Pre-Launch Testing Checklist

Launching an app without thorough testing is like skydiving without checking your parachute. This checklist covers every critical area you need to verify before real users interact with your vibecoded application. Use it as your final gate before going live.

Last updated: 2026-03-14

Core Functionality

All primary user flows complete without errors

Walk through every main feature from start to finish, including sign-up, core actions, and account management.

Form submissions save data correctly

Submit every form with valid data and verify the data persists and displays correctly on subsequent page loads.

Navigation works across all pages

Click every link and menu item to confirm all routes resolve and no pages return 404 or blank screens.

Error states display helpful messages

Trigger errors intentionally by submitting invalid data, disconnecting from the network, and accessing missing resources.

Loading states appear during async operations

Verify that spinners, skeletons, or progress indicators show while data is being fetched or processed.

Cross-Browser and Device

App works in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge

Test all major features in each browser to catch rendering differences and JavaScript compatibility issues.

Responsive layout renders correctly on mobile

Check that all pages are usable on phone-sized screens without horizontal scrolling or overlapping elements.

Touch interactions work on mobile devices

Verify taps, swipes, and long-press interactions function correctly on actual touch devices.

App works on both iOS and Android browsers

Test Safari on iOS and Chrome on Android at minimum to catch platform-specific issues.

Performance

Pages load within 3 seconds on average connections

Test page load times on throttled connections to ensure acceptable performance for users without fast internet.

No memory leaks during extended usage

Use the app for several minutes, navigating between pages, and confirm the browser tab does not slow down or crash.

Images and assets are optimized

Verify that images are properly sized and compressed, and that no unnecessarily large files are being downloaded.

API responses return within acceptable timeframes

Check that no user-facing operation takes longer than a few seconds to complete under normal conditions.

Security Basics

Authentication protects private routes

Attempt to access protected pages without logging in by entering URLs directly in the browser.

Sensitive data is not exposed in the frontend

Check browser developer tools for API keys, passwords, or private data in network responses or local storage.

HTTPS is enforced on all pages

Verify that all pages load over HTTPS and that HTTP requests are redirected to HTTPS automatically.

Input fields are protected against injection

Enter script tags, SQL fragments, and other potentially malicious input to verify it is properly sanitized.

Content and SEO

All pages have correct meta titles and descriptions

Check that every page has a unique, descriptive title tag and meta description for search engine visibility.

No placeholder or lorem ipsum content remains

Search every page for leftover placeholder text, sample data, or TODO comments visible to users.

Favicon and social sharing images are set

Verify that the browser tab icon displays correctly and that shared links show proper preview images.

404 page exists and is helpful

Navigate to a non-existent URL and confirm that a custom 404 page appears with navigation back to the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should pre-launch testing take?

For a typical AI-generated app, thorough pre-launch testing takes 2-4 hours of focused effort. On DidItWork.app, professional testers can complete this checklist within 24-48 hours while also finding issues you might not have thought to check.

Should I test on real devices or just browser simulators?

Always test on at least one real mobile device if possible. Browser simulators miss touch-specific bugs, keyboard behavior differences, and rendering inconsistencies that only appear on actual hardware.

What if I find critical bugs right before launch?

Fix any bug that prevents core functionality from working or that exposes user data. Cosmetic issues and minor edge cases can be noted and addressed in a fast follow-up release after launch.

Let human testers run through this checklist for you

Submit your app and our testers will find the bugs you missed. Starting at €15 per test.

Related checklists

MVP Testing Checklist

Essential MVP testing checklist for vibecoded apps. Verify core features, user flows, and critical bugs before sharing with early adopters.

Cross-Browser Testing Checklist

Cross-browser testing checklist for AI-generated web apps. Verify compatibility across Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge with layout and feature checks.

Security Testing Checklist

Essential security testing checklist for AI-built applications. Cover authentication, input validation, data protection, and common vulnerabilities.

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