How can you test your mobile app for bugs?

1 Choose your testing approach

The first step is to decide how you want to test your app. There are two main approaches: manual testing and automated testing. Manual testing involves using human testers to interact with your app and report any issues they encounter. Automated testing uses software tools to run predefined tests and check the results against expected outcomes. Both approaches have their pros and cons, and you may need to use a combination of them depending on your app's features, complexity, and budget.

2 Select your testing devices

The second step is to choose which devices you want to test your app on. Mobile apps can run on different platforms, such as iOS, Android, or Windows, and on different models, sizes, and versions of devices. You need to test your app on as many devices as possible to ensure that it works well across different scenarios and environments. However, testing on every device is not feasible, so you need to prioritize the most relevant and popular ones for your app's target market. You can use physical devices, emulators, or cloud-based testing services to test your app on different devices.

3 Define your testing criteria

The third step is to define what you want to test and how you want to measure the quality of your app. Establishing your testing criteria should be based on your app's objectives, requirements, and specifications. For example, you need to test if your app performs all the tasks and functions it is supposed to do, as well as if it is easy to use, compatible with other apps, devices, and systems, has a good performance, and provides a secure environment. Additionally, you should determine the metrics and indicators that will help you evaluate the results of your testing, such as error rates, response times, user feedback, etc.

4 Design your test cases

The fourth step is to design your test cases based on your testing criteria. A test case is a set of instructions that describes how to test a specific feature or function of your app and what the expected result is. You need to design your test cases in a clear, concise, and consistent way so that they can be executed by yourself or by other testers. You can use tools such as Excel, Google Sheets, or specialized software to create and manage your test cases.

5 Execute your tests

The fifth step is to execute your tests according to your test cases and your testing approach. You need to follow the steps and scenarios of your test cases and record the actual results and any issues or defects you find. You can use tools such as screenshots, videos, logs, or bug tracking software to document and report your findings. You also need to communicate with your team and stakeholders about the progress and status of your testing and any changes or updates that may affect your testing.

6 Analyze and improve your tests

The sixth and final step is to analyze and improve your tests based on the feedback and data you collect. You need to compare the actual results with the expected results and identify the gaps and areas of improvement. You need to prioritize and fix the bugs and issues that affect the quality and functionality of your app. You also need to review and refine your test cases and test methods to make sure they are relevant, accurate, and efficient. You may need to repeat some or all of the previous steps until you achieve the desired level of quality for your app.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?