Works in sandbox but not production
Verdict
When an API works in sandbox or test environments but fails in production, this discrepancy is rarely caused by client-side implementation errors.
If identical requests succeed under test credentials yet fail under live conditions, further client-side refactoring usually has low effectiveness.
The difference reflects production-specific constraints, not code correctness.
Why This Happens
Sandbox environments are designed to be permissive and predictable. Production environments are designed to be restrictive and protective.
Common differences include:
- Stricter rate limits or behavior-based controls
- Additional validation, fraud prevention, or policy checks
- Different dependency paths or regional routing
- Account-level rules applied only in live mode
These constraints are intentional and non-negotiable from the client side.
Where You Can Stop
Once sandbox–production parity is confirmed at the request level, you can reasonably stop:
- Rewriting payloads that already succeed in tests
- Assuming sandbox success guarantees production behavior
- Chasing edge-case differences in client logic
- Treating production failure as proof of broken integration
Further progress depends on production guarantees and policies, not client effort.
What This Page Is Not
This page does not:
- Explain sandbox limitations in detail
- Provide steps to align environments
- Diagnose production policy rules
Its purpose is to define where test validity ends and production reality begins.
Sandbox success validates syntax. Production success requires alignment with policy.