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> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.emnify.com/llms.txt.
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> Test SIM cards before production deployment without incurring charges using factory test mode, with automatic activation after defined data and SMS thresholds.

The factory test mode (FTM) feature allows you to test SIM cards before deploying to a production environment.
You can use SIMs in FTM up to defined data and SMS thresholds without incurring charges.

In this state, you won't be charged the monthly SIM hosting fees, and the data consumed won't affect the pooled allowance.

> **Note**
>
> By default, FTM is only available for customers with the **Plus Package** or **Pro Package**.
> If you're on a different package but interested in FTM, contact [emnify support](/support).

## Deploy devices from FTM

A popular use case for FTM is automating deployments.
You can store devices with the assigned SIMs in FTM free of charge.
Then, the SIM is automatically activated once your customers use the quotas.
There's no additional configuration required.

## Available networks

You can use FTM for networks in the assigned coverage policy.
Please be sure that the networks where you are planning to use this feature are part of an activated coverage area.

## Limits

The default thresholds for SIMs in FTM are 100 KB of data and 10 SMS (either in its totality or a combination of SMS MT or MO).
These limits can be customized per organization.
A test period in days can also be configured for your organization, after which the SIM moves to the **Activated** state even if neither threshold is crossed.
By default, there's no time limit.
To change the thresholds or add a test period, contact [emnify support](/support).
After any limit is reached, the SIM automatically moves to the **Activated** state and accrues charges.

> **Info**
>
> The tenth SMS executes the SIM activation.

SIMs in FTM are also activated in any of the following scenarios to ensure reliability and coverage:

* If the device's status is altered while the SIM is in **Factory test**.
* Cancelling or switching to a different package that doesn't support FTM.

## Activate FTM in the emnify Portal

You can enable FTM while registering SIMs or creating devices in the emnify Portal.

### Activate FTM while registering SIMs

Follow the steps to [register a new SIM or SIM batch](/quickstart/register-sims#register-sims-in-the-emnify-portal).

After your SIM is registered, select **Create device**.

In **Create a new device**, fill in your device details.
Under **Device status**, choose **Factory Test**.

Review, then click **Create device**.

[Configure the APN](/apn-configuration), then click **APN is set up**.

> **Check**
>
> Once created, your device should be ready to go online if configured with the correct APN, and data roaming is enabled.

> **Info**
>
> You can follow the same steps while registering a SIM batch.

### Activate FTM while creating devices

SuperAdmins, Administrators, and Users can create devices in FTM from the SIM inventory.

Navigate to [**SIM Inventory**](https://portal.emnify.com/sim-inventory).

Select the checkbox next to every SIM you want to create a device for.

> **Warning**
>
> Only SIMs with the **Issued** or **Factory Test** status can use this workflow.
> **Activated** or **Suspended** SIMs can't create devices in FTM.
> For more information about how the SIM status and device status interact, see [Device troubleshooting](/portal/troubleshooting#how-sim-status-and-device-status-interact).

A new menu at the top of the page provides bulk operations.
Select **Create devices**.

Name your device and assign a service policy and coverage policy.
Optionally, add tags, indicate the IP address, or [lock the IMEI](/services/security#imei-lock).

Under **Device status**, choose **Factory Test**.

Review, then click **Create device**.

> **Info**
>
> The button text may vary depending on the number of devices you're creating.

> **Success**
>
> Assuming no errors, you should have at least one new device in FTM.

![](/_fern-files/emnify.docs.buildwithfern.com/15e72cc48e5fc258fb162d292c6c4ff06abbd7eb2665ae73e2383e85bd20dc71/assets/gifs/emnify-portal/sim-inventory/create-devices-ftm.gif)

## Patch a SIM to Factory Test with the emnify REST API

For more information about patching SIM cards via the REST API, see [Factory test mode in the Developers documentation](/developers/connectivity/factory-test-mode).