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Connect your app
Learn how to connect your mobile app to Test Companion to start creating and running tests for your application.
Before Test Companion can interact with your mobile app, you need to establish the connection. This involves either uploading a new app file or selecting an existing one from your BrowserStack account. After the app is connected, Test Companion launches it on a real device, allowing you to explore, generate tests, or debug issues.
Switch to App mode
Test Companion starts in Web mode by default. To work with a mobile app, you will need to switch to App mode.
At the bottom of the Test Companion panel, you will see a toggle with two options: Web and App. Click on App to switch modes. After you do this, a Select App button will appear next to the toggle. Click on it to open the app connection dialog.
Quick-action buttons, such as Generate test cases and Write automation code, function identically in both Web and App modes. The only difference is that the target Web mode runs on your website, while the App mode runs on your connected mobile app. This tip remains visible for your first 10 tasks.
The App connection dialog
When you click Select App, a dialog titled Connect the App to test will appear. This dialog offers two ways to connect an app:
Option 1: Upload a new App file
You can click Browse file to select the file from your computer and upload it.
| File type | Platform | Description |
|---|---|---|
.apk |
Android | Standard Android application package |
.aab |
Android | Android App Bundle (Google’s publishing format) |
.xapk |
Android | Extended APK format that can include additional resources |
.ipa |
iOS | Standard iOS application archive |
Upon completion of the upload, your app will be stored in your BrowserStack account and will be available for future sessions. You do not need to upload it again unless you have a new build.
Option 2: Select a previously uploaded app
Below the upload area is a section labeled Recently Uploaded Apps on BrowserStack. This list displays all apps uploaded to your BrowserStack account, not just those from Test Companion, but also those from BrowserStack App Automate.
Each entry shows the app file name, version number, who uploaded it, and when. You can identify the platform by the icon next to each entry: an Android icon for .apk files and an Apple icon for .ipa files.
Search and Filter: If you have many apps, use the search bar to find your app by name, or click the Filters button to narrow the list by platform, upload date, or other criteria.
Click on any app in the list to select it.
What happens after you connect
After you select or upload an app:
- The dialog closes, and you are returned to the main Test Companion panel.
- Your selected app will appear as a chip next to the App toggle at the bottom of the panel (e.g.,
LocalSample.ip... ×). The×button allows you to disconnect the app and choose a different one.
Test Companion is now ready to work with your app. The next time you start a task (generating test cases, writing automation code, etc.), the AI will initiate a real device session on BrowserStack, install your app, and begin interacting with it.
Change or disconnect the App
To switch to a different app, click the × button on the app chip next to the App toggle. This will disconnect the current app and allow you to select a new one by clicking Select App again.
Click the Web toggle to return to web testing. Your app selection and workspace context are preserved. Your configuration remains active even after closing the workspace or switching between modes.
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