5 Mobile App Testing Challenges and Solutions

There is a plethora of mobile app testing challenges that QA teams face. From compatibility issues to network issues to privacy concerns, the list goes on.

Thankfully, at Qniverse, we’ve perfected the art of testing mobile apps, and we understand how important it is.

One report by Statista states the number of smartphone users is expected to reach 7.6 billion by 2027, which reiterates the criticality of mobile app testing.

Let us now look at some of the major challenges in mobile app testing and how we tackle them at Qniverse.

1. OS Compatibility

At first glance, OS compatibility may not seem like much of an issue because there are only two platforms, right? Android and iOS?

Well, yes and no.

While there are two mobile platforms, there are multiple variants of each platform.

1. Android already has 15 versions (Android 1.0 to Android 15). As of 2025, Android developers need to optimize apps for Android 12, 13, 14, and 15.
2. iOS developers need to at least optimize for the last three years of iOS versions.
3. In addition to this, Android and iOS devices don’t update at the same time, leading to inconsistencies.

Therefore, testing an Android or an iOS application for compatibility is a much bigger headache than anticipated.

Solution

OS fragmentation is a major issue that QA engineers need to take into account.

1. QAs should test devices across a range of OS versions. Priority should be given to the latest devices and OS versions, but it is vital to consider edge cases for uncommon devices.
2. To reduce the hassle, it is best to perform testing on virtual machines that mimic the target environment.
3. Still, a final round of testing on actual devices is unnegotiable.

Find out how Qniverse can help test your mobile applications for OS compatibility.

2. Wide Spectrum of?Devices

As with the OS versions, device types are also extensive.

1. There are more than 24,000 Android devices, each with a distinct configuration.
2. Unique designs, unique screen sizes, different processors, and various configurations of RAM and internal storage make app development in Android extremely difficult.
3. For instance, there are Android devices with 4GB RAM running Android 15 and some with 16GB RAM running the exact same Android version.
4. In the case of iOS, there are fewer devices, but you still need to optimize the application for both iPhones and iPads, which adds a layer of complexity.

All of these make testing for performance in these devices super difficult.

Even two devices with the same CPU and memory may run the same app differently due to variations in clock speed and memory type.

Solution

To tackle this challenge, it’s important to:

1. Perform performance testing on a wide range of devices, not just the latest models.
2. Focus on key performance indicators such as load time, app response time, and memory usage.
3. Identify performance bottlenecks so that developers can better optimize the application.

3. Network Connectivity

Most mobile apps today are connected to the internet one way or another. But networks can be unpredictable.

1. There are 4G, 4.5G, and 5G networks today.
2. Wi-Fi networks have different bands and types.
3. Issues like disconnection, slow internet, and weak signals can cause data-heavy applications (such as streaming platforms and games) to behave abnormally.

And testing for these scenarios manually can be a time-consuming endeavor.

Solution

1. Simulate different network conditions during testing.
2. Automate your tests in these different simulations to get an overview of potential issues.

4. Security and Privacy?Concerns

Security is a major concern, especially in 2025. As smartphone penetration grows worldwide, user data is more vulnerable than ever.

Every mobile app needs to undergo strict security checks before release.

One myth about mobile app testing is that security testing is done exclusively by Google Play Store and Apple App Store when you upload the app.

This is not the case at all! The app stores only perform a routine check. Other aspects of security need to be tested by developers and QA engineers.

Key Security Challenges

1. Multiple devices, platforms, and OS versions?—?each with unique security requirements.
2. App piracy?—?illegal versions of apps being released.
3. Identity theft, account hacking, and phishing scams caused by security loopholes.
4. Unwanted permissions that compromise user privacy.

Solution

While testing any mobile application for security, the primary things to check are:

1. How effectively the app handles authentication.
2. Identifying vulnerabilities that can cause data leaks.
3. Checking for proper encryption methods.
4. Testing regular security updates before implementation, as updates can introduce potential vulnerabilities.
5. Staying informed on privacy regulations and practicing penetration testing to find security flaws.

5. Consistency in User Experience (UX)

Maintaining a consistent User Experience (UX) in mobile applications is a huge undertaking.

This is partly because user requirements differ based on platform and device.

1. A mobile game will have an entirely different experience on a low-end device compared to a high-end device.
2. Different screen sizes impact the UI design and layout.
3. Even factors like battery capacity can influence the UX.

Solution

As a QA, you need to:

1. Test for consistency across devices with different screen sizes.
2. Gather data on battery behavior across devices.
3. Check how much heat an application generates while running?—?heat testing is crucial for a good user experience.
4. Recommend responsive design to developers to ensure adaptability across various devices.

Final Words

Most organizations today consider mobile applications to be the first point of contact for customers.

Perfection is no longer optional?—?it’s essential!

Ensuring a smooth experience across countless devices is no walk in the park.

This has turned Mobile App QA into the backbone of mobile app development. But testing a mobile app comes with tons of challenges.

At Qniverse, we recognize these challenges and work to turn them into opportunities. We help your applications stand out in the ever-growing digital marketplace.

Reach out to Qniverse to discuss how we can help with your mobile app testing.