Simulate Mode allows users to test scheduling outbound messages without sending the message to the end recipient. Switch to Live Mode if you want messages to be delivered to the end recipient.

What is the Send Mode?

Simulate Mode allows users to test scheduling outbound messages without sending the message to the end recipient. Message delivery statuses are random and simulated. Otherwise, all other aspects of messaging (creation, scheduling, templating, duplicate checks) behave as if in Live Mode.

Switch to Live Mode if you want messages to be delivered to the end recipient. Messages are sent from your configured Agency Phones and Agency Emails.

How to Identify the Current Send Mode

1. Go to the Dashboard.
2. (optional) Switch to the desired agency using the agency switcher in the top left.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page. The Send Mode is shown above the current agency name.

To check if a sent message is used to simulate Mode, click on any sent outbound message. You should see a SIMULATED label with the following alert: "This message was simulated and not sent to the intended recipient."

To search for simulated messages, click the Messages tab, then click Simulate Mode in Search Messages.

Note: All delivery statuses are fake in simulation Mode. You will see a random group based on the given channel (such as ANSWERED for voice calls and BOUNCED for emails).

Prerequisites

Before switching the send mode, ensure you have Super Admin access or the Update Settings permission within the agency. 

The Staging Region is Always in Simulate Mode

If you are in the staging region - staging.ecourtdate.com - all outbound messages are sent in Simulate Mode regardless of any configuration setting below. Staging tests messaging and trains users safely without sending live messages. 

Inbound messages (using your Agency Phone and Agency Emails) can be tested in the staging region. Any auto-replies will be automatically simulated.

How to Switch the Send Mode on the Settings Page

1. From the Dashboard, click Admin > Settings.
2. Choose your desired Send Mode setting and click Save.
3. The agency will be immediately switched to Live Mode.

Any future scheduled messages will be sent in Live Mode unless the message was initially specified in Simulate Mode.

How to Switch from Simulate Mode to Live Mode

1. From the Dashboard, scroll to the bottom of the page (or any other page within the system).
2. Click Simulate Mode above the current agency name.
3. Click Switch to Live Mode. 
4. The agency will be immediately switched to Live Mode.

Any future scheduled messages will be sent in Live Mode unless the message was initially specified in Simulate Mode.

How to Switch from Live Mode to Simulate Mode

1. From the Dashboard, scroll to the bottom of the page (or any other page within the system).
2. Click Live Mode above the current agency name.
3. Click Switch to Simulate Mode. 
4. The agency will be immediately switched to Simulate Mode.

Any future scheduled messages will be sent in Simulate Mode regardless of the message's original settings.

How to Turn Simulate Mode On or Off in Flows

Meanwhile, in Live Mode, individual flows can be configured permanently to use Simulate Mode or the agency-level Send Mode. This allows you to test new Flows without affecting all of the agency's messaging.

1. From the Dashboard, click Admin > Messages.
2. Click the Flows tab.
3. (optional) In Search Flows, click Simulate Mode to search for results with Simulate Mode enabled.
4. Click edit on any desired Flow.
5. In Flow Settings: toggle the Simulate Mode as needed.
6. (optional) To apply the change to messages scheduled by the Flow but not sent yet, click Tools > Sync Messages.

How to Turn Simulate Mode On or Off in Auto Messages

While in Live Mode, individual Auto Messages can be configured permanently to use Simulate Mode or to use the agency-level Send Mode. This allows you to test new Auto Messages without affecting all of the agency's messaging.

1. From the Dashboard, click Admin > Messages.
2. Click the Auto Messages tab.
3. (optional) In Search Auto Messages, click Simulate Mode to search for results with Simulate Mode enabled.
4. Click edit on any desired Auto Message.
5. In Auto Message Settings, toggle Simulate Mode as needed.

How to Switch Send Mode on a One-off Message

Follow these steps to turn Simulate Mode on or off for a specific message.

1. From the Dashboard, click the Messages tab.
2. (optional) In Search Messages, click Simulate Mode to search for messages with Simulate Mode enabled.
3. Click edit on any desired outbound and scheduled message.
4. In Edit Message: toggle Simulate Mode as needed.