Lab console Admin tasks Install MC

Connect devices to UFT Mobile

You can connect an unlimited number of devices to UFT Mobile.

Connect on-premises and cloud devices

You can connect on-premises devices and cloud devices to the UFT Mobile lab.

On-premises devices
Physical devices Physical devices can be plugged into the UFT Mobile server machine directly, or into a different machine using the standalone connector. For details on how to connect physical devices to UFT Mobile, see Connect Android mobile devices and Connect iOS mobile devices.

Emulators/ Simulators

  • Android AVD emulators
  • Genymotion desktop emulated devices
  • iOS simulators

For details on connecting local emulators, see Working with emulators.

For details on connecting simulated iOS devices, see iOS simulator (Tech preview).
Cloud devices
Micro Focus hosted devices

You can access Micro Focus hosted devices. This enables you to interact with a larger selection of devices, without having to acquire and maintain the devices. For details, see UFT Mobile hosted device lab integration.
AWS Device Farm

After you set up the AWS Device Farm integration, you can connect to ADF devices from UFT Mobile.

For more details, see connecting an ADF device in View and manage devices.

Genymotion Cloud Android emulators

After you set up the Genymotion Cloud integration, you can connect to Genymotion Cloud emulators from UFT Mobile.

For more details, see connecting to a Genymotion cloud emulator in View and manage devices.

Back to top

Supported and certified devices

Before connecting a device, check that the operating system of your device is supported by UFT Mobile. For details, see Support matrix.

For limitations regarding specific operating systems, see Known issues.

General

  • Due to a customized home screen package on devices such as the Sony Xperia F8331 or the HTC U Ultra, objects on the home page may not be recognized.
  • On certain Android devices, for example OnePlus devices, we recommend that you disable the battery saver/optimization feature. If this feature is enabled, the device may freeze during recording.

Huawei devices

  • Black screen in the device access window when recording an object.
    Workaround: Turn off the Settings > System > Language & Input > Secure Input option.

  • You can connect Harmony OS devices to UFT Mobile and test your Android (.apk apps) on them. The device is displayed in the lab console according to the Android version. Harmony OS apps are currently not supported.
  • Huawei Ascend P7-L10 4G: USB debugging needs to be activated each time you reconnect the device to UFT Mobile.
  • Huawei Ascend T1/ Huawei P10 Plus, P20: The record and replay mechanisms are unable to identify certain objects in non-packaged apps.

Meizu devices

  • Meizu devices use a security option that prevents the automatic installation of apps.

    Workaround: Open the Security system app, Navigate to Permissions> USB app installation and disable the USB installation monitor.

  • Certain Meizu devices use a security option during installation, that prevents the packaging of apps. This security option also prevents the recording and replaying of packaged apps.

    Workaround: The security setting is per app. Disable the security option for the app that you are testing.

Xiaomi devices

  • You need to activate the Install app via USB in the Developer options settings. This requires you to have a registered Xiaomi account.
  • On devices with a MIUI version 8 or higher operating system, you must manually enable USB Debugging (Security settings) to allow proper integration with UFT Mobile.
  • Disable the Turn on MIUI optimization feature in the Developer options. Enabling this option enables popup windows that may prevent apps from being installed.

  • For device (Xiaomi) HM NOTE 1LTE running on Android versions lower than 4.4.4, under Developer options enable the following:

    • USB debugging

    • Install via USB

    • USB debugging (Security settings). This option requires a valid network connection.

    To launch an app on this device, select launch from Home Screen in the Test Options, and then manually launch the app that you want to test.

The following device emulators are certified with UFT Mobile emulating Android version 4.2 and higher:

  • Android SDK for Windows and Linux
  • Genymotion and Genymotion cloud for Windows

Emulator Limitations

  • Changing device orientation is not supported for emulators.

  • The remote view for Android SDK emulators is only supported when you work without hardware acceleration. You can however use acceleration when working in unattended mode.
    You can disable hardware acceleration if one of the following ways:

    AVD window Launch the AVD (Android Virtual Devices) tool, and deselect the Use Host GPU setting in the Emulation Options section.
    Android Studio
    1. Open the AVD manager.
    2. In the Verify Configuration page, select Software - xxxx as the Emulated Performance > Graphics option.

    For details, see the Android Studio user guide.

    For additional guidelines for working with emulators, see Troubleshooting and tips.

Back to top

Physical device connectivity

Follow these guidelines when connecting your devices to a server or connector machine:

USB connection

Configure the USB connection to connect your device to UFTM Mobile. On most devices, the File transfer/ MTP option should be used, however this may differ depending on your device. If the device fails to connect, use the USB connection option specified by your device’s user guide.

USB cables

Connect the devices through a genuine USB cable. A non-genuine cable may cause a failure in the connection.

You can connect them to a UFT Mobile connector machine or to a server machine, because the server installation includes an embedded connector.

USB ports

  • USB 2.0 ports are supported without limitations.

  • USB 3.0 ports are supported with the following limitations:

    1. Both the USB port and USB hubs must be USB 3.0 compliant.
    2. Windows 7 does not have built-in USB 3.0 support.

USB hubs

USB hubs are supported for USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 with power adapters that comply with the Battery Charging (BC) 1.2 standard.

For recommended models, see Admin best practices
.

Back to top

Best practice guidelines for devices

  • Place the devices in a cool space to prevent overheating.
  • Reduce the screen brightness of devices to the minimum, to reduce power consumption and heat generation.
  • Place the devices in a vertical position to facilitate a smooth change in orientation (portrait to landscape) in the remote device view.
  • Disconnect the devices from their power source when not in use, to allow a full battery charge cycle. We recommend that you perform a full charge cycle on a weekly basis.

Swollen Batteries

Swollen batteries are a common problem with any device using lithium-ion batteries. It can affect mobile devices, laptops, smart watches, and even car batteries.

The primary causes for swollen batteries in mobile devices are:

  • Excessive heat: If the device is used extensively, it generates heat that may cause the battery to swell. This can happen even when you use the device outside of UFT Mobile.
  • Over-charging: Continuing to charge the device even after it is fully charged, can cause the battery to swell.
  • Old age or a defective battery: A device that is 2-3 years old, may also show signs of a swollen battery.

To avoid swollen batteries for devices under test, follow these guidelines:

  • Reduce the device's screen brightness to minimum.
  • Store the device in a cool, well-ventilated location.
  • Use certified USB hubs that can provide adequate charging power.
  • Perform manual battery charging cycles as part of the device maintenance, by disconnecting the device from UFT Mobile and letting the battery drain completely.
  • Make sure the battery is within a reasonable time of its recommended life, as specified by the manufacturer and covered by the warranty.
  • Once a week, perform a visual inspection of the battery, and remove any devices with swollen batteries.

Back to top

Workflow for connecting a device

Use the flowchart to guide you through the process of connecting a device to UFT Mobile.

See also: