> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://shipmagic-docs.speedysquirrelhq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Test mode vs live mode

> What each mode does, and how to tell which one you're in

ShipMagic runs in one of two modes, controlled from **Settings → App Modes**. Understanding which you're in explains most "it works for me but not for customers" confusion — and its reverse.

## The two modes

| | Test mode | Live mode |
| - | - | - |
| **Toggle** | Off | On |
| **Who sees ShipMagic rates** | Only checkouts with first name `shipmagic` | Every customer |
| **Everyone else sees** | Your normal Shopify rates | ShipMagic rates |
| **Requires a paid plan** | No | Yes |

## Independent toggles

<Warning>
  **Shipping Rates, Shipping Customizations, and Shipping Discounts have separate toggles.** One can be live while another is still in test mode.
</Warning>

Check all three before assuming you're fully live.

## Testing in test mode

With the toggle off, enter **`shipmagic`** as the **first name** in the checkout address. ShipMagic then returns rates for that session only.

Anyone else checking out is unaffected and sees your existing Shopify rates — which is the point: you can build and test against a live store without risk.

<Tip>
  The name goes in the **first name** field of the shipping address, not the last name and not the account name.
</Tip>

## Going live

Live mode needs a paid plan. See [Billing](/core-concepts/billing) for which plan covers what — Starter for customizations and discounts, Pro for rates.

Once the toggle is on:

* Every customer gets ShipMagic rates
* The `shipmagic` first-name requirement no longer applies
* Your rules run in real time on real orders

Full checklist in [Going Live](/core-concepts/going-live).

## Which mode am I in?

**Settings → App Modes** is the direct answer. Two practical symptoms:

* **Rates appear for you but not for customers** — you're in test mode and using the test name without realising.
* **Rates appear for everyone unexpectedly** — you're live. Turn the toggle off to pull back.

<Note>
  Rules take effect immediately in both modes. Editing a rule while live changes what customers see straight away — there's no separate publish step.
</Note>

## Common mistakes

**Testing with the same address twice.** Shopify caches rates per address, so the second test shows the first result. Use a fresh address each time.

**Forgetting to turn on toggles.** See the warning above.

**Assuming test mode blocks orders.** It doesn't. Real customers continue checking out normally on your existing Shopify rates.

## Related

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Testing the app" icon="square-terminal" href="/core-concepts/testing-the-app">
    A full testing walkthrough.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Going live" icon="toggle-large-on" href="/core-concepts/going-live">
    The pre-launch checklist.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Billing" icon="money-bill-1" href="/core-concepts/billing">
    Which plan live mode requires.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Old rates showing" icon="clock-rotate-left" href="/made-changes-in-the-rule-but-still-seeing-the-old-rates">
    Address caching during testing.
  </Card>
</Columns>


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