---
title: Using the Address Tester
description: The Address Tester lets you test how Address Guard Pro will evaluate an address before customers see the result at checkout. Use the Tester to check provider validation, local address rules, checkout actions, customer messages, and matched rules. Table of…
url: "https://wpruby.com/knowledgebase/using-the-address-tester/"
updated: "2026-07-24"
category: WooCommerce Address Guard Pro
---

# Using the Address Tester

The Address Tester lets you test how Address Guard Pro will evaluate an address before customers see the result at checkout.

Use the Tester to check provider validation, local address rules, checkout actions, customer messages, and matched rules.

Table of Contents

 [Toggle](#)

- [Opening the Tester](#Opening_the_Tester)
- [Test Inputs](#Test_Inputs)
- [Address Type](#Address_Type)
- [Validation Provider](#Validation_Provider)
- [Running a Test](#Running_a_Test)
- [Understanding the Checkout Outcome](#Understanding_the_Checkout_Outcome)
  - [Allow](#Allow)
  - [Allow with Warning](#Allow_with_Warning)
  - [Block Checkout](#Block_Checkout)
  - [Mark for Review](#Mark_for_Review)
- [Understanding Validation Status](#Understanding_Validation_Status)
  - [Valid](#Valid)
  - [Corrected](#Corrected)
  - [Unverified](#Unverified)
  - [Invalid](#Invalid)
  - [Provider Error](#Provider_Error)
- [Customer Message](#Customer_Message)
- [Original Address](#Original_Address)
- [Matched Rules](#Matched_Rules)
- [Warnings and Errors](#Warnings_and_Errors)
- [Explanation Trail](#Explanation_Trail)
- [Recommended Testing Workflow](#Recommended_Testing_Workflow)
- [Example Tests](#Example_Tests)
  - [Missing House Number](#Missing_House_Number)
  - [Valid Address](#Valid_Address)
  - [PO Box](#PO_Box)
- [Tester vs Live Checkout](#Tester_vs_Live_Checkout)

## Opening the Tester

Go to:

**WooCommerce → Address Guard → Tester**

The Tester page includes two main areas:

- **Test inputs** — where you enter the address and checkout context.
- **Result panel** — where you see the validation result, checkout outcome, customer message, matched rules, and warnings.

## Test Inputs

Use the left side of the Tester to enter an address.

Common fields include:

- Address type
- Country
- State / region
- City
- Postcode / ZIP
- Address line 1
- Address line 2

You can also test rule context such as:

- Shipping method
- Payment method
- Validation provider
- Product categories
- Shipping classes

This helps you test rules that depend on checkout conditions.

## Address Type

Choose whether the test should evaluate:

- Shipping address
- Billing address

Most stores should focus first on shipping address validation.

## Validation Provider

You can use the configured validation provider or choose a specific provider for the test.

For example:

- Use configured provider
- Google Address Validation
- Loqate Address Verify

This is useful when comparing provider behavior.

## Running a Test

To run a test:

1. Go to **WooCommerce → Address Guard → Tester**.
2. Enter the address details.
3. Choose any relevant checkout context.
4. Click **Run evaluation**.
5. Review the result panel.

The Tester does not place an order. It only simulates how Address Guard Pro would handle the address.

## Understanding the Checkout Outcome

The result panel shows the checkout outcome.

Possible outcomes include:

### Allow

The address passed validation and no blocking rule matched.

### Allow with Warning

The address may have issues, but checkout would still be allowed.

### Block Checkout

The address failed validation or matched a blocking rule.

### Mark for Review

The order would be allowed, but the address should be reviewed by the store team before fulfillment.

## Understanding Validation Status

The Tester may show one of these validation statuses:

### Valid

The address appears valid.

### Corrected

The provider returned a standardized or corrected version of the address.

### Unverified

The provider could not fully confirm the address.

### Invalid

The address appears invalid or incomplete.

### Provider Error

The provider could not complete the validation request.

Provider errors may happen because of:

- Invalid API key
- Missing provider configuration
- Provider quota or billing issue
- Unsupported country
- Network error
- Invalid test address format

## Customer Message

The Tester shows the customer-facing message that would appear during checkout.

Use this to confirm your messages are clear before enabling strict checkout blocking.

## Original Address

This section shows the address entered into the Tester.

If the provider returns a normalized address, you may also see a corrected or standardized version depending on the result.

## Matched Rules

The Matched Rules section shows which Address Guard rules matched the test address.

If no rules matched, the Tester will show that no rules matched the address and context.

Matched rules help you understand why an address was warned, blocked, or marked for review.

## Warnings and Errors

This section shows provider errors, validation warnings, or rule-related issues.

Example:

```php
Google request failed: invalid request parameters.
```

If you see a provider error, check:

- Provider API key
- Enabled provider APIs
- Provider billing
- Country support
- Address fields
- Provider settings

## Explanation Trail

The Tester may include an explanation trail showing how the result was reached.

This can include steps such as:

- Test address received
- Local checks passed
- Provider validation unavailable
- No address rules matched
- Address allowed with warning

Use this section to understand the decision process.

## Recommended Testing Workflow

Before enabling strict blocking rules:

1. Test a clearly valid address.
2. Test an address missing a house number.
3. Test a PO box address.
4. Test a parcel locker address.
5. Test an invalid postcode/country combination.
6. Test an address in your main shipping country.
7. Test an address outside your main shipping country.
8. Test your checkout action in warn mode.
9. Switch to block mode only after confirming the results.

## Example Tests

### Missing House Number

Address line 1:

```php
Kölner Straße
```

Expected result:

- Missing house number rule matched
- Customer warning or block message shown

### Valid Address

Address line 1:

```php
Kölner Straße 200
```

City:

```php
Nürnberg
```

Postcode:

```php
90425
```

Country:

```php
Germany
```

Expected result:

- Address allowed
- No missing house number rule matched

### PO Box

Address line 1:

```php
PO Box 123
```

Expected result:

- PO box rule matched
- Warning or block depending on your rule action

## Tester vs Live Checkout

The Tester simulates Address Guard behavior, but live checkout may include additional context from WooCommerce, your theme, payment method, shipping method, customer location, or third-party checkout plugins.

After testing here, always run at least one real checkout test using:

- Checkout Blocks, if your store uses blocks
- Classic checkout, if your store uses the shortcode