This task is one section of Odoo administration: seven setup tasks for admins, with 6 related tasks on one page.
1. Open the database manager
On a server you administer, open the database manager. This is not the same screen as a user’s login. It asks for the master password, which is the server credential described in the password guide.
2. Duplicate and rename
Choose the database and Duplicate. Give the copy a name that cannot be confused with the live database.
3. Stop outgoing mail
A duplicate is a neutralized database. Neutralization turns off outgoing email, payment providers, and other live actions, and shows a red banner. Confirm that banner before anyone tests. If you copied the database another way and there is no banner, disable outgoing mail on the copy first.
4. Do not publish the copy
Keep the copy off a public address, or restrict who can open it. A copy still contains customer data. Delete the copy when the test is finished.
5. Frequently asked questions
Is the master password my login?
No. It is the database-manager credential. Resetting a user password does not set it.
Will the copy affect the live database?
Not if you opened the copy. Check the database name in the URL before you change anything.
Should I test on the live database instead?
No, when the test can send mail, post invoices, or install an app.
6. Related articles and next steps
Odoo documents what a duplicate turns off in the Odoo 19 neutralized database page.
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