How to Test App Updates Before Launch
Update testing is different from initial testing: you're checking what changed, what it might have broken, and whether existing user data survived the update. Here is how to approach it.
What to test in an update: by priority
The changed flows
CriticalTest every flow mentioned in the update notes and change log. If the login screen was redesigned, test every path through the login screen: including error states, forgot password, and social login.
Adjacent flows
HighChanges often break things nearby. If the cart was updated, test checkout, payment, and order confirmation. If authentication changed, test every flow that requires a logged-in state.
Upgrade path (existing user data)
CriticalInstall the previous version, create data (save preferences, add items to cart, create a user account), then update to the new version. Verify that all existing data migrated correctly and no user settings were reset.
Fresh install (new user)
HighTest the complete new user experience from a clean install of the update version. Onboarding may have changed, and new users are often the first to be affected by issues in onboarding flow changes.
Core unaffected flows
MediumRun a smoke test on core flows not mentioned in the change log. Regressions can appear in unexpected areas after code refactors or dependency updates.
Performance regression
MediumCompare app startup time, screen transition speed, and scroll performance against the previous version if you have it. Performance regressions are common after adding new features or dependencies.
Update testing checklist
Read the update brief / change log before installing
Test the upgrade path: install previous version → create test data → update → verify data persisted
Test the fresh install path separately
Test every flow mentioned in the change log at least twice
Run a smoke test on core flows not mentioned in the change log
Test on the oldest supported OS version: updates frequently break on older OS
Verify app version number in-app matches the build version in the test brief
Check settings and preferences were not reset by the update
Common update-specific bugs to look for
User preferences reset
Theme, language, notification settings, or saved data reverting to defaults after update
Cache conflicts
Cached data from the old version causing incorrect content or layout on first launch of the update
Token/session invalidation
Users being unexpectedly logged out after an update to the authentication system
Database migration failures
Crashes on first launch of an update that includes a database schema change: especially on devices with large amounts of existing data
Test your update on real devices before launch
Real testers on real devices catch the update-specific issues that your internal team misses. From $19 per test.