The Full Guide On How To Test Mobile Apps You’ll Want To Save

How Mobile App Type Impacts Testing

Before discussing how to test an app in a meaningful way, we need some context. It’ll help you better understand why we recommend what we recommend. It’ll help you grasp the technical side of Mobile Application Testing Services. And it’ll help you gradually digest all the data.

So, first, mobile app testing types. Native, hybrid, and progressive applications have their differences. Thus, your testing needs to adapt to them. Because that’s how you get the best results.

Native Apps

Native apps are those developed in platform-specific languages (Java/Kotlin for Android, Swift/Objective-C for iOS). This is done for optimal performance and access to native device features (camera, GPS, etc.). Naturally, your testing here would focus on:

• Device compatibility.
• Hardware integration.
• Performance across various OS versions and devices.

You’ll also have to run separate testing for each platform due to distinct codebases and UI elements. Plus, you should remember that if you’re working on a native app, you should deliver precisely what users expect from an Android or iOS product.

In an Android app, people value:

• Flexibility.
• Customization.
• Ecosystem openness.

And for iOS apps, it’s:

• Simplicity and ease of use.
• Security and stability.
• Attention to quality.

These user preferences point to what areas of testing you ought to pay attention to.

Testing Native and Hybrid Mobile Apps – What’s the Difference?

Hybrid Apps

Hybrid apps use web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), wrapping them in a native container. Such a mix of seemingly contrary elements lets them run on multiple platforms with a single codebase.

Briefly, developers can write code once and apply it for different environments. That’s what makes them an easy choice for dev teams. But it also means that such products tend to perform slower, as they are not designed for a precise platform. Thus, they can’t fully harness a device’s powers.

Naturally, a hybrid app would need:

• Testing of the web layer (for functionality, responsiveness).
• The native container (for device compatibility and interaction with native features).
• An emphasis on performance tests, battery life, and UX across environments.

Also, as a hybrid project is essentially a combination of different platforms, it inherits a combination of their cons, too. So, first and foremost, you should prioritize fine security measures. It’ll protect your users, reputation, and revenue.

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

Native and hybrid app testing is rather straightforward. But progressive web apps come with a twist.

PWAs are, well, web applications. But they offer mobile-app-like features. Consider Pinterest. You can access it from your browser. Interact with saved content offline. Add the program’s icon to your home screen, etc. In other words, you can use all of Pinterest’s features without actually downloading the app itself.

How to perform mobile app testing on a PWA? It’s simple. You test like a web application, relying on browser developer tools and frameworks. But, of course, you need to consider how everything will run on a mobile device.

So, you need to validate:

• Service worker functionality (caching data, background sync, push notifications, etc).
• Manifest file (defines app icons, splash screens, etc.).

You should also center your software testing services on PWA aspects that boost your business:

• Refined SEO (providing user-friendly content quickly).
• Better user engagement (having a simple installation process, offering rich features, including offline functionality, and being light-weight).
• Expanded reach (being cross-platform and providing inclusive UX).

In other words, progressive web apps are known for the above benefits. And to secure them for your business, you ought to make sure your application supports them with its functionality.

How to Test Android/iOS Apps

When you’re considering how to test a mobile app, you should also think of its OS. As the eternal rivals, Android and iOS, come with some testing eccentricities.

Device Compatibility

Android is open-source in nature. It also has a much larger device fragmentation. This means you’ll need to test on a variety of devices with different screen sizes, resolutions, OS versions, and hardware specifications.

Apple’s closed ecosystem offers a more controlled environment. There’s a limited number of devices and stricter hardware and software variations. Thus, your testing can be more focused.

Native Feature Integration

Android’s openness might lead to slight variations in how native features are implemented on different devices. So, you ought to secure proper behavior across various manufacturers.

Apple has stricter control over hardware and software. And it often leads to more consistent implementation of native features across iOS devices.

App Stores & Distribution

Google Play Store has a less stringent review process. On the one hand, you can add your product to the store easier. On the other hand, you’ll have tougher competition. So, you still ought to conduct fine testing to stand out.

The App Store has a more rigorous review process. Hence, higher app quality standards. For you, this translates to possibly longer development cycles and adjustments to the App Store’s requirements.

Testing Tools

A wider range of testing tools and frameworks are available for Android (lots of open-source options, too).

Apple prefers you to rely on its tools. The most common variants are Xcode and XCTest.

Security Considerations

Android can be more susceptible to security vulnerabilities. So, robust security testing is beyond important.

iOS apps typically boast of a more secure environment. But this can also lead to lax protection measures from some developers. Remember to never underestimate hackers. And adequately shield your project.

Overall, Android apps call for a more comprehensive testing strategy. But they also dominate the market. iOS applications always come second. Yet, also offer more reliability in terms of development and QA resources.

20+ Mobile App Testing Types, Approaches, and Strategies

Why Perform Mobile App Testing at All?

The answer to that question is simple. You test a product to see if it’s as good as you want it to be. And to make it better.

Mobile App Without Critical Bugs in the Stores

Testing helps uncover issues in your app. For example, if a user comes across a bug or a crash, that’s quite a problem for your project. But if a QA engineer uncovers them, now that’s an opportunity. Testing teams scan your app from all possible angles. The goal? To find potential troublemakers and fix them.

Especially if you lean into early testing, your crew will promptly locate defects, potential weak areas, and improvement vectors. In turn, this makes your product as refined and stable as possible as soon as possible. Further development will go smoother. And you can focus on advancing your app rather than correcting it.

Enhancing App Performance & Speed

You’ve most likely come across many posts akin to “how to do performance testing for mobile applications.” The reason for this topic being so widespread is the nature of mobile devices. Every smartphone user expects lightning-fast speeds. And if a page or service takes more than two to three seconds to load, half of visitors abandon it.

So, if your app can’t load fast enough, people won’t even get the chance to see what you offer. That’s why performance testing is so important. It gives your service the power of a positive first impression. And a continued reliable response.

These aspects directly impact UX. They drive you to optimize your app for different devices and network conditions. Thus allowing more people to enjoy your project.

Boosting App Store Ratings & Reviews

Do you have a favorite dish? Do you get excited when someone asks you about it? It’s the same with mobile apps. If someone really likes your product, they’ll let the world know. And how do you make a person like your app? You make sure it’s just as great as you envisioned. With mobile QA.

It allows you to test mobile apps comprehensively. From minor bugs, like animation delays, to critical issues, like out-of-nowhere crashes – mobile app testing covers it all. It safeguards your project from negative reviews and encourages positive ones. Overall, it’s very fair. First, you work for quality. Then, it works for you.

Reducing Development & Post-Release Maintenance Costs

Investing in mobile app testing might seem like an upfront cost. But it actually saves your money throughout the SDLC. Testing uncovers bugs before they reach app stores or users. Fixing these issues early in development is significantly cheaper than patching them up after release. Let’s consider a scenario:

1. You’re sure your project is ready to please the masses.
2. Everything is ready for your grand launch.
3. Suddenly, you uncover a bug that disrupts core functionalities.
4. You need to go ten steps back, locate the cause, mend related features, retest the work done, etc.

Such a case undermines your image, strains your team, messes with your plans… And it just feels bad. So, to avoid all this chaos and pain, make sure you test an app properly and in a timely manner. As it will also reduce the need for post-release maintenance to address bugs reported by users.

Enhancing User Satisfaction & Retention

A well-tested app provides a reliable and enjoyable user experience. This triggers a natural response in people: “I like this thing. I must have more of it.” In other words, good quality encourages new users to join and come back. Also, repeat customers tend to spend 67% more. So, you definitely want to do everything to “glue” consumers to your app.

Preventing Legal & Security Issues

Cyber threats are still the number one concern for businesses. Plus, users become more and more sensitive about their data. So, when we say cyber security is business security, we mean it. You don’t need to search hard to find out that companies keep getting hacked. User data keeps getting stolen. And many organizations’ reputation takes a hard blow after such incidents.

When you do security testing for mobile applications, you protect yourself from blackhats. You also:

• Improve brand posture.
• Advance user trust.
• Save on legal expenses.

As testing also ensures compliance with app store guidelines. Thus, you avoid legal issues and potential app removals.

Enabling Easier Scalability & Growth

A well-tested codebase aids future development and integration of new features. Briefly, it identifies and resolves:

• Performance bottlenecks.
• Compatibility issues.
• Any bugs you can think of.

And, logically, the more stable your app is now, the less you’ll have to work on it later. This proactive approach builds a strong foundation for scaling the app to accommodate a growing user base.

Also, you could choose to do automation testing for mobile applications. It’ll speed up your processes even further.

Improving Competitive Advantage

We’ve talked about this before. Today, a “fancy-schmancy” feature or an original UI is an attention grabber. Not something that entices people to stick with a product. Quality, on the other hand, can truly set you apart. Just imagine how users feel when wherever they go on your app, they’re met with swift responses, top-notch functions, clean interfaces, etc.

They’ll feel like you’ve made something specifically for them. They’ll treat your product like something special. Like something of their own. And QA engineers, especially manual QA specialists, let you focus on the users. They can run impeccable exploratory, usability, and accessibility testing. And they’ll make sure that your project succeeds through remarkable consumer experiences.

Mobile App Testing Challenges

When we think about how to test an app, we also need to consider the intrinsic peculiarities of mobile devices. By that we mean that your testing should center on their distinctive features. As without those, a mobile application won’t be a mobile application as such.

And at the same time, these “special traits” are what make mobile QA so complex.

Device Fragmentation

• There’s an impossible to count number of unique device models. And each one of them has varying screen sizes, resolutions, operating systems (OS), and hardware specifications.
• QA engineers need to employ specific strategies to cover a broad range of configurations. They may have to use device emulators or cloud-based testing to properly check every combination of mobile setups.

OS Fragmentation

• Even within a single OS, multiple versions of it exist. Plus, every option comes with different functionalities and behaviors.
• To ensure your app’s widespread compatibility, you may require additional testing cycles. And your team might have to maintain multiple codebases to address compatibility issues.

Network Variability

• Mobile apps’ reliance on internet connectivity means extra attention to network conditions (weak Wi-Fi, cellular data with varying speeds, airplane mode, etc.).
• So, QA specialists also ought to simulate less-than-ideal scenarios, which is extra work. Yet, it’s much needed. As testing helps ensure your app handles slow connections gracefully and doesn’t crash due to network issues.

Diverse Hardware Capabilities

• Devices come equipped with varying processing power, memory, and storage capacities. Optimizing your application to all possible combinations will take time. And more testing resources.
• QA experts need to include a range of devices with different specifications in their testing process. They ought to involve a diverse pool of gadgets or leverage cloud-based testing services with access to various hardware configurations.

Device Permissions Management

• Mobile apps require permissions to access features like camera, location, or storage. These requests can disrupt user experience. Some people might also be hesitant to grant them.
• Here, the key is to develop permission requests that seem authentic and simple. That means making them informative and non-invasive. QA professionals also need to make sure the app functions correctly without specific accesses.

Interruptions & Background Behavior

• For mobile users, multitasking is typical. Thus, your app needs to handle interruptions elegantly, save data if necessary, and resume functioning properly when brought back to the foreground.
• So, you need to simulate various interruption scenarios (incoming calls, app switching) to ensure the app behaves as expected. This includes testing data persistence and smooth app resumption after “intermissions.”

Performance on Low-End Devices

• Ensuring the app performs well on devices with limited resources (processor, memory) can be tricky. Resource-intensive features might lead to lag or crashes on low-end devices.
• QA engineers should include low-end devices in their testing and identify areas where the app might be resource-intensive. This might involve code optimization, reducing memory usage, and ensuring the app remains usable on a wider range of devices.

UI vs. Usability

• UI design focuses on the app’s visual elements (layout, colors, fonts). While usability is about how users interact with the app and achieve their goals. A well-designed UI might not necessarily translate to intuitive usability.
• You must go beyond simply verifying the visual appearance of the app and capitalize on usability tests instead. They help standardize user behavior, identify areas of confusion or difficulty, and ensure the app is intuitive and user-friendly. This might involve user research and usability testing with real people.

Memory Leaks & Usage

• Memory leaks occur when an app fails to release memory after it’s no longer needed. Over time, this can lead to performance issues, crashes, and lacking UX.
• Your testing process needs to employ memory profiling tools to identify potential leaks within the app’s code. This involves monitoring memory usage under various scenarios and fixing leaks to ensure the app utilizes memory efficiently and avoids performance degradation.

App Crashes & ANRs (Application Not Responding)

• Crashes and ANRs are frustrating for users and can damage your reputation. They can be caused by various factors like programming errors, resource limitations, or compatibility issues.
• To avoid such instances, you should combine manual and automated testing techniques. As they can speed up the process of identifying conditions that might trigger downtimes or ANRs. QA specialists also ought to create crash reports, analyze logs, and reproduce crashes.

Real-time Data Handling

• Apps commonly handle real-time data (e.g., chat applications, stock tickers). So, they require robust testing to ensure data updates are received promptly and displayed accurately without delays or glitches.
• You need to simulate various network conditions and data loads to see if the app can handle real-time data effectively. This might involve testing with different internet speeds, simulating data spikes, and verifying data accuracy under ranging scenarios.

Data Synchronization Across Devices

• If your app allows users to access data across multiple devices (e.g., cloud storage), providing consistent data synchronization can be complex. Data conflicts or inconsistencies can occur if not handled right.
• QA experts need to create scenarios that simulate data synchronization for contrasting environments. Primarily, they should center on conflict resolution mechanisms, data consistency, and data integrity.

Push Notifications Handling

• Push notifications are a valuable way to engage users. But they can be disruptive if not implemented correctly. Notifications might not be delivered reliably, display false info, or interfere with the app’s functionality.
• You should verify that push notifications are sent and received properly on different devices and platforms. This involves testing notification delivery under various network conditions, ensuring proper notification content and display, and securing unwavering core features.

Store Compliance

• App stores have strict guidelines regarding content, functionality, and user privacy. Failing to comply with these guidelines can lead to app rejection or removal.
• Your team needs to keep up with the latest app store rules and ensure the app adheres to all requirements. This might mean testing for specific functionalities, data privacy practices, and content restrictions.

Security

• Hackers just love mobile devices. There’s plenty of options to choose from and they generally have weaker security measures. Mobile apps are commonly vulnerable to data breaches, malware injections, or unauthorized access. This calls for impactful protection measures.
• QA engineers need to employ security testing tools and techniques to identify potential vulnerabilities. It’s recommended to run penetration testing, security audits, and implementing security best practices. All these are quite an investment. They also need impeccable expertise to execute in a valuable way.

To be frank, what we’ve discussed above aren’t really challenges. They simply define the reality of mobile app testing. So, you shouldn’t view these aspects as something to avoid or try to overcome. You just need to accept them. Prepare for them. And resolve them.

Mobile App Testing on Real vs Virtual Devices

Testing on real vs virtual devices is another buzzing topic. But it shouldn’t be. This discussion already has a clear answer. You can test on both, but real devices are always a priority.

Real Devices: The Gold Standard for User Experience

Testing on real devices, from high-end flagships to budget options, provides the most realistic user experience. You can directly assess factors like:

• Performance: Does the app run smoothly across a range of processing power and memory configurations?
• Usability: Is the app intuitive and easy to navigate on different screen sizes and resolutions?
• Compatibility: Does the app function as intended on various operating system versions and with specific hardware features?

Real-world testing also helps uncover unexpected issues like battery drain or overheating. However, there are drawbacks:

• Acquiring and maintaining a fleet of real devices can be expensive.
• Testing across a vast number of devices is time-consuming and logistically challenging.
• You can’t easily replicate specific network conditions or device states on real devices.

Virtual Devices: A Cost-Effective Testing Playground

Virtual devices, like emulators and simulators, offer a faster and more controlled testing environment. They allow you to:

• Rapidly test: Create and configure multiple virtual devices with specific hardware and software combinations.
• Isolate issues: Simulate specific network conditions, device states, and crash scenarios.
• Save money: Virtual devices are generally less expensive than maintaining a large pool of real devices.

But testing with them also comes with some pitfalls:

• They may not perfectly replicate the behavior and performance of real-world devices.
• Issues specific to certain hardware configurations might be missed during virtual testing.
• Testing interactions with some sensors (e.g., GPS) might be limited in virtual environments.

Finding the Right Mix: A Strategic Approach

The point is, testing solely on real or virtual devices is rarely a strategy QA teams choose. The optimal approach involves a strategic combination:

• Focus key functionality and user experience testing on real devices, especially popular models within your target audience.
• Use virtual devices for early-stage testing, regression testing, and simulating specific scenarios.
• Try cloud-based testing platforms with access to a vast array of real devices for broader real-world testing coverage.

Use virtual devices for:

• Early stage development. Virtual devices offer a quick way to test basic features and user interactions. They allow for rapid iteration and testing without the need for multiple physical devices.
• Limited device availability. Emulators can provide a broader testing scope during the early stages.
• Performance testing under controlled conditions. Virtual devices can be helpful for controlled performance testing under specific network conditions.

Rely on real devices for:

• Later stage testing and UX evaluation. Real devices provide a more realistic representation of how users will interact with the app.
• Testing on different hardware configurations. Emulators might miss certain compatibility or performance issues.
• Testing device-specific features. Features like GPS, camera, or fingerprint scanners can only be thoroughly tested on real devices.
• Accuracy and reliability. Real devices provide a more accurate and reliable testing environment.

Types of Testing to Run for a Mobile App

Now, let’s talk about tests that you can’t afford to miss. So, when you create a test plan for mobile application quality assessment, make these aspects the VIP guests and treat them like royalty.

Functional Testing

Ensures the app’s core functionalities work as intended. It verifies features like login, search, payments, etc., function correctly under various scenarios. In other words, functional testing secures the features that define your app.

User Interface Testing

Evaluates the app’s frontend elements and user interaction for clarity, intuitiveness, and a visually appealing experience. One thing to note is that UI testing isn’t about making sure your app has the pretty privilege. It will investigate your project’s layouts, colors, fonts, etc., to see if everything is as it should be. But the point here is to supplement appearance with functional comfort:

• Is this font easy to read?
• Do you really need that button?
• Can a user quickly grasp what they need to do to achieve their goal?

Briefly, UI testing ensures that there’s something more behind a product’s captivating face.

Integration Testing

As people say, communication is the key to a healthy relationship. And any mobile app has hundreds of relationships (links) between its parts. Integration testing checks how different components work together and exchange data. It trains various elements to be compatible. It teaches them to communicate properly so that no user is caught in a cross fire of dialogue-gone-wrong (like when an app can’t sync up with a payment system).

API Testing

APIs act as communication protocols for your app’s modules. They explain how data is to be formatted, transmitted, received, etc. And without them, your product won’t know how to interact with external services.

For example, when you open the app, it might leverage an API from a restaurant listing service like Yelp or Google Maps. This API provides the app with information on nearby restaurants, including menus, ratings, and operating hours. So, API testing validates that your project knows how to exchange data and does it with no hiccups.

Compatibility Testing

This assessment guarantees the app functions properly across diverse devices with ranging OSs, screen sizes, and hardware specifications. Whether your users rely on a Xiaomi that’s never been updated or a Google Pixel (a rare smartphone choice), compatibility testing helps provide pleasant experiences for any device and its environment.

Accessibility Testing

Fortunately, accessibility testing is actively ditching its “niche” status. Such tests become more and more prevalent. As they help ensure users with disabilities (like visual impairments or motor limitations) can enjoy your product to the fullest. Accessibility testing focuses on checking how well an individual with different abilities can understand and utilize your app. It also prevents your business from getting into legal trouble and strengthens your brand position.

Security Testing

We’ve always been avid advocates for cyber security. And recently we’ve dedicated quite a few posts to it and even held a webinar for our clients. Among the top reasons for that is that in the first Q of 2024, there’s been a 30% increase in cyber attacks. But nearly 25% of companies underinvest in their security testing efforts.

And with people’s increased reliance on mobile devices, more and more blackhats chose mobile apps as their ideal targets. So, security testing should be among your priorities. Always.

Performance Testing

Performance testing for mobile apps isn’t optional – it’s like a gym session for your product. By simulating real-world use with varying loads and conditions, you identify weaknesses that cause lags, crashes, or battery drain. This ensures a smooth, responsive experience for users, keeps them engaged, and avoids the frustration of a slow app that gobbles up battery life.

Localization Testing (L10n)

L10n is often equated to just translation. But localization is not just texts. It’s also:

• Cultural nuances in images, references, color schemes, etc.
• Date and time formatting.
• Text layouts and UI appropriateness.
• Character sets and input methods.
• Design choices, and more.

Localization testing means making your app feel natural and welcoming for target audiences. And while a big part of it is indeed translation, the most important part is fully adapting your product to a different user pool. L10n is quite a challenging task. But it’s impossible to overestimate its impact on your business’ success.

Usability Testing

Mobile devices are all about comfort. And if your app doesn’t deliver on that front, people will leave. But they will also tell everyone about their “horrible, inhumane experience.”

Usability testing helps you find a different perspective on your product. Sure, it can be functionally perfect. Yet, is it enjoyable for actual people? This testing observes users interacting with your app to identify areas of confusion, difficulty, or inefficiency in completing tasks. In other words, QA engineers put on users’ shoes and walk all around your app in them to see how it really feels.

Usability testing also promotes user-centricity. And making an app with its users in mind is something not everyone sees as valuable (a big mistake, if you ask us).

Exploratory Testing

Involves QA specialists exploring the app without following pre-written checklists. It also involves using the app unconventionally to uncover hidden bugs or obscure issues. Exploratory testing allows your team to prepare for less-than-ideal and insanely weird scenarios. It also lets you refine your product in unthinkable ways (it’s not a bug, it’s a feature).

Regression Testing

Mobile app testing is complex. It’s also very intricate. And you can’t really know how your bug fixing or update went until you check them in unity with everything else. Regression testing focuses on the reruns of critical test cases after implementing new features or amendments. Briefly, it helps ensure previous functionalities haven’t been broken by the changes.

Acceptance Testing

Verifies that the app meets the predefined acceptance criteria set by stakeholders (e.g., clients, business users). In essence, it centers on assessing to what degree your product satisfies the business and consumers. So, acceptance testing is like looking at what’s been done and comparing it to the initial blueprint.

Mobile-Specific Aspects to Test in an App

Mobile apps present unique functionalities that require special testing considerations. These particular features need your attention precisely because they are what sets apart a mobile app from other kinds of applications.

Installation/Deinstallation

Verify the app installs smoothly on various devices with different OS and storage capacities. Ensure the installation process is clear, user-friendly, and runs without errors. Also, test uninstallation to ensure all app data and files are removed cleanly.

Gestures

Since mobile apps rely on touch gestures for interaction, testing ensures gestures like taps, swipes, pinches, and multi-touch are recognized accurately. Test gestures on devices with varying screen sizes and responsiveness.

Connectivity

Mobile apps often rely on internet connectivity for core functionalities. Test how the app behaves under different network conditions (weak Wi-Fi, cellular data with varying speeds) and network outages. Verify the app gracefully handles connection drops and retries actions when connectivity is restored.

Interruptions

Mobile users frequently switch between apps or receive calls/notifications. Test how the app handles interruptions, saves data (e.g., draft messages), and resumes functioning when brought back to the foreground.

Location

If your app utilizes location services (e.g., maps, navigation), test how accurately it retrieves and displays user location data. Verify location permissions are requested appropriately, and that the app functions as intended with or without location services enabled.

Resource Consumption

Test how the app utilizes battery, memory, processing power, etc. Monitor battery drain under various usage scenarios and identify areas for optimization to ensure the app doesn’t drain the battery excessively. Additionally, test memory usage to avoid crashes or performance issues due to excessive consumption.

Offline Functionality

Not all apps require constant internet connectivity. Test how the app behaves in offline scenarios. Ensure core functionalities that don’t require internet (e.g., accessing local data) still work as expected. If the app offers limited offline functionality, verify users are clearly informed about these restrictions.

Documentation in Mobile App Testing

This part might seem a bit boring. But boring stuff is important, too. The greatest stories in history were written with hundreds of drafts, notes, and reviews. And for your project to have smooth sailing, you need records of everything that will happen.

Documentation is your map to a treasure. It’s your way back to checkpoints if something goes wrong. It’s a manual every team member can rely on. It’s certainly not the most fun bit about mobile app testing. But have you ever seen a project go well without it?

Software Requirements Specification (SRS)

• Defines the app’s functionalities, features, and expected behavior. It serves as a blueprint for QA engineers to understand what needs to be tested.
• Provides a central source of truth for testing requirements. And your team can ensure their test cases cover all functionalities outlined in the document.

Mobile App Testing Strategy

• Outlines the overall approach to testing the app. It defines the types of testing to be performed (functional, performance, etc.), testing tools to be used, and the overall scope of testing.
• Presents a roadmap for the testing process, ensuring all aspects of the app are tested effectively. It helps allocate resources and prioritize testing efforts.

Mobile App Testing Plan

• Details the specific procedures and activities involved in testing the app. It outlines the testing schedule, resources needed, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Translates the testing strategy into actionable steps. It provides a clear layout for each testing phase, ensuring everyone involved in the process understands their roles and responsibilities.

Mobile App Test Cases

• Define specific functionalities or scenarios to be tested. They include expected results for each test case.
• Form the basis for executing the testing process. They ensure comprehensive testing by covering various functionalities and user interactions within the app.

Mobile App Testing Checklist

• Functions as a list of key aspects to be tested. It serves as a quick reference for QA specialists and ensures no crucial elements are missed.
• Acts as a safety net, helping your team stay focused and ensuring all essential areas of the app are covered.

Mobile App Bug Report

• Documents any issues or defects encountered during testing. It provides details about the bug, steps to reproduce it, and expected behavior.
• Helps identify, understand, and fix issues with the app. Detailed reports expedite the bug-fixing process and ensure a smoother SDLC.

Mobile App Testing Process

After you’re done with the documentation that describes how to test an app, you ought to organize your testing process in practice. We don’t believe in “universal solutions.” As even automated testing, something most consider a “tremendous value” for any case, you can apply in countless ways (or not implement it at all – yes, sometimes it’s for the better).

This outline of a testing process is not a strict guideline for you. But you can use it as a foundation and adapt it to your project specifics.

#1 Getting Familiar with the App

Software testers thoroughly examine the app’s functionalities, features, and target audience. This might involve reviewing the SRS and user stories. Understanding the app’s purpose and functionalities allows your team to develop a comprehensive testing strategy and create relevant test cases.

#2 Preparing Testing Strategy

QA experts define the types of testing to be performed (functional, performance, etc.), tools required, and the overall testing scope based on project needs and resources. A well-defined strategy ensures all aspects of the app are checked properly, resource allocation is optimized, and the testing process aligns with project goals.

#3 Writing Test Cases

Next, your team will develop detailed instructions for testing specific functionalities, user interactions, and scenarios. Each test case should include expected results.

#4 Preparing Test Data & Environment

After, they will set up a testing environment that mimics the production environment and create test data that reflects real-world usage patterns. A realistic testing environment helps identify issues that might occur in the real world. And using diverse test data ensures the app functions correctly under various scenarios.

#5 Executing the Tests

QA professionals manually or through automation tools execute the defined test cases, documenting any bugs or deviations.

#6 Reporting & Bug Fixing

Finally, your team will document encountered bugs, including steps to reproduce the issue, expected behavior, and impact on the app. Developers then analyze and fix the reported issues.

#7 Retesting & Regression Testing

After bug fixes are implemented, QA engineers rerun the affected test cases (retesting) and potentially a broader set of tests (regression testing). These procedures verify that bug fixes were successful and no new problems popped up.

#8 Deployment & a Quick Check in Production (Agile)

In Agile development methodologies, where frequent releases are the norm, a minimal level of testing might be conducted in a pre-production environment. But a quick check after deployment helps catch any critical issues that might have slipped through the cracks.

#9 Repeating the Cycle (for Agile)

Agile emphasizes continuous improvement. Thus, repeating the testing cycle with each iteration ensures new features function as intended and the overall app quality remains high.

#10 Setting Up Test Automation

Test automation allows for faster test execution. It also frees up testers to focus on more complex scenarios that require human judgment. So, it’s recommended to automate at least a portion of your tasks, like repetitive test cases. You’ll be able to save time, resources, and your team’s high spirits.

QA engineers will analyze where automation is valuable. Pick test cases, write automation scripts, and if you wish, help you maintain them.

#11 Scaling the Mobile App Testing Team

As the app’s complexity or testing scope grows, it might be necessary to expand the testing team or leverage external expertise. You don’t want your crews struggling. And you don’t want your product’s quality to dwindle.

So, you can turn to a QA company to help you scale the team. It will not only supply your project with experienced professionals, but also help manage the newcomers, including their:

• Onboarding.
• Training (if necessary).
• Task allocation.
• Vacation assignments.
• Payment distribution, etc.

Mobile Application Testing Process: Step-By-Step Explanation

Mobile App Automation

Automated testing (AT) is a madly complicated topic. You can explore it in detail in our blog posts. But for now, let us focus on AT for mobile apps. Specifically, we’ll overview the core concepts and practices a fine product will need.

Benefits of Automated Mobile App Testing

• Increased efficiency. Automation excels at executing repetitive test cases significantly faster. This frees up valuable time for more strategic tasks that require human judgment, such as exploratory testing or usability testing.
• Improved accuracy. Automated tests rely on predefined scripts, minimizing human error and ensuring consistent test execution.
• Faster feedback. Automation enables quicker test turnaround times. After making code changes, automated tests can be run rapidly, allowing developers to identify and fix bugs earlier in the development lifecycle.
• Easy regression. Automating routine tests makes regression testing a breeze. It allows for quick and efficient tests, which can run right after any alterations in the app.
• Scalability. As your mobile app evolves and the number of test cases grows, automated testing can easily scale to accommodate this increase. You can add new automated tests as needed without a significant investment in time or resources.
• Improved test coverage. Automation can help you achieve broader test coverage by enabling you to run more tests in a shorter amount of time. This increases the likelihood of catching potential issues before the app reaches users.

How Test Automation Helps Optimize SDLC

Mobile App Testing Criteria: What to Automate

We always say that you can’t automate at random. It’s important to not get carried away. Because when you automate too much, you lose the benefits of the human touch. And if you automate too little, you might just end up compromising quality and burning out your team in no time.

Automated testing for mobile apps is all about balance. That’s why you should always apply it gradually. So, begin by automating the following.

• Test cases that involve repetitive actions, data input, or navigation.
• Focus on automating core functionalities and critical user journeys that are frequently tested during regression cycles after code changes.
• Functionalities that exhibit consistent behavior and well-defined outputs are well-suited for automation. Unpredictable or unstable elements might be better suited for manual testing.
• Consider the time it takes to execute a test case manually. If it’s a lengthy process, automating it can yield significant time savings in the long run.
• Aim to automate test cases that are less likely to change frequently, reducing maintenance overhead.

An Effective Approach to Selecting Test Cases for Automation

Automated Mobile App Testing Process

A well-defined testing process forms the foundation for successful automation. Otherwise it would be like… what do they say? Shooting in the dark? No. It would be like fighting five sharks with a pocket knife, while fully submerged in water. With your leg and arm tied up.

As a QA company, we know the value of precise planning. And we welcome you to gather insights from our practice.

1. Planning and strategy. Define the types of tests to automate, tools to use, and the overall testing scope.
2. Test case creation. Develop clear and concise test cases outlining specific functionalities or scenarios to be tested.
3. Test script development. Translate test cases into automated scripts using chosen testing tools.
4. Test execution. Run the automated tests and monitor results, identifying any failures or unexpected behavior.
5. Bug reporting and fixing. Document encountered issues and work with developers to resolve bugs.

Overall, setting up automation isn’t too difficult. That is if you have seasoned specialists on your team. Now that would be like hunting a sunfish (one of the slowest in the world) with your own trained sharks – an easy catch.

General Testing as an Alternative

You might be tempted to automate more and more as you go. We see it quite often. But AT may not be needed or really valuable for your project. You’d just be wasting resources and crushing your expectations for the wondrous benefits of automation.

Instead, consider the alternative – general testing. It isn’t a specific type of test, but rather a broad category encompassing various activities performed throughout the SDLC. General testing doesn’t prefer manual or automated testing. It only applies them where each is needed most. It only applies them in a way that’s worthwhile for your project.

Planning and preparation for general testing might take a while longer. But this extra time for data gathering and analysis is what lets you implement precise techniques where they’re really of value.

Exploring the Journey to Smart Test Automation

Mobile App Testing Tools & How To Choose Them

When it comes to automated testing tools, there’re lots of options.

• Appium – an open-source framework supporting testing across various mobile platforms and programming languages.
• Espresso – a framework specifically designed for Android app testing, offering tight integration with Android development tools.
• XCUITest – Apple’s built-in framework for automated testing of iOS apps.
• Selendroid – an open-source framework for automating native and hybrid Android app testing.
• Robotium – a robust framework designed for writing automatic black-box test cases for Android applications, with a focus on simplicity and integration with Android Studio.

But having plenty to choose from is actually what makes selecting your tool so difficult. You might be inclined to pick software that has good reviews, recommendations, or popularity. While these aspects are indeed important, nothing beats matching a tool’s capabilities to your exact needs.

So, instead of recommending what to pick, let’s focus on how you can find an option that fits your product.

Compatibility

• Platforms. Consider the mobile platforms your app targets. Ensure the chosen tool supports testing on those platforms and their various versions.
• Programming languages. Choose a tool that integrates with your preferred PLs for simpler script development.

Features & Functionality

• Supported test types. Identify the types of testing you want to automate (functional, performance, accessibility, etc.). Make sure the tool offers functionalities that cater to your chosen testing needs.
• Recording and playback. Some tools allow recording user interactions to generate automated scripts, which can be helpful for basic functionalities. But for complex testing scenarios, a tool with robust scripting capabilities might be necessary.
• Reporting and analytics. Effective reporting features are crucial for analyzing test results, identifying trends, and tracking progress. Choose a tool that offers clear and detailed reports. And consider analytics capabilities if you need deeper insights into test data.

Ease of Use & Learning Curve

• Learning curve. Evaluate the tool’s complexity and the time investment required for your team to learn and use it effectively. Consider your team’s existing technical skills and experience with automation frameworks.
• User interface. A user-friendly interface can significantly improve the efficiency and productivity of your QA engineers. Look for a tool with a clean and intuitive interface that simplifies script creation and management.

Open-Source vs Commercial

• Open-source. Open-source tools like Appium and Robotium offer flexibility and customization. They are free to use but might require more technical expertise to set up and maintain.
• Commercial tools. Commercial tools often come with pre-built features, integrations, and dedicated support, making them easier to use and implement. However, they typically involve licensing costs.

Scalability & Integration

• Scalability. Consider your app’s potential growth and the possibility of an increasing number of test cases. Choose a tool that can scale efficiently to accommodate your evolving testing needs.
• Integration capabilities. If you use a specific development environment or continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline, ensure the testing tool integrates with those systems.

Mobile App Testing Tips

Here are a few tips from our QA crew on how to test a mobile app.

Know Your App & Requirements

• Before diving into testing, thoroughly understand the app’s functionalities, target audience, and the problem it solves. This knowledge helps you design effective tests that reflect real-world usage scenarios.
• Review the SRS to grasp the app’s expected behavior and functionalities. And make sure your team does that, too (thoroughly). Such collective knowledge aids in staying on track, avoiding surprises, and makes sure everyone is dedicated to the same goal.

Have a Strategy

• Determine what aspects of the app will be tested to have a clear vision of the SDLC.
• Outline the testing process in detail for a structured and comprehensive approach.
• Establish clear criteria for determining whether a test case passes or fails. This avoids ambiguity and ensures consistent evaluation.

Test Early, Test Often

• Integrate testing throughout the development lifecycle, not just at the end. You’ll be able to catch and resolve bugs early, saving time and money.
• Automate testing as part of your CI/CD pipeline to ensure quality with every code change and build. But be sure to use AT where it truly helps you.
• Schedule regular testing cycles to identify and fix issues before they accumulate.

Prioritize Real Devices

• Focus on real device testing for a more accurate representation of how users will experience the app.
• Test on a range of devices with different hardware specifications to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.

Don’t Neglect Tools

• Utilize tools to manage test cases, track progress, and generate reports. They will improve organization, collaboration, and communication within the team.
• Take advantage of bug reporting tools to document and monitor identified issues.
• For manual testing, consider tools that can help with tasks like screen capture, comparison, or user session recording.

Find the Right Talent

• Assemble a team with the necessary technical skills and experience relevant to your project. If finding the right people goes tough, don’t hesitate to cooperate with external specialists. It may seem counterintuitive, as this is more time and money invested. But with the right QA company and process setup, it’ll save you lots of trouble.
• If your app caters to a specific industry or niche, prioritize QA professionals with relevant domain knowledge. They can bring valuable insights and identify use case-specific issues.

Automate if Feasible

• Evaluate the effort required to automate a test case compared to the time it takes to execute it manually. Apply AT for tasks that yield significant time savings in the long run.
• Automate repetitive test cases that involve predictable actions and data input.

Always Test from a User’s Perspective

• Try to involve real users in the testing process to identify usability issues.
• Test the app along typical user journeys to identify any roadblocks or friction points.
• Don’t forget about suboptimal scenarios either.
• Ensure the app is accessible to users with disabilities. It’ll take a bit more time to carry out proper accessibility testing. But it’ll be worth it.

Mobile App Testing Team

Building a high-performing mobile app testing team is… not easy. No matter what anyone tells you, finding the right people for any project is arguably a more taxing task than testing itself. And that comes from a QA company with over a decade of experience.

We won’t sugarcoat it for you. Because you need to be prepared for the challenges ahead to handle them gracefully. So, don’t be nervous about it. Instead arm yourself with all the needed data and resources to build your dream team. That’s the first and most influential aspect for your project’s quality.

Manual QA Engineer

Manual QA engineers provide a human touch to testing, uncovering issues that might be missed by automation. They are also adept at exploratory testing, where they creatively explore the app to discover unexpected problems.

Make sure the candidates you pick for this position are proficient at:

• Testing techniques.
• Test case design.
• Defect reporting.
• SDLC phases and needs.
• Programming concepts (have a basic understanding of these).

Pay attention to soft skills as well:

• Attention to detail.
• Analytical thinking.
• Communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Teamwork.

Automated QA Engineer

Automated QA engineers specialize in creating and maintaining automated scripts using testing frameworks and tools. Their goal is to streamline the testing process. Here’re skills you should look for in such a specialist:

• Mastery of programming languages.
• Clear understanding of test automation frameworks.
• Good grasp of API testing.
• Proficiency in CI/CD integration.
• Familiarity with software development concepts (like Agile and DevOps).
• Expertise in databases and version control systems.

General QA Engineer

General QA engineers possess a well-rounded skillset. They can adapt to various testing needs throughout the development lifecycle. These specialists offer flexibility within the testing team, and are able to handle both manual and automated testing tasks as needed. They can also play a valuable role in knowledge sharing and training within the team.

Mobile QA Lead

A QA lead provides direction and leadership for the entire testing team. They oversee the testing strategy, manage resources, and ensure alignment with project objectives. They also act as a liaison between testers, developers, and other stakeholders.

Since a QA lead acts as a guide for your crew, they should possess knowledge that helps every member. As if you tell someone to do something without ever having done it yourself… Well, you get the idea. These experts should have in-depth knowledge and experience with:

• Mobile testing practices and processes.
• Mobile automation tools.
• Defect reporting and tracking.
• Mobile devices and their OSs.
• Leadership and team and project management.

Last but not least (actually, very far from the least), a QA lead needs to have impeccable communication skills. They will be continuously telling people what to do, to put it bluntly, tracing their performance, and exchanging information with everyone involved.

Other Team Roles

• Test Data Specialist manages test data creation, ensuring the availability of accurate and relevant data for testing purposes.
• Performance QA Engineer focuses on testing app performance metrics like speed, stability, and resource usage under various network conditions.
• Security QA Engineer conducts security testing to identify vulnerabilities and potential security breaches within the app.

Now, please don’t think that you must have every specialist described above to develop a deserving product. Not at all. You might be just fine with a minimal number of professionals. It all depends on the size and complexity of your project. And, of course, the resources available.

The only thing you absolutely need is good, skilled people on your side.

How to Choose a Mobile App Testing Company

Now, if you need help with finding those good, skilled people, a testing company might be a good bet. The biggest pro of working with a QA vendor is that they have readily available specialists and vetted talent pools. So, building your dream team will be much easier and faster.

But, as with all good things, there’s a catch. Selecting a company that can provide you with all you need is tricky.

Expertise & Experience

• Look for a QA provider with proven experience in testing mobile applications. They should be familiar with various mobile platforms, testing methodologies, and the latest mobile app testing tools.
• If your app caters to a specific industry (e.g., healthcare, finance), consider a provider with experience in testing similar apps. This ensures they understand the unique functionalities and potential challenges within your domain.
• Match your project’s complexity with the provider’s capabilities. For complex apps, a provider with experience handling similar projects is ideal.

Service Offerings

• Evaluate the range of testing services offered by the provider. This might include functional testing, performance testing, usability testing, security testing, and compatibility testing. Ensure their services align with your specific testing needs.
• Inquire about their automation expertise and the tools they use. Automation can significantly improve efficiency, especially for regression testing.
• Choose a provider that offers clear and detailed test reports, including identified issues, severity levels, and recommended fixes. Regular communication throughout the testing process is essential.

Team Structure & Scalability

• Understand the qualifications and experience of the QA testers who will be assigned to your project.
• Ensure they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively test your mobile app.
• Consider your project timeline and potential growth. The provider should be able to scale their testing resources up or down as needed to meet your testing demands.

Cost & Pricing Model

• Get clear quotes or pricing models from potential providers. Common models include hourly rates, project-based pricing, or retainer agreements. Choose a model that aligns with your budget and project scope.
• Look beyond just the cost. Consider the value proposition of each provider and the ROI their services can offer in terms of improved app quality and reduced development time.

Communication & Collaboration

• Assess the provider’s communication style and preferred methods (email, calls, project management tools). Ensure they align with your communication preferences for a smooth working relationship.
• Discuss the provider’s approach to collaboration. They should be flexible and adaptable to your development workflow and testing processes.

Also, another thing that isn’t brought up often enough. Ensure that your QA partner has robust data security practices in place. To protect your app’s confidential information during testing, make sure you discuss and sign the necessary documents.

And if your provider is even in the slightest reluctant about this – look for someone else. Focus on what you need. Not what a vendor isn’t ready to provide for you.

The Future of Mobile App Testing

Life is about enjoying the present moment. It’s some good advice. But not for software development. Businesses need to incessantly look out for new opportunities and threats. They need to constantly locate something to set them apart and protect them from any potential holdbacks.

So, to finish up this guide, we also need to take a peek into the future of mobile app testing.

AI Tools Usage

Artificial intelligence had many ups and downs. It went from users hating it to obsessing over it. In fact, these fluctuations are still ongoing. And that’s normal for evolving tech. But even with all that, AI has shown tremendous promise. For testing, it can be used for:

• Identifying patterns and predicting issues.
• Risk assessment.
• Analyzing user data and behavior.
• Test case optimization.
• Visual testing.
• User behavior analysis.
• Conversational testing.
• Creating self-healing tests, and more.

In short, you can see why even those who don’t actively use AI still keep a close eye on it.

As artificial intelligence’s use for software testing refines itself in the coming years, we’ll see a much more active engagement of it in the industry. The only thing we worry about is that it may follow a path similar to that of AT.

The automation paradox is a dangerous thing. Briefly, upon learning how beneficial automated testing was, businesses flocked to it. They began to automate left and right in hopes of multiplying AT’s advantages. But what they ended up with was subpar quality, wasted money, and lost talents.

The potential of AI is vast. So is the potential for mistakes with its use. We can’t see into the future. But we can learn from the past. And what we recommend is relying on AI in two cases:

• Apply it where it is beneficial only.
• Try it out as a part of your innovation initiatives.

Overall, businesses should tread lightly to not end up in a financial ditch with reputation lost to hasty AI initiatives.

• View AI as a powerful tool to enhance testing, not a complete replacement for human testers. Leverage the strengths of both AI and human expertise for a well-rounded testing approach.
• Ensure your AI testing tools are trained on comprehensive and unbiased data sets that reflect the diversity of your target users and real-world usage scenarios.
• Maintain a human-in-the-loop approach where AI identifies potential issues and humans provide the final verdict and context after analysis.
• Monitor the performance of your AI testing tools. Continuously improve them by addressing biases and refining algorithms based on new data and testing experiences.

General QA Instead of Manual QA

The role of manual QA testers is evolving. Non-stop, in fact. And given what we’ve seen so far, we can confidently say more companies will rely on general testing as their main approach. Repetitive tasks will be increasingly automated, but human expertise will remain crucial. Manual testers will transition to a more specialized QA role, focusing on:

• Exploratory testing.
• Usability testing.
• Providing industry-specific insights, etc.

At the moment, there’s a clear divide between manual and automated experts. What general testing does is uniting them for the greater good – quality. And as AT will become more and more prevalent, manual QA specialists will have more targeted functions within a team.

Quality Assurance to Quality Engineering

We’ve talked quite a bit about the concept of quality engineering. Mainly because we’re really excited about this next step in the evolution of QA. But also because we know how it will transform the approach to software development.

Briefly, QE differs from QA in one major way – it’s much closely tied to the development and business processes (rather than being mostly associated with testing only).

• Testing becomes integrated earlier into the development lifecycle. QA engineers will use their expertise to help design and define a project. They will become a core part of development, from start to finish.
• Quality engineers will see even closer collaboration with developers. And stakeholders, too.
• The focus will shift from finding bugs to proactively designing and building quality into the app from the very beginning.

As of now, QE is being slowly implemented by some companies. Mostly because there’s still no unified definition of quality engineering and the roles for related positions. But from our experience, these specialists will have a much broader task pool:

• Identifying design flaws and streamlining production.
• Setting clear testing procedures and documenting everything.
• Creating quality benchmarks and tracking progress.
• Encouraging industry best practices.
• Developing innovative solutions for efficiency.
• Monitoring product quality.
• Collaborating with all teams.
• Fostering a quality-focused environment.

Overall, QE is a much needed upgrade to the role of a QA expert.

Quality Assurance as Business Assurance

This shift you can consider an extension of QE. As quality assurance engineers become intertwined with business processes more and more, they’ll have to adapt to their new-found impact. They will focus not on just testing aspects, but on how what they do drives your company’s goals.

Traditionally, mobile app testing primarily concentrated on technical aspects:

• Does the app launch correctly?
• Do buttons work as intended?
• Are there any crashes or bugs?

But within business assurance, QA specialists move past these core functionalities. They center on delivering value to the users and your business.

• Does the app meet the core needs and expectations of its target users? Is it intuitive and easy to use?
• Does the app keep users coming back? Does it provide a positive and engaging experience?
• Does the app successfully convert users into paying customers or achieve desired actions like signing up for a service?

Thus, QA engineers become more involved in the non-technical side of their work. They will:

• Leverage analytics and user behavior data to identify areas for improvement and optimize the app’s performance to achieve business objectives.
• Use testing insights to inform app development and marketing strategies, leading to a more data-driven and user-centric approach.
• Prioritize features that deliver the most value to the business, ensuring the app contributes directly to achieving KPIs.

This holistic approach ensures mobile app testing isn’t just a cost center, but a strategic investment that drives business growth and user satisfaction.

QE Lifecycle Automation

As automated tools develop and mature, they’ll be able to cover more and more QA tasks.

• AI-powered tools will automatically generate test cases based on app functionalities and user behavior patterns.
• Automated tests will be able to self-heal and adapt to changes in the app.
• AT will provide continuous feedback to developers throughout the development cycle.

But QE lifecycle automation isn’t about replacing human professionals. It’s about allowing them to level-up, in a way. AT will handle the heavy lifting. Like dealing with countless, repetitive tests or breaking down complex scenarios into manageable portions. And people will focus on creative problem-solving, strategic test planning, and ensuring the app delivers visionary UX.

With AI and automation, many fear that a person’s effort won’t be needed anymore. But let’s look at the issue this way.

• AI took a few decades to arrive at the point it’s at now.
• The human brain has been around for centuries upon centuries. And we still don’t know how most of it works (talk about untapped potential).

Both AI and humans have a long way to go. And as artificial intelligence advances, so will we. Some shifts and hardships are inevitable. But change is a constant in our personal and professional lives. So, as long as we continue to progress, AI, AT, or anything else won’t be able to outrun us.

And after all, it’s people who created these unthinkable tools in the first place.

To Sum Up

And there you have it. That’s all you have to know about how to test mobile apps. Summed up, of course. To go into fine detail would mean writing an insanely voluminous book. In multiple chapters, too. That’s just how complex the topic and task of mobile app testing is.

So, maybe you could just hire a QA company to do it for you 😉