> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.taqnyat.sa/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.taqnyat.sa/home/whatsapp-business-api-documentation/getting-started/sandbox-account-guide.md).

# Sandbox Account Guide

The **Sandbox Account** is a testing environment that allows you to try the WhatsApp Business API service before using an official production account.

Through the Sandbox, you can manually add test phone numbers and use them to test message sending through the Taqnyat platform.

### Accessing the Sandbox

To open the Sandbox page:

1. Log in to the Taqnyat portal.
2. Open **Manage WhatsApp** from the left-side menu.
3. Select **Sandbox**.

<figure><img src="https://3050791815-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FD2urfddWDE0zCjdp2Ai8%2Fuploads%2FP2jWbtluBepcbp7qOy1S%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=08196240-060f-4f1c-bb2a-f21ec162c0d7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Adding a Test Number

A phone number must be added to the Sandbox before it can receive test messages.

#### Step 1: Add the number

From the Sandbox page:

1. Click the **Add** button.
2. Enter the phone number, including the country code.
3. Click the confirmation icon to continue.
4. Click the cancel icon to discard the entry.

For example, a Saudi number should be entered in a format similar to:

```
966XXXXXXXXX
```

The previous guide instructs users to enter the full phone number with its country code and then confirm or cancel the entry.

<figure><img src="https://3050791815-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FD2urfddWDE0zCjdp2Ai8%2Fuploads%2FJ5NuRzb41VbaYtWytR4y%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=066d9afe-54e9-4485-a168-0c1fb3b01f51" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Verifying the Number

After the number is submitted, the system sends a four-digit verification code to the phone number entered.

To complete the process:

1. Check the phone for the verification code.
2. Enter the four-digit code in the verification window.
3. Click **OK** to confirm.
4. The number will then be added to the Sandbox account.

The number cannot be used for testing until the verification process is completed.

### Phone Number Format

Always enter the number using its full international format.

For a Saudi mobile number:

```
Local format: 05XXXXXXXX  Sandbox format: 9665XXXXXXXX
```

Do not include:

* A plus sign.
* Spaces.
* Hyphens.
* Brackets.
* The local leading zero.

### Sandbox Account Limitations

The Sandbox is intended only for testing.

Keep the following limitations in mind:

* Messages can only be sent to numbers previously added to the Sandbox.
* Each test number must be verified.
* Numbers are added manually.
* Adding a test number does not activate it as an official WhatsApp Business API number.
* The Sandbox should not be used for production campaigns.
* Test messages should not contain confidential customer information.

The previous user guide specifically notes that only phone numbers added to the Sandbox can be used for testing message sending.

### Managing Test Numbers

The Sandbox page displays the numbers currently added to the testing account.

Depending on the available controls, you may be able to:

* Add a new number.
* Select an existing number.
* Delete a number.
* Refresh the list.
* Change the number of results displayed on the page.

Only remove a test number when it is no longer required.

### Recommended Sandbox Test

After adding and verifying a test number:

1. Go to **Message Templates**.
2. Create a simple template.
3. Wait until its status becomes **Approved**.
4. Open **Quick Send**.
5. Select the approved template.
6. Enter or select the verified Sandbox number.
7. Send the message.
8. Confirm that the message is received.
9. Review its status in the relevant campaign or message page.

> You will learn how to create templates and send messages in the **Templates and Messaging** and **Campaigns and Sending** sections.

### Troubleshooting

#### The verification code was not received

Check that:

* The country code is correct.
* The phone number is active.
* The number was entered correctly.
* The phone is available to receive the code.
* You are checking the correct device.

#### The verification code is invalid

* Enter the most recently received code.
* Confirm that the code contains four digits.
* Make sure no spaces were added.
* Request another code if the previous one has expired.

#### The number is already listed

Review the Sandbox table to confirm whether it was added previously.

#### The verified number did not receive the message

Check that:

* The recipient number matches the verified Sandbox number.
* The selected template is approved.
* All required variables were completed.
* The message appears under **Live Campaigns**, **Sent Campaigns**, or **Failed Campaigns**.
* The Sandbox service is active.