Switch a tested payment gateway to live mode only after the merchant account, production domain and callback configuration are ready. Test credentials and successful sandbox orders do not prove that the provider has approved the live account or that real payments will settle correctly.
IN THIS ARTICLE
01 Complete the launch checklist
- Confirm the provider has enabled live processing for the business and supported currency.
- Verify production HTTPS, checkout pages and the chosen block or classic integration.
- Record the intended capture, refund and payout workflow.
- Confirm who monitors payment errors, disputes and settlement reports.
- Keep a recent backup and the previous gateway configuration available securely.
02 Activate production processing
- Open the gateway settings and follow the provider's documented live-mode connection process.
- Replace test credentials with the production account connection where required, without exposing secrets in screenshots.
- Configure the production webhook endpoint and signing secret, keeping test and live endpoints distinct.
- Save and confirm that the public checkout no longer advertises or uses test mode.
- Review available payment methods for a representative customer address and currency.
- Monitor the first authorised live transaction and its WooCommerce order through the provider's dashboard.
Should I copy live credentials onto staging?
No. Keep staging connected to a sandbox or otherwise isolated from live payment activity. A future staging restore or scheduled job should not be able to charge customers merely because production credentials were copied with the database.
Can a successful payment still be awaiting capture?
Yes, depending on the gateway's configuration. An authorisation reserves funds but may require a separate capture before its expiry. Confirm the provider's actual transaction state and your chosen workflow before treating an order as paid and ready for fulfilment.
03 Verify the whole order path
Check order notes, customer notifications, stock changes and accounting or fulfilment integration. If an error appears, inspect the provider before asking the customer to retry, because the first attempt may already have created a payment. Record the transaction reference and use the supported reconciliation process. Do not repeatedly toggle live and test mode on an active checkout while customers are using it.