What you can test in the sandbox
Chat API's sandbox allows testing: text message sending, template sending with variables, simulated webhook message reception, interactive messages, file attachments, and error handling logic.
Webhooks are simulated by the sandbox: you can configure test events and verify your backend handles them correctly without waiting for real messages.
How to configure the development environment
Typical development environment setup: Chat API account with sandbox access, separate environment variables for staging and production, and different webhook endpoints for each environment.
For local webhook testing, use a tunneling tool like ngrok that exposes your local server on a public HTTPS URL.
Automated tests for WhatsApp integrations
Write automated tests using the sandbox to verify correct integration operation: message sending tests, webhook reception tests, error handling tests. Run these tests on every staging deploy before going to production.
Moving from sandbox to production
Before production go-live, run a verification checklist: all templates approved by Meta, production credentials correctly configured, production webhooks configured on HTTPS with valid certificates, monitoring and alerting active.
Do a gradual go-live: start sending messages to a small group of internal users or beta testers before opening to the entire customer base.
