Mobile app testing helps ensure that your application provides the functionality and UX your audience needs and expects to position your app for success.
In this article, we’ll explain all you need to know about mobile app testing, from the different types of apps to areas that should be tested and best practices to help you deliver a quality app with a seamless UX.
Table of Contents
What Is Mobile App Testing?
Mobile app testing involves evaluating applications developed for mobile devices to ensure their functionality, usability, performance, security, and stability. It helps identify areas that aren’t working well so they can be improved, enhancing the UX and the app’s functionality.
Mobile application testing can be either automated or manual. Automated testing utilizes software tools and scripts to perform repetitive and simpler tests. On the other hand, manual testing is carried out by humans, with tests executed individually. While manual testing allows for more nuanced exploration, automated testing can be executed simultaneously with greater efficiency.
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO & Co-Founder of LunarLab, provides an easy-to-follow mobile app testing process: “Begin testing with a strategic plan covering all functionality areas and decide the testing methods, such as manual, automated, or smoke testing. As testing proceeds, log all results, bug reports, and changes transparently to keep the team informed. Prioritize bug fixes based on severity and impact. Record resolved issues in the test results document for organizational visibility. While launching with minor bugs is acceptable, the app must work well and allow users to perform expected functions without significant issues.”
5 Main Benefits of App Testing
App testing is important to make sure a business application performs as expected. Here are the five main benefits of app testing:
- Enhanced performance: App testing helps identify performance bottlenecks and optimize the app for better speed and responsiveness. This leads to a smoother user experience and increased user satisfaction.
- Improved security: Through rigorous testing, vulnerabilities and potential security threats can be detected and addressed. This keeps user data protected and the app compliant with security standards.
- Higher quality: Testing ensures that the app functions as needed across various devices. This consistency in quality helps build user trust and reduces the likelihood of post-launch issues.
- Cost efficiency: Early detection of bugs and issues during the testing phase prevents costly fixes after the app is launched. Such a proactive approach helps save time and resources in the long run.
- User satisfaction: Testing enhances the overall user experience by delivering a reliable and efficient app. Satisfied users have a higher likelihood of recommending an app, which can lead to increased use.
Many companies today are investing in thorough app testing because they understand its critical role in a successful application. Doing so not only guarantees a high-quality product but also protects brand reputation and promotes user loyalty.
3 Main Types of Mobile Apps
Thousands of apps are released daily, but the number of app categories is far smaller. The following are the three basic types of mobile apps to consider:
1. Native Apps
Native apps are designed for a specific operating system or platform, such as Android or iOS, and are developed using the platform’s dedicated programming language and mobile app creation software.
Due to this specialized technology, native apps and platforms cannot be mixed and matched. For example, you can’t use an iOS app on an Android device (unless you develop a version of the app for other platforms).
However, given that native apps are developed for specific platforms, they generally offer faster performance and more intuitive UX by utilizing the native device UI. They also benefit from a single code base, which tends to have fewer bugs during development.
Thanks to their singular focus, native apps tend to perform better and have access to a wide range of device features, such as Bluetooth and the phonebook. An example of a native app is WhatsApp, which is developed separately for both Android and iOS devices.
2. Web Apps
Web apps are responsive websites that can be accessed using a browser on a mobile device. They are typically coded in languages browsers support, such as HTML or JavaScript.
Unlike native apps, web apps don’t need to be downloaded and installed, and they aren’t available in app stores. Instead, the web apps adapt their interface to the device.
Since web apps are not tailored to a particular platform or operating system, they can adjust to different screen sizes without changing the design. This means that you can use web apps without using up mobile device memory, as no downloads or installations are required.
Web applications can work perfectly on any device if the browser is compatible. However, they depend on an Internet connection and may not work well offline, even if they have an offline mode. An example of a web app is Microsoft 365.
3. Hybrid Apps
Hybrid apps combine native APIs and web technologies to provide a native-like appearance while operating through browsers. They are essentially web apps with shared features of native apps. Like native apps, hybrid apps must be installed on a device and can function offline.
The biggest difference between native and hybrid apps is that hybrid apps are developed to function across multiple platforms. This approach reduces development costs and time, as the code is written once and then deployed across platforms. They are also easier to maintain. An example of a hybrid app is Instagram.
8 Types of Mobile Testing
Mobile app testing differs depending on which features or functionalities of an app you want to test. For example, social media apps require thorough testing of user interactions and data synchronization.
With that said, here are the different types of mobile app testing used today:
- Functional testing
- Interruption testing
- Localization testing
- Performance testing
- Usability testing
- Security testing
- Compatibility testing
- Storage testing
1. Functional Testing
In functional testing, the goal is to verify that all app functions work properly. This type of testing focuses mostly on the app’s flow or the user’s flow within the app. This includes testing if the app launches correctly, if users can easily sign up, and if menus, buttons, and icons are as intended.
2. Interruption Testing
Interruption testing checks how an app performs after facing an interruption. Examples of interruptions include:
- Low battery
- Incoming phone calls or text messages
- Network connection loss
- Plugging the device in or out while the application is running
This type of quality assurance (QA) testing aims to verify that an app handles all these interruptions seamlessly and runs properly after one.
3. Localization Testing
Localization testing is used for apps with localized features that depend on a certain geographic location where the app is used. It tests whether the localized features are activated and working properly in given locations.
Localized features include enabling other languages, local currency, time zone, and date.
4. Performance Testing
Performance testing checks how an app performs under different conditions and whether it aligns with performance objectives. It verifies device performance, network performance, responsiveness, recovery capabilities, and server performance.
If an app is slow and performs poorly, users will quickly uninstall it. This is why performance testing is crucial for every app.
Lokman Musliu, Founder and CEO of Lucky Media, agrees and adds: “Test the app’s error handling and resilience to ensure it provides a robust UX and clear error messages for improved retention.”
5. Usability Testing
Usability testing helps determine whether an app is user-friendly. This is also known as experience testing, as it checks how easy it is to use an app, its intuitiveness, and the entire UX.
Usability testing is best conducted with actual users, who are assigned specific tasks and then provide feedback on the app’s ease of use.
6. Security Testing
With data security concerns growing among users, security testing is becoming one of the top priorities when developing and testing an app. Most mobile apps require at least some personal information.
For example, payment apps like PayPal require banking information, while travel apps like Uber require location information. Security testing helps ensure the app’s confidentiality. In other words, mobile app development companies use security testing to ensure users’ data is protected from leaks or cyberattacks.
7. Compatibility Testing
Compatibility testing is a type of mobile app testing that determines whether an app works properly on different devices, operating systems, networks, and browsers. Since different mobile devices have different requirements, hardware, and operating systems, an app must meet them all to pass the test.
8. Storage Testing
Storage testing analyzes an app’s storage-related functionalities. These functionalities include when an app needs to store relevant data in adequate directories, retrieve it from storage, or delete it.
This type of testing also shows how an app behaves when there is insufficient disc space and helps discover storage limitations. If data storage is slow, that impacts response times and leads to long-running queries, impacting the app’s availability.
3 Best Tools for Mobile App Testing
Numerous platforms are available to facilitate a smooth and efficient mobile application testing process. Both decision-makers and application developers can benefit from being aware of the top options currently available.
Below are the best tools you can use for mobile app QA testing:
1. Appium
Appium is an open-source tool that supports both iOS and Android platforms. One of its unique features is the ability to write tests using various programming languages like Java, JavaScript, and Python. This flexibility allows testers to use the languages they are most comfortable with.
2. Katalon
Katalon is a comprehensive testing solution that offers a user-friendly interface and powerful features. A standout feature is its integration with a wide range of tools, such as Jira and Git, which allows for seamless continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) workflows. Additionally, Katalon also supports both web and mobile app testing.
3. Kobiton
Kobiton offers real device testing on the cloud, giving users access to a broad range of real devices for thorough testing. A unique feature of Kobiton is its AI-driven scriptless automation, which enables testers to create and execute test cases without writing any code. This capability accelerates the testing process and reduces the need for technical expertise.
8 Best Practices for Mobile App Testing
Mobile app testing presents challenges due to the varying requirements of different devices and operating systems. However, testing and deploying your app is crucial to ensure your app runs smoothly and provides a seamless UX.
Arkadiusz Buchholz, Senior QA Specialist at Apptension, suggests: “Testing a new app should prioritize user satisfaction, focusing on functionality and usability to impact user retention and competitive advantage. A smooth, intuitive app will likely meet user expectations, garner positive reviews, and stand out in a competitive market.”
When testing your mobile app, follow our best practices listed below:
- Consider real environments
- Choose a suitable device for testing
- Use automated testing
- Test early
- Split app testing into small units
- Take security testing seriously
- Test network response
- Check battery consumption
1. Consider Real Environments
Test your mobile application for specific conditions that occur in real environments. These include interruptions like incoming calls or messages, unstable network connections, time zone differences, and low battery warnings.
This will help you improve your app’s usability in different real-life situations.
2. Choose a Suitable Device for Testing
Choosing a suitable device for mobile app testing depends on several factors, such as your target platforms or screen size.
When choosing a target device for app testing, consider the following:
- Will your app be used on mobile devices or tablets?
- What devices does your target market use?
- Which operating systems will your app support?
- What browsers do your target audience use?
You can test on either real or virtual mobile devices, depending on your testing needs. Virtual devices are software programs that simulate actual mobile devices and can be categorized as emulators or simulators. Emulators simulate both the hardware and software of a target device, while simulators focus solely on the software, without emulating the hardware.
For example, Marc Müller, CEO of Appleute GmbH, recommends testing native apps on their actual platforms to uncover unique issues and ensure the app functions as intended in its real environment: “Testing on a Mac provides limited insights compared to testing on an actual iPhone, which can reveal unique display issues. Beta testing with real users helps catch unexpected problems and confirms if the app meets its intended purpose.”
While testing on virtual devices is useful, testing on real devices shows results in real-time, which is why this is the recommended route.
3. Use Automated Testing
While it is valuable, manual app testing is time-consuming and tricky when testing large data sets. To save time, consider automated testing for repetitive tasks and large data sets.
Automated app testing delivers more accurate results and immediate feedback, which can help speed up development. It also enables app developers to run lengthy tests and multiple tests at the same time, which increases efficiency and productivity.
4. Test Early
Running mobile app testing as early as possible in the development process is crucial for ensuring quality and reducing costs. The sooner you discover issues with your app’s functionality, the sooner you can fix them. This is especially important for UI/UX testing, as it is users’ first impression of your app.
Remember that most users won’t think twice about uninstalling your app if the usability doesn’t meet their criteria, so it’s important to test these elements in detail.
5. Split App Testing Into Small Units
To make mobile app testing easier and more precise, split it into smaller units and test each unit separately. Unit testing focuses on how smaller units of an application behave in certain scenarios.
For example, if you’re testing a specific function of your app, the feedback will indicate whether the issue lies within that function rather than elsewhere. Testing in smaller units is also faster, allowing you to identify and fix bugs more quickly.
6. Take Security Testing Seriously
Most users are concerned about privacy issues, so you must thoroughly test your app for data security. One important aspect of security testing to focus on is ensuring the app uses only the permissions it requires and nothing else.
7. Test Network Response
You want your app to work in areas with low internet speed or poor connectivity. To ensure this, test your app in different network connections to see how it performs.
8. Check Battery Consumption
Battery consumption is a key consideration for users when buying a mobile device and while using apps. Therefore, it’s important to design your mobile app to consume as little battery as possible while being used.
4 Common Mistakes To Avoid in Mobile App Testing
There are common mistakes in mobile app testing that can slow down the process and compromise the quality of the app. Knowing about these pitfalls is crucial to prevent errors and ensure smooth testing.
Take a look at the four common mistakes to avoid in mobile app testing:
- Inadequate test coverage
- Ignoring user experience
- Neglecting performance testing
- Insufficient security testing
1. Inadequate Test Coverage
One of the most critical mistakes is not covering all possible scenarios and devices. Focusing only on popular devices and operating systems can leave out potential bugs in less common environments.
2. Ignoring User Experience
Neglecting user experience during testing can result in an app that functions well but is difficult to use. Usability testing is essential to ensure the app is intuitive and user-friendly.
3. Neglecting Performance Testing
Skipping performance testing can result in an app that crashes or slows down under heavy user loads. It’s essential to test the app’s performance under various conditions to identify and address any performance bottlenecks.
4. Insufficient Security Testing
Failing to conduct thorough security testing can leave the app vulnerable to malware attacks and data breaches. Security testing should be a priority to identify potential vulnerabilities and ensure the app complies with security standards.
Key Takeaways on Mobile App Testing
With thorough mobile app testing, you can identify and remove potential issues before your mobile app enters the market. Testing both early on and throughout the development process can save you both time and money and help ensure your app is a hit with your target market.
While there are only three basic types of mobile applications (native, web, and hybrid), there are multiple types of mobile app testing, including:
- Functional testing
- Interruption testing
- Localization testing
- Performance testing
- Usability testing
- Security testing
- Compatibility testing
- Storage testing
Remember to start testing early, preferably side-by-side with developing your app, to split app testing into smaller units and use automated testing to speed up the process and increase accuracy.
Now, you have all the information you need to start planning your mobile app testing procedures and launch an outstanding, functional, user-friendly app.
Mobile App Testing FAQs
1. Why is mobile app testing important?
Mobile app testing is important because it ensures that an app functions correctly across various devices and operating systems. It helps identify and fix bugs to provide users with the best experience possible.
2. Who performs mobile app testing?
Mobile app testing is typically performed by QA engineers or testers with expertise in mobile platforms. Developers may also conduct initial testing during the development process.
3. What are the differences between web app and mobile app testing?
Web app testing focuses on browser compatibility and network performance, while mobile app testing includes device-specific features and varying operating systems. Mobile testing also involves checking app performance on different screen sizes and hardware configurations.
