> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.alternativepayments.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.alternativepayments.io/getting-started/5-best-practices-to-set-up-your-account/setup-mode.md).

# Setup Mode

Setup Mode is a safe testing environment where partners can explore platform features without processing real transactions. Partners start in Setup Mode by default after onboarding and can configure settings, create test invoices, and review customer flows with no financial impact. This article explains how it works and what to expect before going live.

***

## How Setup Mode works

**1. Onboarding complete**

Once onboarding is finished, Setup Mode is activated by default.

<figure><img src="/files/ia6QqCiiUEKsSzcXklK0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**2. Safe testing environment**

Partners can try out key features without affecting real data.\
Available features in Setup Mode include:

* [Creating and Managing Invoices](https://help.alternativepayments.io/payments-and-invoicing/managing-invoices)
* [Configuring Autopay](https://help.alternativepayments.io/automations/setting-up-auto-pay)
* [Configuring Email Notifications & Reminders](https://help.alternativepayments.io/automations/email-notifications-and-reminders)

  <div data-gb-custom-block data-tag="hint" data-style="info" class="hint hint-info"><p><strong>Note:</strong> Some features are only available in Live Mode and will not appear in your dashboard while in Setup Mode. These include Collections, payment processing, and payout reports.</p></div>

  **3. Account review**

While you're in Setup Mode, your account will go through a standard review before going live. Once it's completed, you'll see the option to switch to Live Mode from your Partner Dashboard

<figure><img src="/files/QFrgOZNDxsRSOtxUiugd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**4. Ready to go live**

Once your account is verified, the **Go Live** toggle will appear in your dashboard. Switching to Live Mode is a one-time action - once confirmed, Setup Mode is permanently disabled.

Before going live, make sure the following prerequisites are in place:

* **Integration connected** - Connect your PSA or accounting software
* **Branding configured** - Upload your logo and set your brand color
* **Autopay rules set** - Configure any Autopay rules you want active from day one
* **Email notifications reviewed** - Confirm your notification schedules
* **Team permissions verified** - Make sure your team members have the correct roles

A confirmation message will appear to review everything before the switch takes effect.

<figure><img src="/files/tVGsMGvKhZvA9DJ6R3YG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**5. Live Mode activated**

Once you confirm the switch, your account goes live right away. All invoices, payments, and notifications will be live.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Warning**: Setup Mode can’t be re-enabled, so be sure everything’s set up the way you want before going live.
{% endhint %}

***

## Payout Behavior in Setup Mode

If your account is moved back into Setup Mode after previously being in Live Mode, any pending payouts will be automatically placed on hold. Held payouts do not appear in your **In Transit** or **Deposited** payout tabs while they are under review.

**What happens to a held payout:**

1. **Automatic hold** — The payout is paused as soon as the account re-enters Setup Mode. No action is required from you to trigger this.
2. **Manual approval** — An Alternative Payments team member reviews and approves the held payout. This step is handled internally and cannot be self-served from the Partner Dashboard.
3. **Funds released the next business day** — Once approved, you can expect the funds to arrive the following business day, not on the originally scheduled payout date.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** If you notice a payout is missing or delayed, check whether your account is currently in Setup Mode. If it is, reach out to our support team to confirm the status of your payout and request approval.
{% endhint %}

**Love our platform?** Rate us on [Channel Program](https://channelprogram.com/v/alternativepayments) and check out our [Referral Program page](https://www.alternativepayments.io/referral-partners/)!


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.alternativepayments.io/getting-started/5-best-practices-to-set-up-your-account/setup-mode.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.