Network simulation on BrowserStack real devices using App Live

Learn how to use network simulation on BrowserStack real devices to test your apps.

Users access your mobile apps from different geographical locations, some of which may have low or poor network conditions. Using network simulation, you can test the performance and behavior of your app by simulating different network conditions. You can select any of the preset network profiles, set your custom network profile, or use offline mode to test various use cases for your app.

This page explains how to use the following features:

• Enable network simulation
• Offline mode

Enable network simulation

To enable network simulation:

1. Log in to the App Live dashboard.
2. Upload or install your app, and select the device from the device listing, to launch your test session.
3. On the App Live vertical toolbar, click Throttle Network.
4. In the Throttle Network prompt, select one of the following:
   • Choose a preset network profile: Simulates specific network conditions.
   • Custom profile: Simulates custom network conditions. Set the bandwidth, latency, and packet loss, and click Apply to create your own network simulation profile.
   • Offline: Simulates no data connectivity. For more information about offline mode and how to enable it, see Offline mode.
   • Turn off network simulation: Disables network simulation and restores the default network condition.
     
     You see a message on the dashboard that the network condition changes are applied.
     

Offline mode

Offline mode allows you to test your app’s behavior when there is no internet connectivity. This feature lets you simulate scenarios where users may lose connection while using your app.

Supported devices

The following devices support offline mode:

• iOS 11 and above.
• iPadOS 15 and above.
• Android 11 and above.

Enable offline mode

To enable offline mode: