# Unable to test payment flow in sandbox for square-hosted checkout page **URL:** \ **Category:** Questions\ **Tags:** payments-api, sandbox\ **Created:** [September 13, 2026, 12:58pm UTC](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/unable-to-test-payment-flow-in-sandbox-for-square-hosted-checkout-page/27682 "2026-09-13T12:58:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pratyush\_square](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e8c25b/32.png) [@pratyush\_square](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/u/pratyush_square)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2026, 12:58pm UTC](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/unable-to-test-payment-flow-in-sandbox-for-square-hosted-checkout-page/27682/1 "2026-09-13T12:58:49Z")
I am using square-hosted checkout pages by using payment links API and I can only see the preview of the payment page. It doesnot allow me to completely test the payment flow. I wanted to test the payment flow and payment webhooks in sandbox. Even the Test Payment button is disabled in sandbox. Can I not test the complete payment flow in sandbox and check the payment records in test account? ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/square/original/2X/4/4336b29de0e476ec8588449a540afa9d1b307f77.png) ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/square/original/2X/2/288d2e585afd283456372b62c3ce34b0e73fb749.png) ---
**Author:** ![jseok](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@jseok](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/u/jseok)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2026, 6:56pm UTC](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/unable-to-test-payment-flow-in-sandbox-for-square-hosted-checkout-page/27682/4 "2026-09-17T18:56:13Z")
It seems like your test payment in sandbox includes an application fee. As mentioned in our guidelines, Sandbox does not support payment links with `app_fee_money` enabled. If you need to continue testing in sandbox, please remove the `app_fee_money` in the test payment. You can also test your payments (with the `app_fee_money`) using a production account! ---
**Author:** ![pratyush\_square](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e8c25b/32.png) [@pratyush\_square](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/u/pratyush_square)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2026, 5:46am UTC](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/unable-to-test-payment-flow-in-sandbox-for-square-hosted-checkout-page/27682/6 "2026-09-18T05:46:09Z")
If I remove `app_fee_money` in test, will I be able to complete payment in sandbox and test the complete payment flow? Because the “Pay” button is also disabled on the preview page ---
**Author:** ![jseok](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@jseok](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/u/jseok)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2026, 7:02pm UTC](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/unable-to-test-payment-flow-in-sandbox-for-square-hosted-checkout-page/27682/7 "2026-09-18T19:02:00Z")
You can test the payment flow for the Checkout API in sandbox using the “Test Payment” button as outlined in the page: ```auto Select Test Payment to simulate a customer filling out the information requested on the checkout page and paying for their order. This is a one-time operation. ``` ---
**Author:** ![chzqueen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e99b99/32.png) [@chzqueen](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/u/chzqueen)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 12:03am UTC](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/unable-to-test-payment-flow-in-sandbox-for-square-hosted-checkout-page/27682/9 "2026-10-14T00:03:54Z")
Could Square confirm the current Sandbox support for Checkout API `CreatePaymentLink` with `checkout_options.redirect_url` (API version 2026-09-16)? Our hosted preview disables card fields/Pay. The Test Payment simulator returns a completed payment with `source_type: EXTERNAL`. The September 18 answer above recommends that simulator. The March 2023 [staff answer](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/checkout-api-in-sandbox-test/8789) said card entry and redirect testing were unavailable, while current [Checkout guidelines](https://developer.squareup.com/docs/checkout-api/guidelines-and-limitations) describe card-only Sandbox testing. Is there now a supported hosted Sandbox route for browser test-card entry, captured `CARD` payment, automatic customer return and matching order/payment readback? If yes, please provide exact supported steps. If any part remains unsupported, please identify the limits and recommended pre-launch acceptance procedure. We need hosted-checkout guidance; separate SDK/API test payments do not verify that journey. Instructions only; no transactions or account changes requested. ---
**Author:** ![jseok](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@jseok](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/u/jseok)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2026, 8:07pm UTC](https://developer.squareup.com/forums/t/unable-to-test-payment-flow-in-sandbox-for-square-hosted-checkout-page/27682/10 "2026-10-28T20:07:36Z")
@chzqueen In Sandbox, the Test Payment button simulates checkout completion. It doesn’t allow you to enter test-card details and complete a card payment through the hosted Sandbox page. Sandbox can simulate the creation of the payment, order updates, and any webhooks that would be triggered. To validate the complete hosted flow before launch, use production with a real card, then check the redirect, associated order and payment records, and webhook delivery. This creates a real charge, and normal processing fees apply.