In this article, you will learn how to preview automations in Manychat. This feature allows you to test your automation before publishing it, ensuring a smooth experience for your customers.
To test your automation at any time, simply press the Preview button in the automation canvas. From the dropdown menu in the button, select one of the two available preview modes:
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In Manychat – Test the automation within the Manychat interface using the smartphone widget.
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In messengers – Test the automation directly in the native chat app (Messenger, Instagram, etc.).
"In Manychat" preview mode
This mode launches the smartphone widget inside the Flow Builder. It allows for quick testing without logging into a chat app. Since the Flow Builder and chat thread are displayed side by side, it’s easy to:
- Spot and correct typos in real time.
- Quickly adjust message order, text, and visuals.
- Iterate on your automation structure efficiently.
"In Manychat” mode limitations
Because this mode does not require logging into a chat app, some features are unavailable:
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Contact & third-party data exchange – This mode does not render, update, or export contact data. For example, when your automation reaches a Tag condition, you will be prompted to choose the next step manually. Similarly, when previewing Dynamic blocks, Google Sheets, or Zapier actions, no data will be imported or exported.
- Displayed Elements & Special Steps – The main elements appear as they would in chat, including Text, Buttons, Quick Replies, Images, Delay, Card or Gallery, Audio, Video, and Instagram DM List. However, Randomizer and Condition steps are only visible to you. Since "In Manychat" mode does not use real contact data, conditions cannot be evaluated automatically. Instead, you must manually choose a path that would otherwise be determined dynamically.
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Other automations – You can only preview the automation currently open in the Flow Builder. Automations triggered by Keywords, Default Replies, or Start Automation steps will not be previewed.
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Non-content elements – Actions, Smart Delay or Start Automation will not be displayed since they are not visible to the user in chat apps ((those will not be executed as well).
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Data collection validation – Input validation is not enforced. For example, invalid phone numbers will not trigger error messages, and image uploads are not supported. Additionally, "If contact has not responded" behaviors and Multiple Choice options in the Data Collection block cannot be previewed.
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Emails & SMS – This mode does not support testing email or SMS automations.
Smartphone widget controls
Restart - You can restart the preview anytime by using the Refresh button. This button acts the same as the main preview button, running the whole automation from the start.
Auto-restart prompt – If you modify the automation while previewing, you will see a suggestion to restart the preview to reflect the latest changes.
Close - You can close the smartphone widget at any time. However, please note that chat history will not be saved. When you reopen it, the preview will restart from the first step.
"In messengers" preview mode
This mode sends the automation directly to the chat app where it will be used (Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.).
⚠️ To use this mode, you must be logged into the respective chat app.
Previewing SMS/Email automation
If testing an SMS or Email automation, press the preview button and fill in the required fields (phone number/email).
If you need to update your contact information later, you can do so by navigating to the Contacts tab and editing your profile card.
⚠️ Important: SMS and email previews incur the same charges as messages sent to subscribed contacts.
Tips
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Use “In Manychat” mode during early development to refine text, visuals, and structure.
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Switch to “In Messengers” mode for final testing to ensure integrations, user interactions, and data collection work as expected.
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If your automation includes complex actions like Google Sheets, Zapier, or API requests, always test using “In Messengers” mode before publishing.