# Test mode

A test key works with its own events and tickets and emails only you. That lets you check the integration before sales start.

## How test differs from live {#differences}

- A `bt_test_…` key sees test events, orders, tickets and devices only. A live key doesn't see them, and the other way round.
- Emails for test orders go only to the organization's staff addresses and confirmed test addresses. Other addresses get no email, while the order and its tickets are issued as usual.
- A test ticket's page carries the banner "ТЕСТ · билет не настоящий" (TEST, not a real ticket).
- A door staff device works in one mode: a test device checks test events only, a live one checks live events only.
- Everything else is the same: the same endpoints, responses, errors and [limits](https://budu.events/en/docs/errors/#limits).

Test events don't carry over to live mode. Before launch, create the events again with a live key.

## Test recipients {#recipients}

You add the addresses that receive test emails in the dashboard: **настройки → тестовые адресаты → Добавить адрес** (Settings → Test recipients → Add address). The address gets an email with a link and becomes confirmed once someone opens it. The organization's staff addresses work without confirmation. The API can't change the recipient list.

## How to check your integration {#checklist}

1. Create a test key and an event, then publish it: [quickstart](https://budu.events/en/docs/).
2. Send an order to your own address from the test recipients. Check the email and the ticket page.
3. Repeat the same request with the same `Idempotency-Key`. You should get the same order and the `Idempotent-Replayed: true` header.
4. Check how your site handles `409 sold_out`: give a tier a small quota and buy more than that.
5. Cancel a ticket with [`POST /v1/tickets/{id}/cancel`](https://budu.events/en/docs/tickets/#cancel): the QR stops working at the door and the guest gets an email.
6. Pair a door staff phone in test mode and scan the QR at the door: [door staff](https://budu.events/en/docs/devices/).
7. Swap the key for a live `bt_live_…` key and create live events.