Installing an AppExchange package in a Salesforce Sandbox is one of those essential tasks every Salesforce admin or developer must know. Whether you’re testing new apps, validating integrations, or experimenting with custom features, doing it safely in a sandbox is the smartest move. Think of it like a rehearsal before the real performance—you get to test everything without breaking anything important.

Before we jump into the step-by-step guide, let’s understand what AppExchange is and why the sandbox is your best friend during installation.

Salesforce sandboxes are isolated copies of your production environment. This lets you safely test, build, and deploy without affecting your live data.

Salesforce offers different sandbox types, including:

• Developer Sandbox – For basic testing and development

• Developer Pro Sandbox – For additional storage

• Partial Copy Sandbox – Copies sample data

• Full Sandbox – Full replica of production

Each sandbox type serves a unique purpose, but you can install AppExchange packages in all of them.

Installing packages in a sandbox helps you:

• Avoid impacting real customer data

• Test compatibility with your current configuration

• Understand how objects, fields, or automation will behave

Before installing an AppExchange package, ensure everything is set up properly.

You should know your sandbox login URL:

• Sandbox login: Login | Salesforce

To install a package, you need:

• System Administrator profile

• Or equivalent customized permissions

Without admin privileges, you won’t be able to authorize package access.

Not all packages support every Salesforce edition or org type. Make sure:

• The package supports your Salesforce Edition

• There are no dependency packages missing

Here’s the complete walkthrough, simplified and explained like a human—not a Salesforce robot.

Visit: Salesforce AppExchange | Leading Enterprise Cloud Marketplace
Search for the package you want.

Click the app or package to open its details page.

You’ll see a button—Get It Now or Get It.

Salesforce will ask where you want to install.
Select:

• Install in Sandbox

This ensures you’re testing safely.

A new window opens asking for login:

• Use your sandbox username (with .sandboxname suffix)

• Use your sandbox password

Example: john.doe@testsandbox.com.example

The package may need API or user access.
Click Allow to continue.

You’ll see these options:

• Install for Admins Only

• Install for All Users

• Install for Specific Profiles

For testing, “Admins Only” is usually safest.

Click Install.
The process may take a few seconds to several minutes.

Once complete:

• Go to Setup > Installed Packages

• Check that the package appears

• Open it to confirm components installed correctly

Boom—you’re done!

If the package includes:

• Permission sets

• Custom profiles

Assign them to users who will test the app.

Some packages need:

• Custom settings

• Setup wizards

• Field mappings

Complete these steps so the package works properly.

Follow the developer’s setup instructions; many apps provide a guided wizard.

Try:

• Workflows

• Automations

• Custom objects

• Integrations

Make sure everything behaves as expected.

If sandbox login fails:

• Confirm you’re logging in at test.salesforce.com

• Reset password inside sandbox

If the package says "Not Supported":

• Check if it requires Enterprise or Unlimited edition

• Ensure your sandbox API version isn’t too old

Ensure:

• You’re logged in as a System Administrator

• You have Modify Metadata access

Causes may include:

• Profile-level visibility restrictions

• Package installed into a different sandbox

Check field-level security or re-install.

Don’t mix testing with development sandboxes.

Keeps data accurate and environment close to production.

Store sandbox credentials somewhere secure.

Always maintain a list of:

• Package versions

• Installation dates

• Testing notes

This helps during deployment into production.

Installing an AppExchange package in a Salesforce Sandbox is a straightforward process, but knowing the steps ahead of time saves you from confusion and errors. A sandbox is the safest place to test new tools, validate customizations, and ensure compatibility before deploying to production. With the guide above, you can confidently install and test any package while maintaining full control over your Salesforce environment.

Yes, you can install both managed and unmanaged packages in any sandbox type.

Anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes depending on package size.

This usually means you’re logged into the wrong org. Make sure you’re in the sandbox.

You cannot roll back automatically, but you can uninstall the package from Setup.

Yes, once testing is complete, install the same package version in production manually.