Sandbox Account Access Preferences in NetSuite 2026.1

Starting in NetSuite 2026.1, there is a new preference available on the Sandbox Accounts page that allows administrators to control who has access to a sandbox account following a refresh. This feature is essential for maintaining security and managing user access effectively during development and testing phases.

Understanding Sandbox Access Preferences

In the updated version, administrators can choose between two options for access after a sandbox refresh:

• Administrators Only: Selecting this option copies only the administrator role to the sandbox environment.
• All Users: This option allows all users from the production account, with their relevant roles, to access the sandbox following the refresh.

How Sandbox Access Works

When the "Administrators Only" option is selected, only the administrator role is duplicated in the sandbox. Users with multiple roles will find that only their admin role is represented in the sandbox environment. This can help safeguard sensitive information and maintain integrity during testing.

Granting Access to Individual Users

After the sandbox refresh is completed, administrators retain the ability to customize access for individual users. Here’s how to manage access:

1. Navigate to Lists > Employees > Employees in the sandbox account.
2. Click Edit next to the employee's name.
3. In the Access subtab, uncheck the Give Access checkbox to revoke access.
4. Save the record and then edit it again.
5. Check the Give Access box and reassign the appropriate roles.
6. Save the changes, and instruct the user to log out and back in to see the updates.

Granting Access to Multiple Users

For bulk access management, administrators can leverage the CSV Import Assistant. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Create a search for Employee in the sandbox with the fields Internal ID and Give Access.
2. Export the search results to a CSV file.
3. Add the ID of non-administrator employees whom you wish to grant access.
4. Navigate to Setup > Import/Export > Import CSV Records.
5. Select your file, and set the Import Type to Employees and the Data Handling to Update.
6. Map the necessary fields and run the import.

Important Considerations

• Customer and Partner Roles: It's critical to note that roles for Customer Center and Partner Center are permanently restricted from accessing sandbox accounts, regardless of preferences set.
• Upgrade Timing: During the release upgrade period, avoid requesting a sandbox refresh close to your scheduled upgrade date to prevent interruptions.

Who This Affects

This update primarily impacts the following roles:

• Administrators: Who manage sandbox environments and user access.
• Developers: Who test and develop features in sandbox accounts.

Key Takeaways

• The NetSuite 2026.1 update introduces a preference for sandbox account access controls after refreshes.
• Administrators can decide if only admin roles or all user roles have access post-refresh.
• Access can be granted to individual users or in bulk using the CSV Import Assistant, enhancing flexibility and efficiency.
• Customer Center and Partner Center roles are excluded from sandbox access.
• Always schedule sandbox refreshes outside of upgrade timelines to avoid issues.