by admin | Feb 11, 2022 | Mobile App Testing, Blog |
Testing is essential for any web or app developer as it ensures the optimum performance of the product. Without testing, multiple user experience issues may not be pointed out within the development process.
This is why successful app development companies invest money, effort, human resources, and other resources in app testing.
This app testing involves testing for multiple devices, OS platforms, variations, and automation. This can be challenging, especially as devices, OS platforms, and other technologies constantly change.
With this, not all QA services are built the same. A company may use a different approach, including continuous testing, split testing, and other methods to ensure that the app performs well.
Given the multitude of testing tools available in the market, some may not be equally efficient or may even be counterproductive in some cases.
In this article, we will run you through the common challenges of app testing.
A Wide Range of Devices, Platforms, and OS Versions
In today’s tech world, consumers demand new features and functionalities on their mobile devices resulting in the introduction of new OS versions and devices now and then. The app testing process must include testing for all devices, platforms, and OS versions.
Device fragmentation is a big issue in today’s mobile app testing. With such a wide range of devices and platforms, developers must make sure that their apps work on every one of them.
It’s not always possible right out of the box, which is why additional time and effort are needed to ensure that the app works on every possible device and platform.
Most companies use emulators to detect issues and use real devices to solve the problem. They may also limit the supported devices and OS versions to a minimum. It is easier to make apps supported in the latest flagships than backdated devices and OS versions.
The Needs of the Target Audience
If you are not clear about the needs of your target audience, you will never produce a successful app.
As a developer, you must understand the need of your target audience and develop a mobile app that addresses that need. Without this knowledge, you run a high risk of developing a product that your target audience won’t use.
The testing team needs to align the user experience expectations when evaluating the functionality of the app they are developing.
Automation Testing and Actual User Testing
Many developers are under the impression that automated testing is the best method of testing. This might be true as automated testing does allow for the build, execution, and analysis of tests in a shorter period.
However, actual user testing using real devices is more appropriate for the complete app testing process. This ensures that the app is being tested on actual devices and scenarios instead of a set of automated tests.
Variations in Network Coverage
Every mobile application will be used under a variety of network conditions. Which means that multiple factors influence the speed of your app.
Apps need to be tested for various network connectivity speeds and should function in different network conditions. You may have to consider if offline access is essential for your app.
Conclusion
Testing is a critical component of app development. As discussed above, with hundreds of phones, OS versions, and devices available in the market, testing can be a challenge.
This is why it is essential to choose a reliable mobile testing services partner.
Are you looking for the top software testing companies in the USA? Codoid offers world-class testing services to ensure that your application is ready. Get in touch with us to learn more!
by Arthur Williams | Apr 12, 2025 | Mobile App Testing, Blog, Latest Post |
A mobile app is often the first and most frequent interaction users have with a product or service. Whether it’s a fitness tracker, shopping platform, digital wallet, or the next viral game, people expect apps to be fast, intuitive, secure, and reliable from the very first tap. Failing to meet these expectations especially due to avoidable mobile app testing mistakes can result in poor reviews, user drop-off, or app store rejection. Here’s the reality: users are unforgiving. Nearly 1 in 4 people abandon an app after just one use if it doesn’t meet their expectations. One crash, lag, or confusing interface can lead to poor reviews or an immediate uninstall. And with millions of apps in the marketplace, competition is fierce; you rarely get a second chance.
That’s why mobile app testing isn’t just a development formality; it’s a critical process that determines whether an app succeeds or fails in the real world. A strong testing strategy ensures your app functions properly across devices, operating systems, and network conditions before it ever reaches the user’s hands.
But even experienced testers and developers can fall into common pitfalls. From skipping real-device testing to overlooking network fluctuations or accessibility, small mistakes can lead to big consequences post-launch.
In this blog, we’ll explore the 10 most common mobile app testing mistakes and how to avoid them. These practical tips will help teams deliver apps that are stable, user-friendly, and built to perform in real-world conditions.
1. Skipping Real Device Testing
The Mistake:
Relying solely on emulators or simulators for functional and UI testing.
Why It’s a Problem:
Emulators don’t replicate real-world conditions like thermal throttling, background processes, low memory, or varying battery levels. Real users have different hardware, storage states, and system configurations.
Pro Tips for Testers:
- Maintain a real device lab (if possible) or use cloud platforms like BrowserStack, Sauce Labs, or AWS Device Farm.
- Prioritize real device testing for:
- UI validation
- Gesture recognition (swipes, long press)
- Push notifications
- Camera/microphone access
- Test under typical user scenarios (low battery, multitasking, background mode).
2. Ignoring Different OS Versions and Devices
The Mistake:
Testing only on the latest OS or a couple of high-end devices.
Why It’s a Problem:
Your users aren’t all on iOS 17 or the latest Pixel. Many still use older devices or mid-range phones with older OS versions.
Pro Tips for Testers:
- Build a device-OS matrix using analytics tools like Google Firebase, Mixpanel, or App Annie to identify what your users actually use.
- Include:
- Low RAM/CPU devices (for memory management testing)
- Multiple screen sizes/aspect ratios (especially for Android)
- Devices with different GPU capabilities
- Keep track of deprecations or changes in OS behavior (like background task limits or permission flows).
3. Neglecting Network Conditions
The Mistake:
Testing only under stable, high-speed Wi-Fi connections.
Why It’s a Problem:
Users might be underground, traveling, or have poor coverage. Your app must work smoothly in all conditions.
Pro Tips for Testers:
- Simulate:
- Slow 3G/4G/5G networks
- Offline mode (airplane mode)
- Intermittent connections (e.g., tunnel, elevator scenarios)
- Tools to use:
- Network Link Conditioner (macOS/iOS)
- Charles Proxy, Postman proxy, Wireshark
- Android Emulator’s Network controls
- Validate app behavior for:
- Graceful error handling (offline pages, retry buttons)
- Caching and sync mechanisms
- Loading indicators and timeouts
4. Poor Test Data Management
The Mistake:
Using hardcoded, static, or reused test data.
Why It’s a Problem:
Hardcoded data leads to flaky, unscalable, and inconsistent test cases.
Pro Tips for Testers:
- Use data-driven testing with JSON, Excel, or APIs to inject dynamic data.
- Clean up or reset test environments after every run using:
- Hooks/scripts
- API-based cleanup routines
- Create mock data sets for edge cases (invalid dates, empty fields, long input, special characters).
- Consider using test environments with production-like data (with anonymization).
5. Skipping Usability Testing
The Mistake:
Only checking if features work, ignoring how they work from the user’s perspective.
Why It’s a Problem:
A technically correct app can still be frustrating to use.
Pro Tips for Testers:
- Conduct exploratory testing focused on:
- Intuitiveness of UI
- Readability of fonts and buttons
- Ease of navigation
- Include real users or use personas for feedback.
- Use tools like:
- TestFlight (iOS) or Firebase App Distribution (Android)
- Lookback, PlaybookUX, or Hotjar (for session recordings and feedback)
- Check responsiveness and accessibility of touch targets and UI elements.
6. Inadequate Automation Strategy
The Mistake:
Either automating everything blindly or not automating at all.
Why It’s a Problem:
Wasting resources on low-value tests or missing out on automation benefits.
Pro Tips for Testers:
- Automate:
- Repetitive flows (e.g., login, onboarding, purchase flow)
- Smoke and sanity tests
- Regression suites
- Tools to use:
- Appium – cross-platform (iOS/Android)
-
- Espresso – native Android
- XCUITest – native iOS
- Detox – for React Native
- Structure tests with Page Object Models or Screenplay Patterns for maintainability.
- Integrate automation in CI/CD using tools like Bitrise, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or CircleCI.
7. Missing Regression Testing
The Mistake:
Not retesting old features when new ones are added.
Why It’s a Problem:
New changes can introduce hidden bugs (aka regression issues).
Pro Tips for Testers:
- Maintain a living regression suite, keep updating it.
- Automate where possible and mark critical flows as mandatory for every release.
- Use version control (e.g., Git branches) to compare code/test impacts.
- Run full regressions before major releases; smoke/regression packs for minor patches.
8. Forgetting Localization and Accessibility
The Mistake:
Assuming your app will be used only in one language or region.
Why It’s a Problem:
Apps must be usable across different cultures, languages, and ability levels.
Pro Tips for Testers:
- Test for:
- Right-to-left (RTL) layouts (Arabic, Hebrew)
- Dynamic font sizes (iOS Dynamic Type)
- Translated strings fitting within UI elements
- Use:
- TalkBack (Android) / VoiceOver (iOS)
- Lighthouse, Axe, or WAVE for accessibility audits
- Check for contrast ratios, screen reader compatibility, and tappable element sizes.
9. Not Monitoring Post-Release Performance
The Mistake:
Thinking testing ends once the app is live.
Why It’s a Problem:
Users will find issues you didn’t. Continuous monitoring is crucial.
Pro Tips for Testers:
- Integrate tools like:
- Firebase Crashlytics
- Instabug
- New Relic Mobile
- Sentry
- Monitor:
- Crash rates by OS/device/region
- Slow screens or frozen frames
- Memory leaks and ANRs (App Not Responding)
- Analyze user sessions to discover friction points and navigation drop-offs.
10. Not Testing App Permissions Properly
The Mistake:
Assuming users will always grant permissions when asked.
Why It’s a Problem:
Denied permissions can lead to crashes or broken features.
Pro Tips for Testers:
- Test scenarios:
- Denying permission at install
- Revoking permission from settings
- Granting partially (e.g., only photos, not camera)
- Validate:
- App’s fallback behavior
- User-friendly permission prompts
- Feature limitations clearly explained (e.g., “We need access to your location to show nearby stores.”)
- Use permission testing tools or automation frameworks with device state setup.
Conclusion
Testing a mobile app isn’t just about checking for bugs, it’s about making sure users have a smooth, reliable experience. In today’s competitive app world, even small mistakes can lead to poor reviews, uninstalls, or app store rejection. By avoiding these common mobile app testing mistakes, you can catch problems early, improve performance, and make your app ready for real-world use. Whether it’s testing on real devices, simulating weak networks, or setting up smart automation, every step helps create a better app.
Good testing means happy users, and happy users are more likely to keep coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I just test on emulators instead of real devices?
Emulators are helpful during early development, but they can't fully replicate real-world scenarios like battery usage, device heat, memory limits, or hardware glitches. Testing on real devices is essential—especially for final validation.
-
Should I automate all my mobile app tests?
Not everything needs to be automated. Focus automation on high-value, repeatable flows (like login, payments, navigation). Leave exploratory testing, visual checks, and UX feedback for manual testers.
-
How do I test app permissions properly?
Always test what happens when users deny, allow, or revoke permissions—both before and during app use. Your app should guide users clearly and handle permission changes without crashing.
-
Is post-release testing necessary if everything passed before launch?
Yes! Real users can uncover bugs that don’t show up during testing. Use tools like Firebase Crashlytics, Sentry, or Instabug to monitor performance, crashes, and errors after release.
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by admin | Dec 30, 2021 | Mobile App Testing, Blog, Latest Post |
Everyone knows that various mobile apps surround every business sector as they continue to be significant business enablers. All companies continue to expand their operations by creating mobile apps, as there has been a massive increase in the use of smartphones globally.
This widespread usage of these smart devices has actually peaked thanks to the heavy use of mobile apps, regardless of the industry.
Given the importance of mobile apps, it is apparent that you need to get mobile testing services to ensure that your apps are working and for them to achieve these characteristics:
Functionality of the App
Mobile apps should perform the functions that are required of them, whether it is for a company to interact with their customers or for a game to be entertaining for a user. If an app cannot perform what the customers expect from them, they will stop using the app and possibly stop supporting the company.
Impressive Performance
The user experience attracts a user to use a mobile app, and hence, the app must perform fast and smoothly to ensure the user experience is at its highest. Lags, freezes, and sudden crashes should not happen if you want people to keep using your app.
High Level of Security
Mobile apps must be highly secure, as these apps manage the data, and hence, all sensitive data must be safe. Thus, for security reasons, mobile apps should be tested first, and only when everything is working should the app be rolled out.
Usability
The mobile user interface must be easy to use, especially for first-time users, and it must allow users to get their jobs done, regardless of how hard it is to perform.
Accessibility
Mobile apps must be accessible and usable on different devices such as smartphones, tablets, and even desktop computers. Mobile apps should be compatible and accessible to users of all kinds across all sorts of devices.
Tests are Necessary to Have an App that Would Impress Potential Customers
Although mobile apps are incredibly enticing for customers and most of them are automated, it doesn’t mean that you can ignore mobile app testing. If you don’t test your app in all possible scenarios, you might end up with a buggy app that doesn’t work on some devices.
It would be a great idea to implement mobile automation testing early in the project. Testing should also be done at every new stage or chapter of the app development process to avoid having to start over should you find a problem you need to address from previous stages.
As a business, you certainly need to have an app that can solve pain points for your customers and help you reach more potential customers. However, an app that’s been created carelessly without proper and thorough testing could end up disappointing customers instead of impressing them. Therefore, you should dedicate time and effort to test your apps thoroughly. This might seem like an unnecessary extra step at first, but it will undoubtedly pay off when users find your app flawless.
Conclusion
To sum it up, getting mobile testing services allows you to check your mobile app’s performance on an actual device. You can also test your app in the environment that it would be used in. This way, all the characteristics that a mobile app should possess could be checked. Furthermore, the applications can be tested for various platforms such as Android and iOS, which allows you to ensure the quality of your app and ensure the end-users are happy with it no matter what device they’re using.
Codoid is a reputable company that offers mobile testing services that you can depend on. Contact us today to know how we can help ensure your app is ready for use by your customers!
by admin | Dec 29, 2021 | Mobile App Testing, Blog, Latest Post |
It is that time of the year when we prepare ourselves to face the challenges of the New Year with the best options available at our disposal. In this case, we will be taking a look at the best mobile app testing tools to use in 2022 as we will need nothing short of the best to compete and win in this highly competitive space. So irrespective of whether you are just starting out in mobile app testing or trying to improve yourself, choosing the right tools for each purpose plays a crucial part. Mobile app testing is not an easy task to do as there are various intricacies and complications. So in this blog, we will be exploring the foundational, yet best mobile app testing tools that you should be using in 2022 by categorizing them under their scope of usage.
Mobile App Automation Tools
As the name suggests, TestComplete is a complete tool that enables you to perform functional, GUI, unit, and regression testing. It even offers you access to a wide range of devices to test your app in parallel across different platforms, screen sizes, and screen resolutions without having to jailbreak them. Since it supports all major frameworks such as Flutter, React Native, SwiftUI, and so on, you will have no issues in performing cross-platform tests.
But if you are on the lookout for an open-source tool that can almost do everything TestComplete can look nowhere else than Appium. The biggest advantage of Appium is that you wouldn’t have to modify any code for testing on Android or iOS even if you’re using a real device or an emulator. The only downside with Appium is that if you are using C#, Python, or Java for scripting, you’ll have to look for other options as they are not supported by Appium.
Cloud-based testing platforms
Though options like TestComplete and Kobiton provide real devices to test your application, we always prefer BrowserStack for our cloud-based mobile app testing. BrowserStack is unmatchable when it comes to the range of devices available, quick addition of new devices, and technical support. If you need other options, you could look into AWS Device Farms and SauceLabs as well.
Codeless automation solutions
As a leading mobile app testing company, we believe that codeless automation solutions will not be enough to meet the demands of large test suites. Yet, we believe there is value in using codeless automation tools for simple tasks. Our recommendation would be Perfecto Mobile as it came in handy in one of our ELearning testing projects. It supports the Gherkin style frameworks and can be used to integrate the Quantum BDD framework. 21Labs is another great option due to its A.I capabilities and functionality that don’t require devices to get maximum coverage at a lower cost.
UI testing tools
There are two great exclusive UI testing tools for both Android and iOS. Espresso, a tool created by Google has been gaining a lot of popularity in the Android community. And for iOS, XCUITest is the way to go. But if you are looking for a solution that can do both, then Xamarin.UITest is the better option for you.
Performance Testing Tools
An application’s performance plays a crucial role in its success. Apptim is a great performance testing solution as it will help you test different versions of the app to gauge and compare the performance. Once the test sessions are completed, it even generates a conclusive report with the performance metrics and lists the bugs detected too. NeoLoad is also another great tool for testing your mobile app’s performance as it enables testing under various network conditions, geographical conditions, and so on to closely mimic real-world conditions.
Conclusion
This is by no means a conclusive list of the best mobile app testing tools as there are still so many different types of tools like crash reporting, test management tools, and so on which we haven’t covered here. But these are the foundational tools that you would definitely need to use or consider using this coming year.
by admin | Dec 9, 2021 | Mobile App Testing, Blog, Latest Post |
If you have been wondering if it is possible to perform mobile app testing on all mobile devices (Android & iOS) without purchasing them, the answer is yes, it is very much possible to do that. There are even a couple of options to do so as well. You can either opt for cloud-based solutions to access real devices or use simulators and emulators to mimic a device. Each of these options does have its own advantage and disadvantages, but as a leading mobile app testing company, we always prefer to use cloud-based solutions to get the best results. So in this blog, we will be listing the various cloud-based mobile app testing solutions you can use to test an app on all devices without purchasing them and explore the scope of emulators and simulators. Let’s get started.
Prioritization is the key to having an effective testing mobile app testing strategy. Your objective shouldn’t be to just test your application on every available device out there as it is not smart to do so. There is nothing wrong with being thorough, but you shouldn’t waste your time and resources on obsolete devices or devices that will not be used by your intended audience. With that said, let’s first explore cloud-based solutions.
Cloud-Based Mobile App Testing Solutions
- BrowserStack
- pCloudy
- Sauce Labs
- AWS Device Farm
- SeeTest.io
- Perfecto
- Kobiton
- Firebase Test Lab
Though this list has been mentioned in a random order, BrowserStack is undoubtedly the best choice from these options. BrowserStack keeps adding new devices instantaneously and they stand out from the crowd with their helpful blogs and tech support that can guide you through the entire mobile app testing process. But if you do feel like you want to check out all the other tools before making a choice, make sure to visit our Cloud Testing Platforms blog as we have discussed these tools individually.
Emulators
Though emulators are open-source options, they are not as effective as cloud-based solutions. They are also not easy to use as you would have to download and install the emulators for each and every device you want to test. Since emulators just mimic devices, they are also not that reliable to use. So the only possible scenarios where emulators would be effective would be when it is used during the early stages of development or for simple tests.
Now that you know the ways you can test the mobile app without buying new devices, make sure to go through our Mobile App Testing Checklist and its Peculiarities blog.
The Alternative Solution
If at all you feel overwhelmed by all these options and think you will not be able to handle the task on your own, do not fret. You can always outsource the tasks to a leading Mobile App Testing Service Company like us. We have been able to extend our mobile app testing services to large firms, start-ups, and even independent developers. The scale of the project has never been an area of concern. If you compromise on your testing, the chances of your app succeeding in the market becomes very slim. So we hope you now have a clear understanding of all the various options you can employ to get your app tested effectively.
by admin | Dec 3, 2021 | Mobile App Testing, Blog, Latest Post |
Testing apps can be a great boon to a business, whether the platforms are iOS, Android, or any other options on the market. While automated testing tools can provide a good idea of how well an app functions, it is also vital to test apps manually. Manual tests are not only more precise but can also improve the user experience of an app. To ship quality applications, businesses should utilize both kinds of testing software.
If you are in the process of developing a minimum viable product (MVP), the key is to find methods that will deliver quality output while scaling back on cost and time-to-market. This blog post will shed light on manual and automated testing and when to use them to drive results.
Automated vs Manual Mobile App Testing: Which Is Better?
Automated testing tools are the most efficient way to ensure that an app will function properly, but it is worthwhile to test apps manually as well. Here is a guide to help you know which testing method to use when developing your app.
Automated Mobile App Testing
When developing an app, testers need to be sure that its features work seamlessly so that the app can function as advertised. Automated testing tools are ideal for this purpose, as they can run through a large number of test cases quickly to ensure that the app functions as designed. Automated testing tools are also good for finding bugs, as they can run through a large number of test cases quickly to ensure that the app functions as designed. It is important to note that automated tools cannot be used to test all features of an app, and they should not replace manual testing. Instead, the two types of testing should be used together.
Manual Mobile App Testing
Manual testing provides a more detailed view of how an app works and how it will impact the user experience. Manual testing allows testers to test interactions directly and make decisions based on these interactions. For example, a tester examining an app’s user interface might notice that the background color is very bright and difficult to read, which could negatively impact user experience. Other issues that can be found using manual testing include unexpected behavior of a feature, even if the feature works as planned, and performance issues.
Which One Should You Use?
The answer depends on the development stage of the app. Automated testing should be used during the early stages of the development process to ensure that the app functions as expected. It is fine to use automated testing tools during all stages of development, but the tests should be updated as the app is updated to ensure that the app continues to function as expected.
Manual testing should be done after automated testing is completed because manual testing provides deeper insight into the app. Manual testing also allows the tester to test for issues not found by tests automation.
Conclusion
The best way to ensure that an app will function properly is to use both automated and manual testing. While automated testing tools can automatically test for features that are essential to the functioning of the app, manual testing allows testers to test for other elements that are outside of the scope of automation.
Let Codoid help you find the best automated and manual testing tools for your app development. Codoid is an industry leader in QA. We don’t say this just to brag; we say this because it is our passion to help guide and lead the Quality Assurance community. Our brilliant team of engineers loves to attend and speak at: software testing meetup groups, forums, Software Quality Assurance events, and Automation testing conferences. Work with a reliable automation testing company, and give us a call today!
