Error placing order with Authorize.net Sandbox account (An error occurred on the server)
This article provides a fix for “An error occurred on the server” error message when placing an order using Authorize.Net Direct Post.
Issue
Placing an order using Authorize.Net Direct Post Sandbox account causes an error message:
“An error occurred on the server. Please try to place order again”
Cause 1: Testing Mode is enabled
It does not seem obvious, but the Authorize.net’s Testing Mode setting must be set to No even when testing with the Sandbox account.
Solution 1: disable Testing Mode
- Go to Stores > Configuration > Sales > Payment Methods > Other Payment Methods > Authorize.net Direct Post.
- Set Test Mode to “No” (uncheck Use system value, then select “No” in the menu).
- Click Save Config.
Cause 2: Incorrect URL’s
The Authorize.net settings might contain incorrect URL addresses for the critical Authorize.Net resources.
Solution 2: Provide correct URL’s
- Gateway URL:
https://test.authorize.net/gateway/transact.dll - Transaction Details URL:
https://apitest.authorize.net/xml/v1/request.api - API Reference:
https://developer.authorize.net/api/reference/
If nothing helped: get debug info
If placing an order with Authorize.net fails with a non-informative “Something went wrong” error, check the Adobe Commerce debug.log.
Transact.dll
In case the debug.log is empty, check the transact.dll response in your web browser’s console:
- Open the console.
- Before placing an order, go to the Network tab and select Preserve log.
- Filter responses by transact.dll to see a response message with a possible error.
