Mobile App Testing Checklist for Developers

Don't launch without this checklist! Complete pre-launch testing guide for mobile apps covering bugs, crashes, compatibility, and user acceptance testing.

2. Mobile App Testing Checklist: A
Comprehensive QA Guide


1.​Device-Specific Checklist​

2.​Network-Specific Checklist​

3.​Application Functionality Checklist​

4.​Application UI/UX Checklist​

5.​Performance Checklist​

6.​Security Checklist​

7.​Installation & Update Checklist​

8.​Localization & Globalization Checklist​

9.​Usability Checklist​

10.​Accessibility Checklist​

11.​App Store/Play Store Compliance Checklist​

12.​Beta Testing & User Feedback Checklist​

13.​Post-Release Monitoring Checklist

3. Mobile apps have become an integral part of daily life, serving purposes ranging from
communication and entertainment to productivity and business operations. With the
increasing reliance on mobile applications, ensuring their quality, reliability, and user
satisfaction has never been more critical.
Mobile app testing is the process of validating that an app functions as intended across
different devices, operating systems, and network conditions, while also providing a
seamless and secure user experience. To ensure thorough testing, QA teams often test an
android emulator as part of their workflow to simulate various devices and OS versions. This
approach helps identify defects early, improves app performance, ensures compliance with
platform guidelines, and reduces post-release failures.
This Mobile App Testing Checklist is designed as a comprehensive guide for QA teams,
developers, and testers, providing a structured approach to verify the functionality, usability,
performance, security, and compliance of mobile applications. By following this checklist,
teams can ensure:
●​The app works flawlessly across different devices, screen sizes, and OS versions.​

●​Users experience intuitive navigation, responsive interfaces, and accessibility
compliance.​

●​The app performs efficiently under varied network conditions and heavy usage.​

●​Security, privacy, and compliance requirements are met before release.​

●​Continuous monitoring, feedback, and updates maintain app quality post-release.​

This checklist is organized into multiple sections, covering device-specific behavior, network
conditions, app functionality, UI/UX, performance, security, usability, accessibility, app store
compliance, beta testing, and post-release monitoring, allowing teams to perform systematic
and thorough testing at every stage of the mobile app lifecycle.

Got it — thanks for pointing that out. You want the entire checklist written as questions
(like: “Does the app behave as designed if…?”) and all major sections included (Device,
Network, Application, UI/UX, Performance, Security, Installation, etc.).

4. Mobile App Testing Checklist

1. Device-Specific Checklist
Mobile apps run on a variety of devices with different hardware, sensors, and configurations.
This section ensures the app responds correctly to device-specific conditions such as
incoming calls, battery changes, orientation shifts, button interactions, and other physical
scenarios that could affect functionality.​
Sr.
No.
Description Remarks
1.1 Can the app be installed and launched on the device without issues?
1.2 Does the app behave as expected when there is an incoming call?
1.3 Does the app behave as expected when there is an incoming SMS?
1.4 Does the app behave as expected when the charger is connected?
1.5 Does the app behave as expected when the charger is disconnected?
1.6 Does the app behave as expected when the device goes into sleep
mode?

1.7 Does the app behave as expected when the device resumes from
sleep mode?

1.8 Does the app behave as expected when resuming from lock screen?
1.9 Does the app behave as expected when the device is rotated/tilted?
1.10 Does the app behave as expected when the device is shaken?
1.11 Does the app handle push notifications from built-in apps (calendar,
reminders, etc.)?

1.12 Does the app handle push notifications from third-party apps
(WhatsApp, Facebook, Gmail, etc.)?

1.13 Does the app correctly interact with GPS (enable/disable, retrieve
location)?

1.14 Do all hardware buttons (power, volume, back, menu, search, home)
work as intended within the app?

1.15 Do undefined buttons avoid causing unexpected behavior?

5. 1.16 Does the app handle low battery warning correctly?
1.17 Does the app behave as expected when the device is in Airplane
Mode?

1.18 Can the app be uninstalled successfully?
1.19 Does the app function correctly after reinstallation?
1.20 Can the app be found in Play Store/App Store after publishing?
1.21 Does the app switch between apps smoothly in multitasking mode?
1.22 Does the app respond correctly to touch inputs with a screen
protector?


2. Network-Specific Checklist
Users access apps under varying network conditions, from high-speed Wi-Fi to unstable
mobile data. This section tests how the app behaves under different connectivity scenarios,
including network loss, network switching, and tethering, ensuring reliable performance at all
times.
Sr.
No.
Description Remarks
2.1 Does the app work correctly on Wi-Fi?
2.2 Does the app work correctly on 2G/3G/4G/5G data networks?
2.3 Does the app show appropriate error messages when network is
unavailable?

2.4 Does the app resume correctly after network restoration?
2.5 Does the app work when tethered or used via hotspot?
2.6 Does the app handle switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data
seamlessly?

2.7 Does the app use only standard ports (HTTP 80/443, SFTP 22, etc.)?

3. Application Functionality Checklist

6. The core purpose of an app is to deliver functional features to users. This section verifies
that all functionalities, workflows, and integrations work as intended, and that common
operations, multi-touch gestures, and background interactions do not break or cause errors.


Sr.
No.
Description Remarks
3.1 Has the app been tested on different devices and OS versions?
3.2 Does the app remain stable during rapid scrolling through large lists?
3.3 Does the app handle boundary scrolling (before first/after last item)?
3.4 Is the app download blocked when exceeding OS-imposed limits on
cellular networks?

3.5 Does the app integrate correctly with social networks (Facebook,
LinkedIn, etc.)?

3.6 Does the app avoid interfering with other apps running in the
background (music, GPS, etc.)?

3.7 Can the user print from the app (if applicable)?
3.8 Does the search feature return relevant and accurate results?
3.9 Do gestures (tap, swipe, pinch, zoom, drag) function properly?
3.10 How does the app behave during unintended multi-touch actions?
3.11 Is the app name intuitive and self-explanatory?
3.12 Does the app manage cached data efficiently (limit/clear cache)?
3.13 Does the app minimize server load with optimized data reloads?
3.14 Does the app enter background sleep mode to save battery?
3.15 Does the app request permissions (camera, location, contacts)
appropriately?


4. Application UI/UX Checklist
A visually appealing and intuitive interface is critical for user engagement. This section
ensures that the app’s layout, design elements, navigation, and user interactions are
consistent, readable, and provide a seamless user experience across devices and screen
sizes.

7. Sr. No. Description Remarks
4.1 Do controls fade or hide when not in use (non-intrusive design)?
4.2 Can users navigate back to the previous screen easily?
4.3 Are fonts, colors, and text readable across devices?
4.4 Are icons intuitive and consistent?
4.5 Does the app layout adjust properly to portrait and landscape
modes?

4.6 Is the branding/theme consistent across screens?
4.7 Does the app meet accessibility standards (VoiceOver, TalkBack)?
4.8 Are error and success messages clear and helpful?
4.9 Does the app support dark mode (if required)?

5. Performance Checklist
Apps must remain fast and stable even under heavy usage. This section evaluates
responsiveness, memory and CPU usage, battery consumption, and app behavior under
stress or high load, ensuring smooth and efficient operation at all times.

Sr. No. Description Remarks
5.1 Does the app launch within an acceptable time frame?
5.2 Is memory consumption within limits?
5.3 Is CPU usage optimized?
5.4 Is battery consumption reasonable during long usage?
5.5 Does the app handle heavy user load without crashing?
5.6 Does the app behave correctly with intermittent network conditions?
5.7 Can the app recover gracefully after a crash?

6. Security Checklist

8. User data and app integrity must be protected. This section tests authentication,
authorization, data encryption, session management, and compliance with privacy standards
to ensure the app is secure from vulnerabilities and misuse.

Sr. No. Description Remarks
6.1 Is authentication (login/signup) secure?
6.2 Is sensitive data encrypted in storage and transit?
6.3 Does the app prevent SQL injections and code injections?
6.4 Are user sessions managed securely (timeouts, auto logout)?
6.5 Are permissions requested only when necessary?
6.6 Does the app comply with GDPR/CCPA or other regional privacy
laws?


7. Installation & Update Checklist
Installing and updating an app should be smooth and error-free. This section checks the
installation, uninstallation, and update processes, including data retention and app behavior
after reinstallation or upgrade.



Sr. No. Description Remarks
7.1 Can the app be installed without errors?
7.2 Can the app be updated without data loss?
7.3 Does the app retain user preferences after
update?

7.4 Can the app roll back safely to a previous
version?


8. Localization & Globalization Checklist
Apps must adapt to users from different regions and languages. This section ensures correct
display of multilingual content, right-to-left layouts, locale-specific formats, and culturally
appropriate design, so users worldwide can interact seamlessly.

9. Sr. No. Description Remarks
8.1 Does the app display text correctly in multiple languages?
8.2 Does the app handle right-to-left (RTL) languages properly?
8.3 Are date, time, and currency formats displayed correctly per
locale?

8.4 Are translations contextually accurate?


9. Usability Checklist
Even a functional app can fail if it’s hard to use. This section assesses ease of navigation,
intuitiveness of workflows, and overall user satisfaction, focusing on practical usability from a
real user’s perspective.


Sr. No. Description Remarks
9.1 Is the app navigation intuitive and easy to understand?
9.2 Are all app features accessible without extensive learning?
9.3 Are instructions, prompts, and messages clear for users?
9.4 Are error messages helpful and actionable?
9.5 Is the onboarding process clear and simple for first-time users?
9.6 Are common workflows (search, purchase, share)
straightforward?

9.7 Are important features reachable within minimal taps/clicks?
9.8 Does the app respond correctly to user mistakes or invalid inputs?

10. 10. Accessibility Checklist
Apps should be usable by everyone, including users with disabilities. This section verifies
compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers, voice commands, and
alternative input methods, ensuring accessibility compliance.



Sr. No. Description Remarks
10.1 Does the app support screen readers (VoiceOver, TalkBack)?
10.2 Are all interactive elements labeled for assistive technologies?
10.3 Can the app be navigated using only a keyboard or external
controller?

10.4 Are color contrasts sufficient for visually impaired users?
10.5 Are text sizes adjustable without breaking the layout?
10.6 Are gestures accessible and explained for differently-abled users?

11. App Store / Play Store Compliance Checklist
To reach users, an app must comply with platform rules. This section checks adherence to
App Store and Play Store guidelines, submission requirements, discoverability, metadata
accuracy, and readiness for release.

Sr.
No.
Description Remarks
11.1 Does the app comply with platform-specific guidelines (Apple /
Google)?

11.2 Are app metadata (title, description, screenshots) accurate and
complete?

11.3 Does the app meet size and performance requirements for
publishing?

11.4 Is the app versioning properly handled?
11.5 Does the app pass all store review requirements (content, privacy,
security)?

11.6 Are required app permissions justified and clearly requested?

11. 12. Beta Testing & User Feedback Checklist
Real-world testing identifies issues that lab environments may miss. This section guides
collection and evaluation of user feedback, crash reports, and usability concerns during beta
testing to improve the app before public launch.

Sr. No. Description Remarks
12.1 Has the app been tested with a representative set of real users?
12.2 Is there a process to collect and track user feedback efficiently?
12.3 Are crash reports and bug logs collected automatically from beta
testers?

12.4 Are feature requests and usability suggestions documented for
review?

12.5 Does the app behave consistently across different user
environments?

12.6 Are critical issues addressed promptly before official release?

13. Post-Release Monitoring Checklist
After launch, apps need ongoing monitoring to maintain quality. This section tracks
performance, crashes, security incidents, and user feedback, ensuring continuous
improvement and timely issue resolution.

Sr. No. Description Remarks
13.1 Is app performance monitored continuously after release?
13.2 Are crash reports and exceptions tracked in real-time?
13.3 Are user analytics tracked to measure engagement and retention?
13.4 Are app updates and bug fixes released regularly based on
monitoring?

13.5 Is there a process for handling user complaints and support tickets?
13.6 Are security vulnerabilities monitored and patched promptly?