Mobile apps are a big deal these days. Almost all business happens through mobile apps. The thing with this is that the apps need to function perfectly around the clock. To make sure that these applications work as intended, you need specialized testers and developers. This means that the mobile testing job market will grow exponentially to match these expectations.

When interviewing for a role in the universe of mobile testing, you will be asked the following categories of questions.

  • Foundational Mobile Testing Knowledge
    • Understanding of Mobile Testing Principles
    • Operating System and Device Knowledge
  • Testing Methodologies and Strategies
    • Test Planning and Execution
    • Specific Testing Types
  • Technical Skills and Tools
    • Mobile Testing Tools
    • Technical Understanding
  • Automation Expertise
    • Automation Frameworks
  • Problem-Solving and Communication
    • Troubleshooting
    • Communication
    • Adaptability and Learning
    • Conflict Management
  • Scenario-based Questions

The above categories are what generally occur. But depending on your seniority level, you might be asked more advanced questions revolving around the management aspect of mobile testing (like stakeholder management, crisis handling, etc.)

Whether you’re looking for a job switch, are a beginner, or someone looking to upgrade yourself, this article will provide the insights and knowledge to answer the interview questions confidently.

Mobile Testing Interview Questions

1. What is the difference between mobile testing and mobile application testing?

Tip: Consider explaining in a way that shows that you’ve understood the concept. Use examples or analogies to explain.

Sample Answer:

  • Mobile device testing focuses on the device itself, such as the device’s performance, durability, battery life, network connectivity, screen sensitivity, camera quality, audio quality, and other hardware features. Other physical attributes to check are weight, size, screen resolution, memory capacity, processor performance, button functionality, and sensor accuracy.
  • Mobile application testing focuses on verifying mobile apps’ functionality, usability, and consistency. This includes testing for app crashes, mobile device features (like GPS, camera, etc.) integration, and compatibility with different operating systems and device models.

2. What are the different types of mobile applications?

Tip: Mention the different types with examples.

Sample Answer:

There are three types of mobile applications:

  • Native Applications: They are developed specifically for a particular mobile operating system and written in languages that the platform accepts (e.g., Swift and Objective-C for iOS apps and Kotlin or Java for Android apps).
    Disadvantage: If you want to build and maintain apps for both iOS and Android, you need to create two different apps in two different code bases.
  • Web Applications: They are websites optimized to look and feel like native apps. They are accessed through the mobile device’s web browser using a URL. They are easier to build and maintain than native apps since they use a common codebase across multiple platforms.
    Disadvantage: They are typically slower than native apps and can’t use device utilities. They also need an internet connection to work and can’t utilize the device’s hardware to the same extent as native apps.
  • Hybrid Applications: They are an amalgamation of both native and web applications. The application’s core is written using web technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), which are then encapsulated within a native app. Developers can write code once and still accommodate multiple platforms.
    Disadvantage: Hybrid apps might still be slower compared to native apps and might not have smooth UI.

3. What are the different challenges with mobile testing that you have faced?

Tip: Try to explain each challenge with an example to show that you understand those points beyond what you’ve read. If you’ve experienced them, then share your experience as an example. The following answer lists the common challenges faced during mobile testing.

Sample Answer:

  • Device Fragmentation: There are so many different devices, screen sizes, and operating systems (like iOS and Android), each with its own version. Testing an app across all these combinations can be time-consuming and tricky.
  • Thorough UI and UX Testing: Test the app’s good user experience across devices with different screen sizes, resolutions, and orientations.
  • Finding Performance Issues: Testing for app performance, such as load times, speed, responsiveness, etc.
  • Managing Security Issues and Breaches: With mobile apps handling sensitive data, ensuring data security (like encryption and safe storage) is critical and can be tricky to validate, especially on different devices.
  • Getting Approvals: Sometimes, the guidelines/requirements for the app store approval are challenging to fulfill.
  • Integration Testing: Various hardware/software components like GPS, camera, APIs, and third-party solutions are integrated with mobiles. Thorough integration testing is challenging to complete in shorter sprints.
  • Setting Up Automation Testing: Creating automated tests that work across different devices and platforms is complex, costly, and requires many resources.
  • Compliance Requirements: Missing any legal and regulatory requirements specific to mobile apps during testing can result in legal actions and losing users.
  • Test Environment: Finding the right testing tools and environments (real devices vs. emulators, cloud testing, etc.) is a challenge, as emulators may not replicate real-world scenarios perfectly.

4. What is responsive design testing, and why is it important in mobile app testing?

Tip: This type of testing is quite crucial to modern mobile testing. Explain the definition and also mention how not doing responsive design testing can impact the user. If you’ve had some personal experience in this aspect, do share it as an example.

Sample Answer:

Responsive design testing is the process of making sure that a mobile app or website looks and works well on different screen sizes, resolutions, and devices. It involves testing how the app adjusts to fit different screen widths, whether it’s being used on a phone, tablet, or desktop. For example, a responsive app might rearrange its layout, resize images, or adjust font sizes depending on whether it’s being viewed in portrait or landscape mode or on a smaller or larger screen. Thus, this type of testing makes sure that your app delivers a seamless, consistent, and user-friendly experience on every device, which is crucial for keeping users happy and engaged.

5. Name the mobile testing tools that you know about.

Tip: Mention the mobile testing tools you have worked on and have adequate knowledge of since there may be more questions based on your answer. Here are some popular mobile testing tools: Mobile Testing Tools

6. Why are emulators used in mobile testing?

Tip: Try to explain emulators in a way that is not out of a textbook. Use simple language with a few crucial technical terms.

Sample Answer:

They are software tools that mimic the hardware and software of mobile devices. They help testers to simulate various devices and operating systems on their computers. This is particularly useful in the early stages of development and testing. Since, it enables quick and cost-effective testing without setting up physical devices.

Emulators are ideal for initial functional and feature testing, as they can rapidly replicate different environments and conditions. However, they can not entirely replace physical device testing. This is especially true for real-world user actions/interactions, battery usage, and device-specific hardware performance.

Read: Top 10 Leading Android Emulators for PCs

7. What are the differences between emulators and simulators?

Tip: Pick a few points to differentiate between the two. You can use an analogy to show that you’ve understood how the two differ.

Sample Answer:

Emulators and simulators are both tools used for testing mobile apps, but they work in different ways and have distinct purposes:

Emulators

  • Replicate the Entire Device: Emulators mimic the entire hardware and software of a real device, including the operating system, memory, CPU, and other components. They try to recreate the behavior of a real device as accurately as possible.
  • Run on Computers: You can run emulators on a computer to simulate how an app would behave on a real device, including device-specific features like GPS, touch, and more.
  • Realistic Testing: Since emulators replicate the entire device, they provide more realistic testing environments. However, they might not capture everything that happens on a real device.

Simulators

  • Simulate the Software Only: Simulators only imitate the software and operating system of a device, but not the hardware (like the CPU or memory). They simulate how the app behaves in terms of the operating system features, but they don’t replicate the device’s full functionality.
  • More Lightweight: Simulators are generally faster and use fewer resources compared to emulators since they only simulate the software, not the full device.
  • Less Accurate for Hardware Features: Since simulators don’t replicate hardware features, testing things like GPS, touch sensitivity, and network conditions may not be as accurate.

8. What is the importance of a test plan in mobile testing?

Tip: Explain quickly what test plans are and then hit on why they should be a part of your mobile testing strategy. If you’ve had a personal experience using them, do share that as well.

Sample Answer:

A test plan serves as a guide to make sure that the testing process is organized, focused, and covers all necessary aspects of the app. It helps by outlining the:

  • Testing Scope and Objectives: Outlines what needs to be tested.
  • Resource Allocation: Efficient use of resources across various testing environments (different devices, OS versions, network conditions).
  • Guides Testing Approach: Establishes the methodology for testing – manual and automated testing, real devices, emulators/simulators.
  • Defines Pass/Fail Criteria: Clearly defines the criteria for a passed or failed test.
  • Monitors Progress: Helps monitor the testing process to stay within timelines and budgets.
  • Identify Risks: Helps identify potential risks and then plans good mitigation strategies.
  • Achieves Comprehensive Coverage: All essential components of the mobile application are tested with good coverage.

Here is a complete guide for test planning.

Intermediate Mobile Testing Interview Questions

9. What strategy do you follow for testing a mobile application?

Tip: Explain the importance of having a strategy, irrespective of the type of testing. But do it very briefly. Then, explain your strategy to test a mobile application. Avoid textbook answers, and try to add from your personal experience.

Sample Answer:

I begin with a thorough understanding of the application’s requirements and user demographics to align the testing strategy with user needs and business goals.

  • Requirement Analysis: This involves understanding the app’s functionality, target audience, and key performance indicators.
  • Device and OS Selection: Based on the target audience, I select a range of devices and operating systems.
  • Test Planning: A detailed test plan that includes the scope, types of testing to be performed, resources needed, timeline, and risk assessment is created.
  • Select Types of Testing: There can be functional, usability, performance, regression, security, compatibility, localization, manual, and automated testing required. Testing types to be conducted are decided based on the project requirement.
    Here is an in-depth article about various functional testing types.
  • Continuous Testing and Integration: If the project follows Agile or DevOps methodologies (which is a norm now), I incorporate continuous testing into the development cycle.
  • Monitoring and Feedback: To identify and fix issues that are not covered in test cases, monitoring and user/developer feedback are used.
  • Reporting and Documentation: Keeping detailed records of test cases, results, bugs, and fixes for analysis and improvement.

10. How do you perform compatibility testing of mobile apps?

Tip: Share your personal technique to perform compatibility testing.

Sample Answer:

I focus on testing that the app works seamlessly across different devices, operating systems, screen sizes, and resolutions. First, I select a range of popular devices, both Android and iOS, and test the app on various versions of these operating systems since older versions might have different behaviors. I also test the app on different screen sizes and orientations (portrait and landscape mode) to check how the layout adjusts and whether it remains user-friendly. Additionally, I make sure the app works well on different browsers (if it’s a web-based mobile app) and with different network conditions, such as 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi. This makes sure that users will have a consistent experience no matter what device or environment they’re using. Compatibility testing helps identify any issues that could arise due to device-specific configurations, making sure the app delivers a smooth and reliable experience for all users.

11. What is the importance of usability testing during mobile testing?

Tip: When explaining the importance of usability testing, you can use examples of real-world users or even your own.

Sample Answer:

It directly impacts user satisfaction, engagement, and market growth. We make sure that the mobile app is intuitive, easy to navigate, and provides a positive UX (user experience). Using usability testing, we can identify and rectify any issues related to the app’s design and functionality from a user’s perspective. Such as assessing the ease of use, understanding UI elements, and checking that the app effectively meets the intended user needs.

12. What do you know about cloud-based mobile testing?

Tip: Share your understanding of the cloud and how it is applicable to mobile testing. Use personal experiences in this aspect as well to show that you understand this well.

Sample Answer:

Cloud-based mobile testing involves using cloud services to test mobile applications. It provides access to many mobile devices, operating systems, and network environments over the cloud, eliminating the need for physical device labs. It also supports remote testing and team collaboration. It easily integrates with CI/CD pipelines for automated testing. Cloud-based mobile testing provides more test coverage, faster time-to-market, and adapts well to agile and DevOps methodologies. You can choose from many infrastructure providers based on your device/platform requirements and budget.

13. How do you test different mobile screen resolutions and sizes?

Tip: Share your personal technique to do this. You can explain the testing areas below to provide an overview of your experience.

Sample Answer:

  • Device Emulators and Simulators: Using emulators and simulators to test the application on different screen sizes and resolutions.
  • Real Device Testing: Testing on real devices to get an accurate sense of the app’s look and feel on different screens.
  • Responsive Design Testing: This makes sure that the layout, images, buttons, and other UI elements adjust correctly to different screen sizes.
  • Breakpoint Testing: To identify and test critical breakpoints where the app’s layout changes to adapt to different screen resolutions.
  • Automated Testing Tools: For efficiency, I use automated testing tools that can simulate a variety of screen sizes and resolutions.
  • Visual Inspection: Manual and automated visual inspections are performed to check for UI elements’ alignment, readability, and potential distortions or clipping on different screens.
  • User Interface Guidelines Compliance: I check the app adheres to the UI guidelines provided by major platforms like iOS and Android.
  • Checking the Performance: Besides the layout, testing performance aspects like loading times and memory usage as well on different devices is important.

14. Why do we require security testing in mobile apps?

Tip: You can start by highlighting how important security is in this data-driven world. Share impacts of poor security on mobile apps. Use examples to explain.

Sample Answer:

Mobile apps often access, store, and transmit sensitive user data such as financial information, location, identities, medical records, etc. It’s necessary to protect this data against unauthorized access, breaches, and other security threats. Security testing helps identify vulnerabilities within the app, such as weak encryption, insecure data storage, or susceptibility to attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting. Through security testing, the app complies with data protection regulations, maintains user trust, and safeguards the app’s integrity and reputation in the marketplace.

15. How do you perform performance testing on mobile applications? What metrics do you consider?

Tip: Explain why you do what you do while doing performance testing.

Sample Answer:

For performance testing, I focus on how the app behaves under different conditions, such as varying levels of usage and system resources. The goal is to make sure the app runs smoothly without slowing down or crashing, even when the device is under stress. I test how the app performs with different network conditions (like 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi) to see if it can handle slow or unstable connections. I also check how it performs when the device is low on battery, memory, or storage, as these can affect the app’s behavior. Some key metrics I consider during performance testing include load time (how quickly the app opens or responds to actions), response time (how fast the app reacts to user inputs), battery usage (how much power the app consumes), memory usage (how much RAM the app uses), and CPU usage (how much processing power the app requires). By monitoring these metrics, I can ensure that the app offers a smooth, responsive, and efficient experience for users.

16. What are your strategies for regression testing in mobile environments?

Tip: Explain your understanding of regression testing in a mobile environment very briefly. Then, explain your strategy to deal with it.

Sample Answer:

Here’s how I approach it:

  • Identify Core Features: First, I identify the core functionalities of the app that are most likely to be impacted by changes (like login, payment, or navigation). These features are critical and should be tested thoroughly after every update.
  • Create a Test Suite: I create a regression test suite that includes tests for both new features and important functionalities that shouldn’t be affected by the updates. This suite ensures that key parts of the app are always tested, regardless of changes.
  • Test Across Devices and OS Versions: Since mobile apps run on various devices and operating systems, I test the app on multiple devices and OS versions (both old and new). This helps catch any issues that may occur due to different hardware or software configurations.
  • Automate Repetitive Tests: For efficiency, I automate the repetitive regression tests. Automated tests can be run quickly and frequently, ensuring that no existing functionality is broken with every new release.
  • Focus on Interactions with New Features: Whenever new features are added, I specifically test how they interact with existing features. Sometimes, new functionality can unintentionally affect other parts of the app, so I check for any issues that might arise from those interactions.
  • Real Device Testing: Even though emulators or simulators are helpful, I always make sure to test on real devices as well to ensure the app works as expected in real-world conditions. This is particularly important for catching performance issues or device-specific bugs.

17. How do you handle frequent updates during mobile testing?

Tip: Explain your strategy with an example.

Sample Answer:

My approach involves creating a solid test suite that includes both functional and regression tests. This allows me to quickly test the app after every update, making sure new changes don’t break existing features. Since mobile apps often have rapid updates, I also prioritize automating tests for the most critical functions so they can be run frequently without extra effort. When new features are added, or bugs are fixed, I always perform smoke testing to ensure the basic functionalities still work.

Additionally, I keep close communication with the development team to understand what changes are being made, so I can focus on the areas most likely to be affected. During updates, I continuously test the app on multiple devices and operating system versions to catch any device-specific issues, and I pay close attention to performance and network conditions, as updates can sometimes affect the app’s speed or responsiveness. By being organized, automating key tests, and staying informed about changes, I can effectively handle frequent updates while maintaining the app’s quality.

18. How do you test push notifications on mobile?

Tip: Use an example from your experience to explain.

Sample Answer:

We can first check that the mobile app correctly registers for notifications and receives them. This involves sending notifications in both foreground and background states. We should test on different devices/OS versions to maintain compatibility. Check for the correct display of notification content such as title, message, and any other custom data if present.

We should verify successful user interaction with the notification. For example, open the app, perform a specific action, and check that the app responds appropriately.

Use the below example to answer this question:

19. What’s your experience with mobile API testing?

Tip: Share that you understand the basics of APIs even if you don’t have any real-world experience with them. If you do, then share away.

Sample Answer:

APIs are critical for testing the app functions properly, especially when dealing with data such as user profiles, push notifications, or real-time updates. In my approach, I use tools like Postman or SoapUI to test the API endpoints by sending requests and checking the responses. I verify that the API returns the expected data, handles errors correctly, and performs efficiently under different network conditions (e.g., 3G, Wi-Fi). I also check the security of the API to ensure that sensitive data is encrypted and that proper authentication is in place to prevent unauthorized access. Since mobile apps rely heavily on APIs for real-time data exchange, I focus on testing edge cases, such as what happens when the network is slow or if the API returns incorrect data.

20. What is your approach to testing e-commerce mobile apps?

Tip: Emphasize that you test e-commerce apps from both technical and user perspectives. Share your strategy and explain with an example if possible.

Sample Answer:

I start by testing the user registration and login process to ensure it’s easy and secure. Then, I move on to the product browsing and search features, making sure products load correctly, search results are accurate, and users can easily filter and sort items. The shopping cart functionality is crucial, so I test adding/removing items, applying discount codes, and calculating total prices, including taxes and shipping costs. I also test the checkout process, testing payment options (credit cards, PayPal, etc.) work securely and smoothly.

Performance is another key area, so I test how the app handles heavy traffic, especially during peak times like sales or promotions, making sure it doesn’t slow down or crash. I also perform security testing to ensure user data (especially payment information) is protected and encrypted. Finally, I test the app’s compatibility across various devices, operating systems, and screen sizes to make sure it looks and works well for all users. My approach combines functional, usability, security, and performance testing to ensure the app delivers a seamless and secure shopping experience.

21. What are the challenges in testing streaming services on mobile?

Sample Answer:

We must test streaming quality across different network conditions (like 3G, 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi). Users expect consistent performance irrespective of network variability. Compatibility testing is necessary due to the broad range of mobile devices, each with different screen sizes, resolutions, and hardware capabilities.

Buffering and latency are top areas to test for so that there is minimal lag and smooth playback. Testing should check the app’s handling of interruptions like calls or notifications and its impact on streaming continuity. Battery consumption and data usage optimization are also important, as streaming services can significantly impact these. Content security and DRM (Digital Rights Management) compliance is essential to protect against unauthorized access or piracy.

22. How do you ensure data privacy during mobile testing?

Tip: Briefly share your understanding of the legal implications of poor data privacy. Then dive into your way of handling it.

Sample Answer:

I start by encrypting sensitive user data to prevent unauthorized access or breaches. Data protection regulations like GDPR or CCPA should be followed throughout the testing process. A secure test environment requires isolation from live environments to avoid accidental data leaks.

Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments are conducted to correct potential privacy risks. Limited data access to authorized personnel only and regular training on the latest data privacy practices and protocols are helpful.

Mobile Testing Interview Questions for Experienced

23. hat is your approach to test automation in mobile testing?

Tip: Also explain why you rely on your approach.

Sample Answers:

I start by identifying test cases that are repetitive and time-consuming as prime candidates for automation. Then, a combination of testing tools like Appium, Selenium, etc., depending on the app’s platform and requirements, is used.

The next task is to integrate automated testing into the CI/CD pipeline to make sure tests are run automatically with each build, with continuous maintenance and update of test scripts. I make sure that the automation scripts are modular, reusable, and easy to maintain. This involves using data-driven and keyword-driven approaches to make the scripts more adaptable to changes in the app.

A balanced use of automated and manual testing is maintained, especially for exploratory, usability, and ad-hoc scenarios. I regularly review and update the automation strategy and test cases with my team.

24. How do you test the scalability of mobile apps?

Sample Answer:

I conduct performance testing under various load conditions to assess how the app handles increased user traffic and data processing. This includes load testing to evaluate the app’s behavior under expected user loads and stress testing to determine its limits.

Scalability testing specifically measures the app’s capacity to scale up/down in response to increased workload, like adding more users or transactions. This involves gradually increasing the load and monitoring the app’s performance and resource usage.

Cloud-based testing environments simulate a wide range of user scenarios and device configurations. Automated testing runs these tests quickly and efficiently at scale, ensuring consistent test coverage as the app grows.

25. Why is Continuous Integration important in mobile app testing?

Tip: Use an example from your experience to explain.

Sample Answer:

Continuous Integration (CI) is a real game-changer in detecting issues early, enhancing the quality of our code, and speeding up getting our apps out there. It is all about frequently adding new or updated code. This happens several times a day and is tested immediately in a shared space. This rapid cycle helps spot and fix any hitches in integration. Things move fast here, and constant updates in operating systems and various phone models are required.

CI is also a big contributor to automated tests. This means we can make sure any new updates play nicely with what we already have (that’s our regression testing). That’s incredibly important when considering a whole spectrum of devices and operating system versions. Everyone stays on the same page, boosting team communication and ensuring our app development is hitting the mark with users’ needs.

26. What are the challenges in testing IoT-based mobile applications?

Sample Answer:

  • Huge Range of Devices: There’s the challenge of device diversity and interoperability, as IoT involves various devices and sensors with different specifications and communication protocols. Ensuring the mobile app functions correctly with all these devices is crucial.
  • Critical Performance Testing: Another challenge is network connectivity and performance testing. IoT devices often rely on different network technologies (like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or cellular networks), and testing how the app performs under varying network conditions is essential.
  • Security and Privacy Testing: They are also more complex due to the sensitive nature of data collected and transmitted by IoT devices. It’s critical to ensure robust security protocols to protect against data breaches and unauthorized access.
  • UI and UX Testing: User interface and experience testing for IoT apps can be challenging, as these apps often need to present complex data in a user-friendly manner.
  • Handling Scalability: Top concern, as IoT systems may need to handle many devices and a massive amount of data.

27. How do you test voice-integrations in mobile apps?

Tip: Use an example from your experience to explain.

Sample Answer:

We test the voice recognition capability under various conditions, including different accents, speech patterns, and background noise levels, to ensure the app accurately captures and interprets spoken commands.

Conducting functionality testing to verify that the app correctly executes the commands it receives through voice input, covering a wide range of possible user commands helps. Compatibility testing is important to make sure that the voice integration works seamlessly across different devices and operating systems.

Usability testing to evaluate the ease of use and intuitiveness of voice interactions, ensuring they enhance the overall user experience. This includes testing the app’s responses for clarity and relevance. I also include tests for how the app handles ambiguous/unknown commands, checking its ability to guide users gracefully in such scenarios.

28. What is your approach to testing AR/VR features in mobile apps?

Sample Answer:

The main point to remember is to focus on technical performance and user experience. I start with functionality testing to ensure that the AR/VR features work as intended, including accurate environment mapping and object placement for AR and immersive VR environments.

Performance testing is unavoidable, as AR/VR applications are quite resource-intensive. I assess how the app performs under different hardware conditions. Also, I pay special attention to frame rates, latency, and overall system stability.

Usability testing is another key component, where I evaluate the user interface and interaction design within the AR/VR environment. This includes assessing ease of navigation, intuitiveness of controls, and user comfort, especially for prolonged usage.

I also use compatibility testing to test the app’s functions well across various devices with different processing capabilities, camera qualities, and display resolutions.

There is always a strong emphasis on safety and privacy aspects. To evaluate that the app provides adequate user guidance to prevent physical accidents in AR scenarios and securely handles user data in VR environments.

29. How do you test maps and GIS during mobile testing?

Tip: Use an example from your experience to explain.

Sample Answer:

I focus on both functional and user experience aspects. Functionally, I verify that map loading, zooming, and scrolling are smooth and accurate. This includes testing the accuracy of GIS data and ensuring that location tracking, waypoints, and geographic features are correctly displayed and updated in real-time.

Conducting usability testing to see that map interfaces are user-friendly and intuitive, with clear icons and labels. Compatibility testing is important to check that maps render correctly across different devices and screen sizes.

For GPS apps, I test under various conditions, such as different urban and rural environments, to ensure reliable location tracking. Network condition testing is also done to see how the app’s map and GIS features perform under different connectivity scenarios.

The app should also adhere to privacy laws and guidelines, especially when handling user location data.

30. How do you test mobile payment systems?

Tip: Use an example from your experience to explain.

Sample Answer:

Mobile payment systems testing involves a razor-sharp, detailed, and security-focused approach. Starting with functional testing to validate all payment-related functionalities. This includes transactions, card storage, and payment processing, working as intended. Also, verifying integration with various payment gateways and methods like credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers is very important.

Security testing is unavoidable, where I rigorously test for vulnerabilities to prevent data breaches. Encryption of sensitive data like card details and compliance with industry standards like PCI DSS should be present.

Usability testing is also critical to ensure the payment process is user-friendly and intuitive. This minimizes the risk of user errors during transactions. The payment system should work seamlessly across devices, operating systems, and network conditions. It is verified through compatibility testing.

I also conduct stress testing to evaluate the system’s ability to handle high volumes of transactions simultaneously and test reliability and performance under peak loads. The system should handle various scenarios gracefully, such as payment failures, refunds, and transaction notifications.

31. How do you perform risk-based testing on mobile?

Tip: Use an example from your experience to explain.

Sample Answer:

For mobile applications, the approach is to prioritize test cases based on the potential risks and their impact on the app. We should first identify critical modules essential for the app’s operation. For example, user authentication, payment processing, or core business features.

To assess the risk associated with each functionality, consider factors like complexity, user interaction frequency, and the potential business impact of failure. High-risk areas receive the most attention in testing, ensuring thorough coverage.

We evaluate the likelihood of defects in various parts of the application, which might be based on historical data, the complexity of the code, or new features being introduced.This approach helps in the efficient allocation of testing resources and time. And thereby help focus the efforts where they are most needed.

32. What is your strategy to test large-scale mobile applications?

Sample Answer:

I start with understanding the application’s architecture and key functionalities and then identify critical areas for testing. Then, mainly, the below testing types are carried out depending on the app.

  • Scalability and Performance Testing: I focus on load and stress testing to test that the app can handle high user traffic and data processing without performance issues. This is done by simulating real-world scenarios with varying user loads.
  • Continuous Testing: Due to the scale, it is the best use case for automation testing. The repetitive and regression tests are automated to improve efficiency and coverage. Use automation testing and set up a CI/CD pipeline for continuous testing.
  • Compatibility Testing: Given the broad user base, the app is tested across various devices, operating systems, network conditions, etc.
  • Security Testing: I conduct thorough security testing, such as vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, to protect user data and meet regulatory standards.
  • User Experience (UX) Testing: Usability testing helps to test that the app remains user-friendly and intuitive for users, even with complex functionalities.
  • Beta Testing: Engaging real users in a beta test phase helps collect valuable user feedback. These real-world usage and scenarios may not be covered in test environments.
  • Monitoring and Analytics: Continuously tracking the app’s performance and user behavior in production helps resolve any live issues quickly without any impact.

33. Mention some best practices for handling mobile test data.

Sample Answer:

  • Data Masking: Personal testing data should be masked/encrypted to protect user privacy. Stick to data protection regulations like GDPR in handling and storing test data.
  • Use of Test Data Management Tools: Test data management (TDM ) tools are used to create, manage, maintain, and dispose of test data quickly.
  • Data Segregation: Keep test data separate from production data to avoid any security breaches.
  • Close to Real Data Sets: Use data sets that closely mimic real-world data for more accurate testing results, but do not forget to mask the production data.
  • Maintain Test Data: Regularly update test data to reflect current user behaviors and scenarios.
  • Storage and Transmission: Ensure test data is stored and transmitted securely. Use encryption if necessary.
  • Test Data Disposal: Properly dispose of test data after use to prevent any unauthorized access or use.

34. How do you approach exploratory testing for mobile apps?

Tip: Share your approach, preferably with an example.

Sample Answer:

When it comes to exploratory testing for mobile apps, my approach is more intuitive and focuses on understanding the app by using it in an unscripted, hands-on way. I explore the app from a user’s perspective, trying to interact with it in different ways to uncover any issues that might not be covered by traditional testing.

I start by familiarizing myself with the app’s core features and functionality, but then I deliberately try unusual actions – like tapping unexpected buttons, entering random text, or switching between screens quickly – to see how the app behaves under untested conditions. I also pay attention to areas where users might encounter difficulties, such as navigation, responsiveness, and overall usability.

During exploratory testing, I take notes on any bugs or unexpected behavior and report them with details on how I encountered the issue. Usually, I have a test charter which I think is a good way to have some order amidst the chaos of exploratory testing.

  • Explain your experience with agile testing methodologies in a mobile context.

Tip: Share your experience in this aspect.

Sample Answer:

My main experience has been with Scrums. In Agile, I collaborate closely with developers, product owners, and other team members to ensure that testing is continuous and aligned with the evolving requirements. I participate in daily stand-ups to stay updated on any changes and adjust testing efforts accordingly. During each sprint, I focus on testing the new features that are being developed, ensuring they meet the user stories and acceptance criteria outlined for that sprint. I often perform manual and automated testing to quickly check new functionality and catch any issues early.

Since mobile apps frequently receive updates and new features, I also perform regression testing to ensure that existing functionalities still work as expected. Additionally, I make use of continuous integration (CI) tools to run automated tests as code changes are pushed, helping to catch bugs early and improve the overall efficiency of the process.