9 step mobile app testing strategy checklist

The goal of any mobile product is to create an app experience that’s innovative and new. But there are specific, necessary steps you must accomplish between crafting a clear vision for your app and creating a mobile application.

As explained in our step-by-step mobile application testing process, it’s imperative to understand and resolve any requirement contradictions before finalizing the development phase. The decisions you make about functionality, compatibility and data carry long-term ramifications if they aren’t tended to purposefully.

Your 9 Step Mobile App Testing Strategy Checklist

Step 1: Cross-platform testing

Sometimes extra fixes are required if your app is interacting with others.

Gathering and understanding project requirements, business objectives, various language platforms, and user needs are essential to creating an appropriate cross-platform testing strategy.

Step 2: Feature functionality

Mobile apps usually interact with a number of features – both built into devices and built into the app. These interactions should be noted and thoroughly tested.

It’s not necessary – and not advisable – to run functional testing across a plethora of mobile devices. Instead, test on a single device and then conquer various platforms during compatibility testing.

Step 3: Type of application

There are three main types of mobile apps: native, mobile-web, and hybrid.

• Mobile-web: The website opens in the device through a web browser.
• Native: The application is developed specifically for individual platforms.
• Hybrid: A mix between native and mobile-web applications.

Before you can create an effective testing strategy, you must understand the pros and cons of these three application types and how yours will be built.

Step 4: Front-end testing

Front-end testing checks anything that is visible client-side also known as Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Testers need a solid grasp of business goals to perform this type of testing.

Other things to check for in front-end testing include:

• Regression tests
• Performance checks
• Changes or updates to app files that might break front-end functionality

Step 5: Back-end testing

Back-end – or database testing – checks the server-side of your mobile app. Anything that is entered and/or stored in the front-end is tested in the back-end.

This is also where you check the security and performance of the mobile application.

Step 6: Multiple network compatibility

The ever-growing popularity of smartphones and IoT devices has led to an explosion of different brands and platforms. While it’s impossible to perform every test on all possible devices, mobile compatibility testing is indispensable.  

This process should include tests such as:

• Install and uninstall
• Functionality
• Traversal
• Data exchange
• UI

Be sure to test different versions of the same major hardware platforms including iOS and Android.

Step 7: Storage

Today’s mobile devices don’t have enough storage for the vast amounts of games, music streaming services, and hi-res photos competing for space.

From how much data your app requires to how this might affect monthly data plans, keep these limitations in mind during your mobile app testing.

Step 8: Data to and from

We all know load time is a major source of frustration. Your mobile app is no different. In fact, 48 percent of users uninstall or stop using an app if it’s slow.

As such, you should create tests that actually represent network conditions, specific devices, and geographic locations in order to accurately represent real users.

Step 9: Application flow

Good design brings together visual elements as well as content, features, and functionality. This visual flow helps guide users through your mobile product.

Testing the flow of your mobile app architecture is necessary in order to find elements of your design that would impede users from completing their desired tasks.

Teamwork makes the dream work

Regardless of where you are in the testing or planning phase, it’s imperative you communicate with your team. This includes their roles throughout the test phase as well as your expectations.

If you’re ready to build your testing strategy with a knowledgeable and thorough partner, ask for a free Testlio demo today.