Mobile App Testing: iOS & Android Best Practices

The Mobile Testing Challenge

Mobile testing presents unique challenges: thousands of device models, multiple OS versions, varying screen sizes, and unpredictable network conditions. This guide helps you navigate this complexity.

Device Coverage Strategy

You can't test on every device. Focus on devices with highest market share in your target regions. Typically, testing on 10-15 devices covers 80%+ of your user base.

Essential Test Areas

• Functional Testing: Core features work across devices
• UI/UX Testing: Interface adapts to different screens
• Performance: App responds quickly, battery usage is reasonable
• Network Testing: Handle poor connectivity, airplane mode, network switching
• Security: Data storage, transmission, authentication

Automation Tools

Appium: Cross-platform, supports native, hybrid, and mobile web. XCUITest: Native iOS testing. Espresso: Native Android testing. Detox: React Native focused.

Cloud Testing Platforms

Services like BrowserStack, Sauce Labs, and AWS Device Farm provide access to thousands of real devices without maintaining a physical device lab.

Testing Checklist

Test interruptions (calls, notifications), permission handling, orientation changes, background/foreground transitions, app updates, and offline functionality.