Multi-Device Testing
Overview
Test Across Multiple Devices Simultaneously
Multi-Device Testing in RobusTest — referred to as Multiplexing — enables you to run manual test sessions on multiple devices in parallel from a single browser window. All device screens are visible and interactive at the same time, giving you a powerful way to validate your app across different devices and use cases.
Key Benefits:
- Test across multiple screen sizes and OS versions simultaneously
- Interact with multiple devices in real-time from one interface
- Replicate actions across all devices with a single gesture
- Pause and resume multi-device sessions without losing progress
When to Use Multi-Device Testing
Multiplexing is particularly useful in the following scenarios:
| Scenario | Example |
|---|---|
| Cross-device compatibility | Test the same app on devices with different screen sizes and OS versions simultaneously |
| Device-to-device interaction | Make a call or send an SMS from one device to another |
| Communication features | Test chat, messaging, or notifications between two or more devices |
| Synchronisation testing | Verify that data syncs correctly across multiple devices |
| Parallel regression | Run the same test flow on multiple devices at once to save time |
Starting a Multi-Device Session
There are two ways to begin a multiplexing session:
Method 1: Start Directly with Multiple Devices
- From the Project Dashboard, click the Manual icon
- On the device selection screen, click Select on each device you wish to test on
- Once all desired devices are selected, click the Play button in the top-right corner
The multiplexing session will launch with all selected devices visible simultaneously.
Method 2: Switch from a Single-Device Session
- From the Project Dashboard, click the Manual icon
- Select and start a single-device manual test session
- Within the session, click the Switch to Multiplexing button in the horizontal menu
- Add more devices to the session as needed
You can switch back to a single-device session at any time using the Switch to Manual Mode button on the per-device menu.
Session Interface
The multiplexing session interface has two menus:
| Menu | Scope | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Menu (left side) | Entire session | Controls that apply to all devices |
| Horizontal Menu (above each device) | Individual device | Controls specific to that device |
Vertical Menu — Session-Level Controls
Enable Replication
Replicates every action you perform on one device across all other devices in the session simultaneously.
- Significantly reduces testing time when validating the same flow across multiple devices
- Works best when all devices in the session have comparable screen sizes and resolutions
Add More Devices
Add additional devices to an active multiplexing session without restarting.
- Click Add More Devices
- Select the desired device from the device selection dialog
- Click Play — the new device screen will appear in the session immediately
Take Screenshot
Captures a screenshot of all device screens in the session at once and downloads them to your computer.
Pause Session
Temporarily pauses the entire multiplexing session, preserving the state of all devices. Use this when you need a break without losing your session progress.
End Test Session
Ends the multiplexing session entirely. All devices are released and made available for new test sessions.
Important: Ensure you have saved all necessary logs and screenshots before ending the session.
Horizontal Menu — Per-Device Controls
Each device screen has its own horizontal menu with the following options:
Switch to Manual Mode
Opens the specific device in a dedicated single-device manual test session. You can return to the multiplexing session at any time by clicking Switch to Multiplexing within that manual session.
Download Device Logcat
Downloads the logcat report for that specific device to your computer.
View Device Logcat
Opens the logcat for that device in a new browser tab for real-time viewing.
Remove Device from Session
Removes a specific device from the multiplexing session without ending the overall session. The removed device is released and made available for other test sessions.
Best Practices
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start small | Begin with 2–3 devices before scaling up to avoid performance issues |
| Use Replication wisely | Enable Replication only when devices have similar screen sizes for accurate action mapping |
| Save frequently | Take screenshots and download logs at key points in your testing |
| Use Pause instead of End | Pause the session when stepping away briefly to maintain session state |
Related Documentation
See Also:
- Manual Session — Single-device manual testing features and tools
- Live View — Monitor and manage all active sessions in real-time
- Run Settings — Configure session and run parameters