Testing on mobile devices is supported through multiple methods in Maze, including both unmoderated and moderated testing approaches. This guide explains each testing method and when to use them.
Unmoderated Mobile Testing
Maze helps you test prototypes, websites, or real apps on any device—including those created with AI tools like Figma Make or Lovable. The table below highlights the stimuli Maze supports across different devices, with or without snippet.
On mobile, participants can join your test in two ways:
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Mobile browser
Participants can open the maze link directly in their mobile browser—no app download needed. This option works well for quick questions with simple stimuli like images.
Limitations: Screen recording isn’t available, and complex prototypes (e.g., Figma) may not display at their best size because of the browser bar.
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Mobile App: Maze Participate (recommended)
The app offers the most reliable testing experience. Prototypes display in full fidelity, and screen recording captures participants’ natural behavior in real world environment. This is also a strong option for testing your mobile websites and apps in production, as well as for running competitive research.
How to Run an Unmoderated Study on Mobile
- Understand device settings
- How to test prototypes on mobile
- How to test native iOS or Anrdroid apps? It’s possible to test mobile prototypes using a mobile device and browser, however, to test a native iOS or Android app, we recommend using the App Test block for participants to test using the Maze Participate mobile app.
- How to test websites and apps in production on mobile
- How can I best guide my participants?
- What is my participant consenting to when they start a Maze?
- Privacy best practices when testing on mobile
Moderated Mobile Testing
Moderated testing with Interview Studies is a great way to run mobile testing as it allows for direct observation and reactions.
You can use your preferred conferencing tool and upload the recordings afterwards for analysis. Alternatively, you can also use Maze conferencing for automatic uploads. When using Maze conferencing, the participant must have the Zoom app downloaded if screen sharing is required during the session.
Moderated Mobile Testing with Prototypes
Use a Conferencing App (Recommended)
Create your prototype study with mobile device access enabled. Then, create your moderated study using Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Maze’s built-in conferencing, or Google Meet.
Participants must download the corresponding mobile app (e.g. Zoom) before the session—clearly state this requirement in your participant instructions. If you selected Maze’s built-in conferencing, ask participants to download Zoom. During the session, participants join through the mobile app and share their screen directly. Send the maze prototype link via email or conference chat for participants to access on their mobile device.
The screen recording will capture participants' interactions with your prototype along with their verbal feedback. Sessions conducted through external conferencing tools require manual upload to Maze.
The Two-Device Alternative
Many researchers find that having participants use both a desktop and mobile device creates a better interview experience, especially for logistic onboarding. Participants join the video call on desktop for conversation and camera, then connect their mobile device for screen sharing. This prevents the cramped experience of managing everything on a small screen.
This approach still uses the external conferencing tool (Teams, Zoom, or Meet), not Maze conferencing. During the call, share the meeting ID so participants can connect their mobile device. Though it adds a step, sessions run more smoothly, especially for longer interviews with extensive discussion.
Tips for success when running moderated sessions for mobile testing
- Extend session times to anticipate any technical challenges.
- Before the session, share instructions and requirements with the participants. Please note that, if hiring panel participants, you will not be able to send instructions in advance as the email addresses of panel participants are not shared.
These instructions may include:
- Download video conferencing apps. Please note that screen sharing isn’t supported on mobile browsers.
- Join the conversation on mobile and/or desktop (depending on the researcher’s preference).
- Activate Do Not Disturb mode to prevent notifications and calls and mitigate risk of PII exposure.
- Install the application being tested, if relevant.
Still need help?
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