mode (Account‑Level)

1. Sign in to the Merchant Interface.
2. Be on or switched into the New Merchant Interface (2.0)
3. Click Account from the navigation section on the left.
4. Click Account and API Settings.
5. Go to Transaction Processing Mode under Security Settings.
6. Use the toggle switch on the right to enable or disable.

If the system will not allow you to disable Test Mode, your account may still be completing merchant account setup or awaiting processor configuration.

Processing Mode Off (Test Mode) Can Also Be Set in Your Integration (API‑Level)

• Even if your account is set to Live Mode, your integration may still be sending transactions as test=true.
• This will cause:
  • Test Mode messages to appear in receipts
  • No transactions to appear in reports
  • Continued Test Mode behavior even when the Merchant Interface shows Live Mode
• Examples of integration‑level Test Mode settings include:
  • API calls containing testRequest=true
  • Developer‑side configuration toggles labeled Test Mode or Sandbox Mode
  • Shopping cart modules or plugins with their own environment switch
  • SDKs configured to test endpoints
• If you are seeing Test Mode activity while your Merchant Interface says Processing Mode On, check your code or contact your developer/integration provider to disable API‑level Test Mode.

Billing While Processing Mode Is On

• When processing mode is on, all received transactions will be processed normally and transaction fees will apply.

Sandbox Accounts (Recommended for Developer Testing)

• Instead of testing in your production account using Test Mode, you can create a Sandbox/Developer account, which:
  • Is always in a test environment
  • Is completely separate from your production account
  • Allows full testing of website, API, and payment integrations without risk
• Developers can sign up in the Authorize.net Developer Center under Getting Started.

Processing Mode Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Do I need to provide additional information before switching to Processing Mode On?
  • Possibly. If your merchant account setup is not complete, Processing Mode cannot be enabled.
• Why do I see “Unanticipated error occurred. Please try again later” when switching modes?
  • This usually means your merchant account or processor setup is incomplete. Once your merchant account is connected or your processor information is configured, the toggle will work.
• I applied for a Payment Gateway Only account—what must be done?
  • You must enter and configure processor information before the system will allow switching to Processing Mode On.