The website, COVIDTests.gov, includes a link for Americans to order up to four tests per residential address, to be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.
Although it is a major part of President Joe Biden's pandemic reaction, it means families of four or more, or people in need of urgent results will have to look for other sources of tests.
And the packs will not begin shipping until late in the month.
On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced the site was working at limited capacity throughout her regular briefing.
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"It will officially launch tomorrow morning," she explained.
"It's in the beta testing phase right now."
Traffic to the site flooded as news of the soft launch spread, hitting as many 750,000 users and representing over half of all traffic to administration websites at one point.
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Though with COVID-19 cases falling at the beginning of this week, the launch is likely to draw criticism that it is too little, too late.
Biden declared last month that his administration would purchase 500 million tests to kickstart the scheme.
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On Thursday, he stated he doubled the order to one billion tests.
Americans who need urgent results will have to pursue other options because of shipping times.
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"Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests," the website states.
"The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days."
"Order your tests now so you have them when you need them."
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Social media quickly filled up with people welcoming the move and passing on the link to the new website.
Though at the same time, dozens more asked what families of more than four should do.
Anyone clicking on a button to order tests is directed to the United States Postal Service and can check out with a pack of four tests at zero cost.
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"COVID-19 tests will start shipping in late January," it states after orders are placed.
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Psaki announced the beta testing was designed to provide users with the best service but admitted that teething troubles were possible.
"We didn't start from scratch here, of course," she declared.
"The Postal Service already runs a website that sells goods to the public. As you know, every website launches and our view comes with risk."
"We can't guarantee there won't be a bug or two. But the best tech teams across the Administration and the Postal Service are working hard to make this a success."
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