Mobile and Responsive Testing

When to use: Testing how your application behaves on phones, tablets, and across viewport sizes. Covers device emulation, touch interactions, geolocation, orientation changes, and mobile-specific UI patterns. Prerequisites: core/configuration.md, core/locators.md

Quick Reference

typescript

import { devices } from "@playwright/test"

// Predefined device profiles (viewport, userAgent, touch, deviceScaleFactor)
devices["iPhone 14"] // 390x844, touch, Safari mobile UA
devices["iPhone 14 Pro Max"] // 430x932, touch, Safari mobile UA
devices["Pixel 7"] // 412x915, touch, Chrome mobile UA
devices["iPad Pro 11"] // 834x1194, touch, Safari tablet UA
devices["Galaxy S9+"] // 320x658, touch, Chrome mobile UA
devices["Desktop Chrome"] // 1280x720, no touch, Chrome desktop UA
devices["Desktop Safari"] // 1280x720, no touch, Safari desktop UA

// Landscape variants
devices["iPhone 14 landscape"] // 844x390, touch, Safari mobile UA
devices["iPad Pro 11 landscape"] // 1194x834, touch, Safari tablet UA

bash

# Run mobile project only
npx playwright test --project=mobile-chrome
npx playwright test --project=mobile-safari

# Run all projects (desktop + mobile in parallel)
npx playwright test

# List available device names
npx playwright test --list-devices 2>/dev/null || node -e "const {devices}=require('@playwright/test');console.log(Object.keys(devices).join('\n'))"

Patterns

1. Device Emulation

Use when: Testing your app as it appears on a specific real-world device -- iPhone, Pixel, iPad. Applies the correct viewport, user agent, device scale factor, and touch support in one shot. Avoid when: You only need to test a specific viewport width (use custom viewports instead). Device emulation is not a substitute for real device testing when pixel-perfect rendering matters.

TypeScript

typescript

// playwright.config.ts
import { defineConfig, devices } from "@playwright/test"

export default defineConfig({
  testDir: "./tests",
  projects: [
    {
      name: "Desktop Chrome",
      use: { ...devices["Desktop Chrome"] },
    },
    {
      name: "Mobile Chrome",
      use: { ...devices["Pixel 7"] },
    },
    {
      name: "Mobile Safari",
      use: { ...devices["iPhone 14"] },
    },
    {
      name: "Tablet",
      use: { ...devices["iPad Pro 11"] },
    },
  ],
})

typescript

// tests/mobile-navigation.spec.ts
import { test, expect } from "@playwright/test"

test("mobile user can navigate via hamburger menu", async ({ page, isMobile }) => {
  await page.goto("/")

  if (isMobile) {
    // Mobile: hamburger menu is visible, desktop nav is hidden
    await expect(page.getByRole("button", { name: "Menu" })).toBeVisible()
    await expect(page.getByRole("navigation", { name: "Main" })).toBeHidden()

    // Open hamburger menu
    await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Menu" }).click()
    await expect(page.getByRole("navigation", { name: "Main" })).toBeVisible()
    await page.getByRole("link", { name: "Products" }).click()
    await page.waitForURL("**/products")
  } else {
    // Desktop: nav links are directly visible
    await expect(page.getByRole("navigation", { name: "Main" })).toBeVisible()
    await page.getByRole("link", { name: "Products" }).click()
    await page.waitForURL("**/products")
  }

  await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "Products", level: 1 })).toBeVisible()
})

JavaScript

javascript

// playwright.config.js
const { defineConfig, devices } = require("@playwright/test")

module.exports = defineConfig({
  testDir: "./tests",
  projects: [
    {
      name: "Desktop Chrome",
      use: { ...devices["Desktop Chrome"] },
    },
    {
      name: "Mobile Chrome",
      use: { ...devices["Pixel 7"] },
    },
    {
      name: "Mobile Safari",
      use: { ...devices["iPhone 14"] },
    },
    {
      name: "Tablet",
      use: { ...devices["iPad Pro 11"] },
    },
  ],
})

javascript

// tests/mobile-navigation.spec.js
const { test, expect } = require("@playwright/test")

test("mobile user can navigate via hamburger menu", async ({ page, isMobile }) => {
  await page.goto("/")

  if (isMobile) {
    await expect(page.getByRole("button", { name: "Menu" })).toBeVisible()
    await expect(page.getByRole("navigation", { name: "Main" })).toBeHidden()

    await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Menu" }).click()
    await expect(page.getByRole("navigation", { name: "Main" })).toBeVisible()
    await page.getByRole("link", { name: "Products" }).click()
    await page.waitForURL("**/products")
  } else {
    await expect(page.getByRole("navigation", { name: "Main" })).toBeVisible()
    await page.getByRole("link", { name: "Products" }).click()
    await page.waitForURL("**/products")
  }

  await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "Products", level: 1 })).toBeVisible()
})

2. Custom Viewports

Use when: Testing responsive layouts at specific breakpoints without full device emulation. Ideal for verifying CSS media queries fire at the right widths. Avoid when: You need realistic mobile behavior (touch events, mobile user agent, device scale factor). Use device emulation instead.

TypeScript

typescript

// tests/responsive-layout.spec.ts
import { test, expect } from "@playwright/test"

const breakpoints = [
  { name: "mobile-small", width: 320, height: 568 },
  { name: "mobile", width: 375, height: 667 },
  { name: "tablet", width: 768, height: 1024 },
  { name: "desktop", width: 1024, height: 768 },
  { name: "desktop-large", width: 1440, height: 900 },
]

for (const bp of breakpoints) {
  test(`layout adapts correctly at ${bp.name} (${bp.width}px)`, async ({ page }) => {
    await page.setViewportSize({ width: bp.width, height: bp.height })
    await page.goto("/")

    if (bp.width < 768) {
      // Mobile layout: stacked, hamburger menu visible
      await expect(page.getByRole("button", { name: "Menu" })).toBeVisible()
      await expect(page.getByTestId("sidebar")).toBeHidden()
    } else if (bp.width < 1024) {
      // Tablet layout: collapsible sidebar
      await expect(page.getByRole("button", { name: "Menu" })).toBeHidden()
      await expect(page.getByTestId("sidebar")).toBeVisible()
    } else {
      // Desktop layout: full sidebar, no hamburger
      await expect(page.getByRole("button", { name: "Menu" })).toBeHidden()
      await expect(page.getByTestId("sidebar")).toBeVisible()
      await expect(page.getByTestId("sidebar")).toHaveCSS("width", "280px")
    }
  })
}

typescript

// Per-file viewport override (applies to all tests in this file)
import { test, expect } from "@playwright/test"

test.use({ viewport: { width: 375, height: 667 } })

test("mobile checkout flow fits on small screen", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/checkout")

  // Verify no horizontal scrollbar
  const hasHorizontalScroll = await page.evaluate(
    () => document.documentElement.scrollWidth > document.documentElement.clientWidth
  )
  expect(hasHorizontalScroll).toBe(false)

  // Verify all form fields are visible without horizontal scroll
  await expect(page.getByLabel("Card number")).toBeVisible()
  await expect(page.getByRole("button", { name: "Pay now" })).toBeVisible()
})

JavaScript

javascript

// tests/responsive-layout.spec.js
const { test, expect } = require("@playwright/test")

const breakpoints = [
  { name: "mobile-small", width: 320, height: 568 },
  { name: "mobile", width: 375, height: 667 },
  { name: "tablet", width: 768, height: 1024 },
  { name: "desktop", width: 1024, height: 768 },
  { name: "desktop-large", width: 1440, height: 900 },
]

for (const bp of breakpoints) {
  test(`layout adapts correctly at ${bp.name} (${bp.width}px)`, async ({ page }) => {
    await page.setViewportSize({ width: bp.width, height: bp.height })
    await page.goto("/")

    if (bp.width < 768) {
      await expect(page.getByRole("button", { name: "Menu" })).toBeVisible()
      await expect(page.getByTestId("sidebar")).toBeHidden()
    } else if (bp.width < 1024) {
      await expect(page.getByRole("button", { name: "Menu" })).toBeHidden()
      await expect(page.getByTestId("sidebar")).toBeVisible()
    } else {
      await expect(page.getByRole("button", { name: "Menu" })).toBeHidden()
      await expect(page.getByTestId("sidebar")).toBeVisible()
      await expect(page.getByTestId("sidebar")).toHaveCSS("width", "280px")
    }
  })
}

javascript

// Per-file viewport override
const { test, expect } = require("@playwright/test")

test.use({ viewport: { width: 375, height: 667 } })

test("mobile checkout flow fits on small screen", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/checkout")

  const hasHorizontalScroll = await page.evaluate(
    () => document.documentElement.scrollWidth > document.documentElement.clientWidth
  )
  expect(hasHorizontalScroll).toBe(false)

  await expect(page.getByLabel("Card number")).toBeVisible()
  await expect(page.getByRole("button", { name: "Pay now" })).toBeVisible()
})

3. Touch Events

Use when: Testing touch-specific interactions -- tap, swipe, pinch. Required for mobile-only gestures that have no mouse equivalent. Avoid when: The feature works identically with mouse clicks. Playwright's click() dispatches touch events automatically on touch-enabled device profiles.

TypeScript

typescript

// tests/touch-interactions.spec.ts
import { test, expect, devices } from "@playwright/test"

test.use({ ...devices["iPhone 14"] })

test("tap to select an item", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/gallery")

  // tap() dispatches touchstart → touchend → click
  // Only available when hasTouch is true (device profiles set this)
  await page.getByRole("img", { name: "Sunset photo" }).tap()
  await expect(page.getByText("Selected: Sunset photo")).toBeVisible()
})

test("swipe to dismiss a card", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/notifications")

  const card = page.getByTestId("notification-card").first()
  const box = await card.boundingBox()

  if (box) {
    // Simulate a left swipe: touchstart on right side, touchmove to left, touchend
    await page.touchscreen.tap(box.x + box.width - 20, box.y + box.height / 2)

    // Swipe gesture using mouse (touch events are synthesized from mouse on emulated devices)
    await card.hover({ position: { x: box.width - 20, y: box.height / 2 } })
    await page.mouse.down()
    await page.mouse.move(box.x - 100, box.y + box.height / 2, { steps: 10 })
    await page.mouse.up()

    await expect(card).toBeHidden()
  }
})

test("long press to open context menu", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/files")

  const file = page.getByRole("listitem").filter({ hasText: "Report.pdf" })

  // Long press: dispatch pointerdown, wait, then pointerup
  await file.click({ delay: 800 }) // delay in ms simulates long press
  await expect(page.getByRole("menu")).toBeVisible()
  await page.getByRole("menuitem", { name: "Delete" }).click()
})

test("pinch to zoom on a map", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/map")

  // Pinch-to-zoom requires dispatching multi-touch events via JavaScript
  const mapElement = page.getByTestId("map-container")

  await mapElement.evaluate((el) => {
    // Simulate pinch-out (zoom in) with two touch points moving apart
    const center = { x: el.clientWidth / 2, y: el.clientHeight / 2 }

    const touch1 = new Touch({
      identifier: 0,
      target: el,
      clientX: center.x - 50,
      clientY: center.y,
    })
    const touch2 = new Touch({
      identifier: 1,
      target: el,
      clientX: center.x + 50,
      clientY: center.y,
    })

    el.dispatchEvent(
      new TouchEvent("touchstart", {
        touches: [touch1, touch2],
        changedTouches: [touch1, touch2],
        bubbles: true,
      })
    )

    const touch1Moved = new Touch({
      identifier: 0,
      target: el,
      clientX: center.x - 120,
      clientY: center.y,
    })
    const touch2Moved = new Touch({
      identifier: 1,
      target: el,
      clientX: center.x + 120,
      clientY: center.y,
    })

    el.dispatchEvent(
      new TouchEvent("touchmove", {
        touches: [touch1Moved, touch2Moved],
        changedTouches: [touch1Moved, touch2Moved],
        bubbles: true,
      })
    )

    el.dispatchEvent(
      new TouchEvent("touchend", {
        touches: [],
        changedTouches: [touch1Moved, touch2Moved],
        bubbles: true,
      })
    )
  })

  // Verify zoom level changed
  await expect(page.getByTestId("zoom-level")).not.toHaveText("1x")
})

JavaScript

javascript

// tests/touch-interactions.spec.js
const { test, expect, devices } = require("@playwright/test")

test.use({ ...devices["iPhone 14"] })

test("tap to select an item", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/gallery")

  await page.getByRole("img", { name: "Sunset photo" }).tap()
  await expect(page.getByText("Selected: Sunset photo")).toBeVisible()
})

test("swipe to dismiss a card", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/notifications")

  const card = page.getByTestId("notification-card").first()
  const box = await card.boundingBox()

  if (box) {
    await card.hover({ position: { x: box.width - 20, y: box.height / 2 } })
    await page.mouse.down()
    await page.mouse.move(box.x - 100, box.y + box.height / 2, { steps: 10 })
    await page.mouse.up()

    await expect(card).toBeHidden()
  }
})

test("long press to open context menu", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/files")

  const file = page.getByRole("listitem").filter({ hasText: "Report.pdf" })
  await file.click({ delay: 800 })
  await expect(page.getByRole("menu")).toBeVisible()
  await page.getByRole("menuitem", { name: "Delete" }).click()
})

4. Mobile-Specific UI

Use when: Testing UI components that only appear on mobile -- hamburger menus, bottom sheets, pull-to-refresh, sticky mobile headers, floating action buttons. Avoid when: The component renders identically on desktop and mobile.

TypeScript

typescript

// tests/mobile-ui.spec.ts
import { test, expect, devices } from "@playwright/test"

test.use({ ...devices["iPhone 14"] })

test("hamburger menu opens and closes", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/")

  const menuButton = page.getByRole("button", { name: "Menu" })
  const nav = page.getByRole("navigation", { name: "Main" })

  // Menu starts closed
  await expect(nav).toBeHidden()

  // Open menu
  await menuButton.click()
  await expect(nav).toBeVisible()

  // Verify all nav items are visible
  await expect(nav.getByRole("link", { name: "Home" })).toBeVisible()
  await expect(nav.getByRole("link", { name: "Products" })).toBeVisible()
  await expect(nav.getByRole("link", { name: "Account" })).toBeVisible()

  // Close menu by tapping outside (overlay)
  await page.getByTestId("menu-overlay").click()
  await expect(nav).toBeHidden()
})

test("bottom sheet slides up on mobile", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/products/1")

  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Add to cart" }).click()

  // Bottom sheet appears with cart summary
  const bottomSheet = page.getByTestId("bottom-sheet")
  await expect(bottomSheet).toBeVisible()
  await expect(bottomSheet).toContainText("Added to cart")

  // Dismiss by swiping down
  const box = await bottomSheet.boundingBox()
  if (box) {
    const startX = box.x + box.width / 2
    const startY = box.y + 20
    await page.mouse.move(startX, startY)
    await page.mouse.down()
    await page.mouse.move(startX, startY + 300, { steps: 10 })
    await page.mouse.up()
  }

  await expect(bottomSheet).toBeHidden()
})

test("pull to refresh reloads content", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/feed")

  // Store initial first item text
  const firstItem = page.getByRole("listitem").first()
  const initialText = await firstItem.textContent()

  // Pull-to-refresh: swipe down from top of scrollable area
  const feed = page.getByTestId("feed-container")
  const box = await feed.boundingBox()

  if (box) {
    await page.mouse.move(box.x + box.width / 2, box.y + 10)
    await page.mouse.down()
    await page.mouse.move(box.x + box.width / 2, box.y + 250, { steps: 15 })
    await page.mouse.up()
  }

  // Wait for refresh indicator and then content reload
  await expect(page.getByTestId("refresh-spinner")).toBeVisible()
  await expect(page.getByTestId("refresh-spinner")).toBeHidden()
})

test("sticky mobile header remains visible on scroll", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/products")

  const header = page.getByRole("banner")

  // Scroll down significantly
  await page.evaluate(() => window.scrollTo(0, 2000))

  // Header should remain visible (sticky positioning)
  await expect(header).toBeVisible()
  await expect(header).toBeInViewport()
})

JavaScript

javascript

// tests/mobile-ui.spec.js
const { test, expect, devices } = require("@playwright/test")

test.use({ ...devices["iPhone 14"] })

test("hamburger menu opens and closes", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/")

  const menuButton = page.getByRole("button", { name: "Menu" })
  const nav = page.getByRole("navigation", { name: "Main" })

  await expect(nav).toBeHidden()
  await menuButton.click()
  await expect(nav).toBeVisible()

  await expect(nav.getByRole("link", { name: "Home" })).toBeVisible()
  await expect(nav.getByRole("link", { name: "Products" })).toBeVisible()
  await expect(nav.getByRole("link", { name: "Account" })).toBeVisible()

  await page.getByTestId("menu-overlay").click()
  await expect(nav).toBeHidden()
})

test("bottom sheet slides up on mobile", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/products/1")

  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Add to cart" }).click()

  const bottomSheet = page.getByTestId("bottom-sheet")
  await expect(bottomSheet).toBeVisible()
  await expect(bottomSheet).toContainText("Added to cart")

  const box = await bottomSheet.boundingBox()
  if (box) {
    const startX = box.x + box.width / 2
    const startY = box.y + 20
    await page.mouse.move(startX, startY)
    await page.mouse.down()
    await page.mouse.move(startX, startY + 300, { steps: 10 })
    await page.mouse.up()
  }

  await expect(bottomSheet).toBeHidden()
})

test("sticky mobile header remains visible on scroll", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/products")

  const header = page.getByRole("banner")
  await page.evaluate(() => window.scrollTo(0, 2000))
  await expect(header).toBeVisible()
  await expect(header).toBeInViewport()
})

5. Geolocation

Use when: Testing location-dependent features -- store finders, delivery zones, weather widgets, location-based pricing. Avoid when: The feature does not use the Geolocation API. If it uses IP-based location, mock the API response instead.

TypeScript

typescript

// playwright.config.ts -- set geolocation per project
import { defineConfig, devices } from "@playwright/test"

export default defineConfig({
  testDir: "./tests",
  projects: [
    {
      name: "mobile-nyc",
      use: {
        ...devices["iPhone 14"],
        geolocation: { latitude: 40.7128, longitude: -74.006 },
        permissions: ["geolocation"],
      },
    },
    {
      name: "mobile-london",
      use: {
        ...devices["iPhone 14"],
        geolocation: { latitude: 51.5074, longitude: -0.1278 },
        permissions: ["geolocation"],
        locale: "en-GB",
        timezoneId: "Europe/London",
      },
    },
  ],
})

typescript

// tests/store-locator.spec.ts
import { test, expect } from "@playwright/test"

test("shows nearby stores based on geolocation", async ({ page, context }) => {
  // Geolocation is already set via project config above.
  // To override in a specific test:
  await context.setGeolocation({ latitude: 34.0522, longitude: -118.2437 }) // Los Angeles

  await page.goto("/store-locator")
  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Use my location" }).click()

  // Verify the app uses the mocked location
  await expect(page.getByText("Stores near Los Angeles")).toBeVisible()
  await expect(page.getByRole("listitem")).toHaveCount(5) // nearest 5 stores
})

test("geolocation updates in real time", async ({ page, context }) => {
  await context.setGeolocation({ latitude: 40.7128, longitude: -74.006 })
  await page.goto("/delivery-tracker")

  await expect(page.getByText("New York")).toBeVisible()

  // Simulate user moving to a new location
  await context.setGeolocation({ latitude: 40.758, longitude: -73.9855 }) // Times Square

  // Trigger a location refresh (app-specific)
  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Refresh location" }).click()
  await expect(page.getByText("Times Square")).toBeVisible()
})

test("handles geolocation permission denied", async ({ page, context }) => {
  // Clear geolocation permissions to simulate denial
  await context.clearPermissions()
  await page.goto("/store-locator")

  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Use my location" }).click()

  // App should show fallback UI
  await expect(page.getByText("Location access denied")).toBeVisible()
  await expect(page.getByLabel("Enter your zip code")).toBeVisible()
})

JavaScript

javascript

// tests/store-locator.spec.js
const { test, expect } = require("@playwright/test")

test("shows nearby stores based on geolocation", async ({ page, context }) => {
  await context.setGeolocation({ latitude: 34.0522, longitude: -118.2437 })

  await page.goto("/store-locator")
  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Use my location" }).click()

  await expect(page.getByText("Stores near Los Angeles")).toBeVisible()
  await expect(page.getByRole("listitem")).toHaveCount(5)
})

test("geolocation updates in real time", async ({ page, context }) => {
  await context.setGeolocation({ latitude: 40.7128, longitude: -74.006 })
  await page.goto("/delivery-tracker")

  await expect(page.getByText("New York")).toBeVisible()

  await context.setGeolocation({ latitude: 40.758, longitude: -73.9855 })
  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Refresh location" }).click()
  await expect(page.getByText("Times Square")).toBeVisible()
})

test("handles geolocation permission denied", async ({ page, context }) => {
  await context.clearPermissions()
  await page.goto("/store-locator")

  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Use my location" }).click()

  await expect(page.getByText("Location access denied")).toBeVisible()
  await expect(page.getByLabel("Enter your zip code")).toBeVisible()
})

6. Multi-Project Responsive Testing

Use when: Running the same tests across desktop and mobile browsers in parallel. The standard approach for responsive apps. Avoid when: Your app is desktop-only or mobile-only.

TypeScript

typescript

// playwright.config.ts
import { defineConfig, devices } from "@playwright/test"

export default defineConfig({
  testDir: "./tests",
  fullyParallel: true,
  retries: process.env.CI ? 2 : 0,

  projects: [
    // ── Desktop ────────────────────────────────────────────
    {
      name: "desktop-chrome",
      use: { ...devices["Desktop Chrome"] },
    },
    {
      name: "desktop-firefox",
      use: { ...devices["Desktop Firefox"] },
    },
    {
      name: "desktop-safari",
      use: { ...devices["Desktop Safari"] },
    },

    // ── Mobile ─────────────────────────────────────────────
    {
      name: "mobile-chrome",
      use: { ...devices["Pixel 7"] },
    },
    {
      name: "mobile-safari",
      use: { ...devices["iPhone 14"] },
    },

    // ── Tablet ─────────────────────────────────────────────
    {
      name: "tablet",
      use: { ...devices["iPad Pro 11"] },
    },
  ],
})

typescript

// tests/responsive-checkout.spec.ts
import { test, expect } from "@playwright/test"

test("checkout works across all viewports", async ({ page, isMobile }) => {
  await page.goto("/products")

  // Add item -- same action on all viewports
  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Add to cart" }).first().click()

  // Navigate to cart
  if (isMobile) {
    // Mobile: cart link may be in hamburger or bottom nav
    await page.getByRole("link", { name: "Cart" }).click()
  } else {
    // Desktop: cart icon in header
    await page.getByRole("link", { name: /Cart \(\d+\)/ }).click()
  }

  await page.waitForURL("**/cart")
  await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "Your cart" })).toBeVisible()

  // Proceed to checkout
  await page.getByRole("link", { name: "Checkout" }).click()
  await page.waitForURL("**/checkout")

  // Fill form -- same fields on all viewports
  await page.getByLabel("Email").fill("test@example.com")
  await page.getByLabel("Card number").fill("4242424242424242")
  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Pay now" }).click()

  await expect(page.getByText("Order confirmed")).toBeVisible()
})

bash

# Run desktop projects only
npx playwright test --project=desktop-chrome --project=desktop-firefox --project=desktop-safari

# Run mobile projects only
npx playwright test --project=mobile-chrome --project=mobile-safari

# Run specific test file on all projects
npx playwright test tests/responsive-checkout.spec.ts

# CI optimization: mobile + desktop-chrome on PRs, all browsers on main
# In CI config:
# PR:   npx playwright test --project=desktop-chrome --project=mobile-chrome --project=mobile-safari
# Main: npx playwright test

JavaScript

javascript

// playwright.config.js
const { defineConfig, devices } = require("@playwright/test")

module.exports = defineConfig({
  testDir: "./tests",
  fullyParallel: true,
  retries: process.env.CI ? 2 : 0,

  projects: [
    {
      name: "desktop-chrome",
      use: { ...devices["Desktop Chrome"] },
    },
    {
      name: "desktop-firefox",
      use: { ...devices["Desktop Firefox"] },
    },
    {
      name: "desktop-safari",
      use: { ...devices["Desktop Safari"] },
    },
    {
      name: "mobile-chrome",
      use: { ...devices["Pixel 7"] },
    },
    {
      name: "mobile-safari",
      use: { ...devices["iPhone 14"] },
    },
    {
      name: "tablet",
      use: { ...devices["iPad Pro 11"] },
    },
  ],
})

javascript

// tests/responsive-checkout.spec.js
const { test, expect } = require("@playwright/test")

test("checkout works across all viewports", async ({ page, isMobile }) => {
  await page.goto("/products")

  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Add to cart" }).first().click()

  if (isMobile) {
    await page.getByRole("link", { name: "Cart" }).click()
  } else {
    await page.getByRole("link", { name: /Cart \(\d+\)/ }).click()
  }

  await page.waitForURL("**/cart")
  await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "Your cart" })).toBeVisible()

  await page.getByRole("link", { name: "Checkout" }).click()
  await page.waitForURL("**/checkout")

  await page.getByLabel("Email").fill("test@example.com")
  await page.getByLabel("Card number").fill("4242424242424242")
  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Pay now" }).click()

  await expect(page.getByText("Order confirmed")).toBeVisible()
})

7. Responsive Breakpoint Testing

Use when: Systematically verifying layout behavior at every major CSS breakpoint. Best used alongside visual regression testing. Avoid when: You only need one or two viewport sizes -- just use test.use() overrides instead.

TypeScript

typescript

// tests/fixtures/responsive.fixture.ts
import { test as base, expect } from "@playwright/test"

type Breakpoint = {
  name: string
  width: number
  height: number
  isMobileExpected: boolean
}

const BREAKPOINTS: Breakpoint[] = [
  { name: "xs", width: 320, height: 568, isMobileExpected: true },
  { name: "sm", width: 640, height: 800, isMobileExpected: true },
  { name: "md", width: 768, height: 1024, isMobileExpected: false },
  { name: "lg", width: 1024, height: 768, isMobileExpected: false },
  { name: "xl", width: 1280, height: 800, isMobileExpected: false },
  { name: "2xl", width: 1440, height: 900, isMobileExpected: false },
]

// Custom fixture that runs a test at every breakpoint
export const test = base.extend<{ forEachBreakpoint: void }>({
  forEachBreakpoint: [
    async ({ page }, use, testInfo) => {
      // This fixture is used as a tag -- actual breakpoint iteration is done via test.describe
      await use()
    },
    { auto: false },
  ],
})

// Helper: create a describe block that tests every breakpoint
export function describeBreakpoints(title: string, fn: (bp: Breakpoint) => void) {
  for (const bp of BREAKPOINTS) {
    base.describe(`${title} @ ${bp.name} (${bp.width}px)`, () => {
      base.use({ viewport: { width: bp.width, height: bp.height } })
      fn(bp)
    })
  }
}

export { expect, BREAKPOINTS }

typescript

// tests/responsive-grid.spec.ts
import { test, expect, describeBreakpoints } from "./fixtures/responsive.fixture"

describeBreakpoints("product grid", (bp) => {
  test("shows correct number of columns", async ({ page }) => {
    await page.goto("/products")

    const grid = page.getByTestId("product-grid")
    const columns = await grid.evaluate((el) => {
      const style = window.getComputedStyle(el)
      return style.gridTemplateColumns.split(" ").length
    })

    if (bp.width < 640) {
      expect(columns).toBe(1) // xs: single column
    } else if (bp.width < 1024) {
      expect(columns).toBe(2) // sm-md: two columns
    } else {
      expect(columns).toBe(4) // lg+: four columns
    }
  })

  test("no content overflow", async ({ page }) => {
    await page.goto("/products")

    const hasOverflow = await page.evaluate(
      () => document.documentElement.scrollWidth > document.documentElement.clientWidth
    )
    expect(hasOverflow).toBe(false)
  })
})

JavaScript

javascript

// tests/fixtures/responsive.fixture.js
const { test: base, expect } = require("@playwright/test")

const BREAKPOINTS = [
  { name: "xs", width: 320, height: 568, isMobileExpected: true },
  { name: "sm", width: 640, height: 800, isMobileExpected: true },
  { name: "md", width: 768, height: 1024, isMobileExpected: false },
  { name: "lg", width: 1024, height: 768, isMobileExpected: false },
  { name: "xl", width: 1280, height: 800, isMobileExpected: false },
  { name: "2xl", width: 1440, height: 900, isMobileExpected: false },
]

function describeBreakpoints(title, fn) {
  for (const bp of BREAKPOINTS) {
    base.describe(`${title} @ ${bp.name} (${bp.width}px)`, () => {
      base.use({ viewport: { width: bp.width, height: bp.height } })
      fn(bp)
    })
  }
}

module.exports = { test: base, expect, BREAKPOINTS, describeBreakpoints }

javascript

// tests/responsive-grid.spec.js
const { test, expect, describeBreakpoints } = require("./fixtures/responsive.fixture")

describeBreakpoints("product grid", (bp) => {
  test("shows correct number of columns", async ({ page }) => {
    await page.goto("/products")

    const grid = page.getByTestId("product-grid")
    const columns = await grid.evaluate((el) => {
      const style = window.getComputedStyle(el)
      return style.gridTemplateColumns.split(" ").length
    })

    if (bp.width < 640) {
      expect(columns).toBe(1)
    } else if (bp.width < 1024) {
      expect(columns).toBe(2)
    } else {
      expect(columns).toBe(4)
    }
  })

  test("no content overflow", async ({ page }) => {
    await page.goto("/products")

    const hasOverflow = await page.evaluate(
      () => document.documentElement.scrollWidth > document.documentElement.clientWidth
    )
    expect(hasOverflow).toBe(false)
  })
})

8. Orientation Testing

Use when: Testing portrait vs landscape layouts. Critical for tablet apps, media players, dashboards, and any app that adapts to orientation. Avoid when: Your app does not change layout based on orientation (purely responsive to width only -- test with custom viewports instead).

TypeScript

typescript

// tests/orientation.spec.ts
import { test, expect, devices } from "@playwright/test"

test.describe("iPad orientation changes", () => {
  test.use({ ...devices["iPad Pro 11"] })

  test("dashboard adjusts layout in landscape", async ({ page }) => {
    // Start in portrait (834x1194 -- default for iPad Pro 11)
    await page.goto("/dashboard")

    // Portrait: sidebar collapses, chart stacks vertically
    await expect(page.getByTestId("sidebar")).toHaveCSS("position", "fixed")

    // Switch to landscape by changing viewport
    await page.setViewportSize({ width: 1194, height: 834 })

    // Landscape: sidebar visible inline, charts side-by-side
    await expect(page.getByTestId("sidebar")).toHaveCSS("position", "relative")
  })

  test("video player switches to fullscreen in landscape", async ({ page }) => {
    await page.goto("/videos/1")

    // Portrait: video in inline player
    const player = page.getByTestId("video-player")
    const portraitBox = await player.boundingBox()

    // Switch to landscape
    await page.setViewportSize({ width: 1194, height: 834 })

    // Video should expand to fill width
    const landscapeBox = await player.boundingBox()
    expect(landscapeBox!.width).toBeGreaterThan(portraitBox!.width)
  })
})

test.describe("iPhone orientation changes", () => {
  test("portrait mode", () => {
    test.use({ ...devices["iPhone 14"] }) // 390x844
  })

  test("landscape mode", () => {
    test.use({ ...devices["iPhone 14 landscape"] }) // 844x390
  })
})

// Test both orientations with a loop
const orientations = [
  { name: "portrait", device: devices["iPad Pro 11"] },
  { name: "landscape", device: devices["iPad Pro 11 landscape"] },
]

for (const { name, device } of orientations) {
  test.describe(`form usability in ${name}`, () => {
    test.use({ ...device })

    test("all form fields are visible without scrolling", async ({ page }) => {
      await page.goto("/contact")

      const form = page.getByRole("form")
      await expect(form).toBeVisible()

      // Check form fits within viewport
      const formBox = await form.boundingBox()
      const viewport = page.viewportSize()!
      expect(formBox!.width).toBeLessThanOrEqual(viewport.width)
    })
  })
}

JavaScript

javascript

// tests/orientation.spec.js
const { test, expect, devices } = require("@playwright/test")

test.describe("iPad orientation changes", () => {
  test.use({ ...devices["iPad Pro 11"] })

  test("dashboard adjusts layout in landscape", async ({ page }) => {
    await page.goto("/dashboard")

    await expect(page.getByTestId("sidebar")).toHaveCSS("position", "fixed")

    await page.setViewportSize({ width: 1194, height: 834 })

    await expect(page.getByTestId("sidebar")).toHaveCSS("position", "relative")
  })

  test("video player switches to fullscreen in landscape", async ({ page }) => {
    await page.goto("/videos/1")

    const player = page.getByTestId("video-player")
    const portraitBox = await player.boundingBox()

    await page.setViewportSize({ width: 1194, height: 834 })

    const landscapeBox = await player.boundingBox()
    expect(landscapeBox.width).toBeGreaterThan(portraitBox.width)
  })
})

const orientations = [
  { name: "portrait", device: devices["iPad Pro 11"] },
  { name: "landscape", device: devices["iPad Pro 11 landscape"] },
]

for (const { name, device } of orientations) {
  test.describe(`form usability in ${name}`, () => {
    test.use({ ...device })

    test("all form fields are visible without scrolling", async ({ page }) => {
      await page.goto("/contact")

      const form = page.getByRole("form")
      await expect(form).toBeVisible()

      const formBox = await form.boundingBox()
      const viewport = page.viewportSize()
      expect(formBox.width).toBeLessThanOrEqual(viewport.width)
    })
  })
}

9. Mobile Performance

Use when: Simulating real-world mobile conditions -- slow 3G networks, underpowered CPUs. Critical for testing loading states, skeleton screens, and timeout handling. Avoid when: Testing functional correctness only. Performance throttling slows down your test suite significantly.

TypeScript

typescript

// tests/mobile-performance.spec.ts
import { test, expect, devices } from "@playwright/test"

test.describe("mobile on slow network", () => {
  test.use({ ...devices["Pixel 7"] })

  test("shows skeleton loader on slow 3G", async ({ page }) => {
    // Get the CDP session for network throttling (Chromium only)
    const cdpSession = await page.context().newCDPSession(page)

    // Simulate slow 3G: 500kbps download, 500kbps upload, 400ms RTT
    await cdpSession.send("Network.emulateNetworkConditions", {
      offline: false,
      downloadThroughput: (500 * 1024) / 8, // bytes per second
      uploadThroughput: (500 * 1024) / 8,
      latency: 400, // ms
    })

    await page.goto("/products")

    // Skeleton screen should appear while content loads
    await expect(page.getByTestId("product-skeleton")).toBeVisible()

    // Eventually, real content replaces skeleton
    await expect(page.getByRole("listitem")).toHaveCount(12, { timeout: 30_000 })
    await expect(page.getByTestId("product-skeleton")).toBeHidden()
  })

  test("shows offline message when network drops", async ({ page }) => {
    await page.goto("/dashboard")
    await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "Dashboard" })).toBeVisible()

    // Drop network entirely
    await page.context().setOffline(true)

    // Try to navigate -- should show offline message
    await page.getByRole("link", { name: "Settings" }).click()
    await expect(page.getByText(/you.*offline|no.*connection/i)).toBeVisible()

    // Restore network
    await page.context().setOffline(false)
    await page.reload()
    await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "Settings" })).toBeVisible()
  })

  test("images lazy-load on slow connections", async ({ page }) => {
    const cdpSession = await page.context().newCDPSession(page)
    await cdpSession.send("Network.emulateNetworkConditions", {
      offline: false,
      downloadThroughput: (1000 * 1024) / 8,
      uploadThroughput: (500 * 1024) / 8,
      latency: 200,
    })

    await page.goto("/gallery")

    // Images below the fold should have loading="lazy" and not load immediately
    const belowFoldImages = page.locator('img[loading="lazy"]')
    const count = await belowFoldImages.count()
    expect(count).toBeGreaterThan(0)

    // Scroll to trigger lazy loading
    await page.evaluate(() => window.scrollTo(0, document.body.scrollHeight))
    await expect(belowFoldImages.first()).toHaveJSProperty("complete", true)
  })

  test("CPU throttling shows performance impact", async ({ page }) => {
    const cdpSession = await page.context().newCDPSession(page)

    // Simulate 4x CPU slowdown (typical mid-range mobile device)
    await cdpSession.send("Emulation.setCPUThrottlingRate", { rate: 4 })

    await page.goto("/")

    // Measure time to interactive
    const tti = await page.evaluate(() => {
      const entries = performance.getEntriesByType("navigation") as PerformanceNavigationTiming[]
      return entries[0]?.domInteractive ?? 0
    })

    // Assert TTI is within acceptable range for throttled mobile
    expect(tti).toBeLessThan(5000)

    // Reset throttling
    await cdpSession.send("Emulation.setCPUThrottlingRate", { rate: 1 })
  })
})

JavaScript

javascript

// tests/mobile-performance.spec.js
const { test, expect, devices } = require("@playwright/test")

test.describe("mobile on slow network", () => {
  test.use({ ...devices["Pixel 7"] })

  test("shows skeleton loader on slow 3G", async ({ page }) => {
    const cdpSession = await page.context().newCDPSession(page)

    await cdpSession.send("Network.emulateNetworkConditions", {
      offline: false,
      downloadThroughput: (500 * 1024) / 8,
      uploadThroughput: (500 * 1024) / 8,
      latency: 400,
    })

    await page.goto("/products")

    await expect(page.getByTestId("product-skeleton")).toBeVisible()
    await expect(page.getByRole("listitem")).toHaveCount(12, { timeout: 30_000 })
    await expect(page.getByTestId("product-skeleton")).toBeHidden()
  })

  test("shows offline message when network drops", async ({ page }) => {
    await page.goto("/dashboard")
    await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "Dashboard" })).toBeVisible()

    await page.context().setOffline(true)

    await page.getByRole("link", { name: "Settings" }).click()
    await expect(page.getByText(/you.*offline|no.*connection/i)).toBeVisible()

    await page.context().setOffline(false)
    await page.reload()
    await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "Settings" })).toBeVisible()
  })

  test("CPU throttling shows performance impact", async ({ page }) => {
    const cdpSession = await page.context().newCDPSession(page)

    await cdpSession.send("Emulation.setCPUThrottlingRate", { rate: 4 })

    await page.goto("/")

    const tti = await page.evaluate(() => {
      const entries = performance.getEntriesByType("navigation")
      return entries[0]?.domInteractive ?? 0
    })

    expect(tti).toBeLessThan(5000)
    await cdpSession.send("Emulation.setCPUThrottlingRate", { rate: 1 })
  })
})

10. PWA Mobile Testing

Use when: Testing Progressive Web App features -- service workers, install prompts, offline mode, push notifications on mobile. Avoid when: Your app is not a PWA. For general offline testing, see the network offline pattern in Pattern 9.

TypeScript

typescript

// tests/pwa-mobile.spec.ts
import { test, expect, devices } from "@playwright/test"

test.use({ ...devices["Pixel 7"] })

test("service worker registers and caches resources", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/")

  // Wait for service worker to register
  const swRegistered = await page.evaluate(async () => {
    const registration = await navigator.serviceWorker.ready
    return registration.active?.state === "activated"
  })
  expect(swRegistered).toBe(true)

  // Verify critical resources are cached
  const cacheContents = await page.evaluate(async () => {
    const cache = await caches.open("app-shell-v1")
    const keys = await cache.keys()
    return keys.map((req) => new URL(req.url).pathname)
  })

  expect(cacheContents).toContain("/")
  expect(cacheContents).toContain("/offline.html")
})

test("app works offline after initial load", async ({ page }) => {
  // Load the app online first -- service worker caches resources
  await page.goto("/")
  await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "Home" })).toBeVisible()

  // Wait for service worker to finish caching
  await page.evaluate(async () => {
    const registration = await navigator.serviceWorker.ready
    // Wait for the service worker to activate
    if (registration.active?.state !== "activated") {
      await new Promise<void>((resolve) => {
        registration.active?.addEventListener("statechange", () => {
          if (registration.active?.state === "activated") resolve()
        })
      })
    }
  })

  // Go offline
  await page.context().setOffline(true)

  // Navigate to a cached page
  await page.goto("/about")

  // Cached page should render
  await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "About" })).toBeVisible()
})

test("offline fallback page shows when uncached route is accessed", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/")

  // Wait for service worker
  await page.evaluate(() => navigator.serviceWorker.ready)

  // Go offline and navigate to an uncached route
  await page.context().setOffline(true)
  await page.goto("/uncached-page")

  // Should show the offline fallback page
  await expect(page.getByText(/offline|no.*connection/i)).toBeVisible()
  await expect(page.getByRole("button", { name: "Retry" })).toBeVisible()
})

test("app prompts to install on mobile", async ({ page, context }) => {
  // Listen for the beforeinstallprompt event
  await page.goto("/")

  const installPromptFired = await page.evaluate(() => {
    return new Promise<boolean>((resolve) => {
      // Check if the event has already fired
      window.addEventListener("beforeinstallprompt", (e) => {
        e.preventDefault() // Prevent auto-prompt
        resolve(true)
      })

      // If PWA criteria are met, the event fires automatically
      // Timeout after 5s if it doesn't fire
      setTimeout(() => resolve(false), 5000)
    })
  })

  // Note: beforeinstallprompt only fires in Chromium and when PWA criteria are met
  // This test validates the event handler, not the browser chrome UI
  if (installPromptFired) {
    // App should show a custom install banner
    await expect(page.getByTestId("install-banner")).toBeVisible()
    await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Install app" }).click()
  }
})

test("push notification permission request on mobile", async ({ page, context }) => {
  // Grant notification permission
  await context.grantPermissions(["notifications"])

  await page.goto("/settings/notifications")

  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Enable notifications" }).click()

  // Verify the app registered for push
  const pushSubscription = await page.evaluate(async () => {
    const registration = await navigator.serviceWorker.ready
    const subscription = await registration.pushManager.getSubscription()
    return subscription !== null
  })

  expect(pushSubscription).toBe(true)
  await expect(page.getByText("Notifications enabled")).toBeVisible()
})

JavaScript

javascript

// tests/pwa-mobile.spec.js
const { test, expect, devices } = require("@playwright/test")

test.use({ ...devices["Pixel 7"] })

test("service worker registers and caches resources", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/")

  const swRegistered = await page.evaluate(async () => {
    const registration = await navigator.serviceWorker.ready
    return registration.active?.state === "activated"
  })
  expect(swRegistered).toBe(true)

  const cacheContents = await page.evaluate(async () => {
    const cache = await caches.open("app-shell-v1")
    const keys = await cache.keys()
    return keys.map((req) => new URL(req.url).pathname)
  })

  expect(cacheContents).toContain("/")
  expect(cacheContents).toContain("/offline.html")
})

test("app works offline after initial load", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/")
  await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "Home" })).toBeVisible()

  await page.evaluate(async () => {
    await navigator.serviceWorker.ready
  })

  await page.context().setOffline(true)
  await page.goto("/about")

  await expect(page.getByRole("heading", { name: "About" })).toBeVisible()
})

test("offline fallback page shows when uncached route is accessed", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/")
  await page.evaluate(() => navigator.serviceWorker.ready)

  await page.context().setOffline(true)
  await page.goto("/uncached-page")

  await expect(page.getByText(/offline|no.*connection/i)).toBeVisible()
  await expect(page.getByRole("button", { name: "Retry" })).toBeVisible()
})

test("push notification permission request on mobile", async ({ page, context }) => {
  await context.grantPermissions(["notifications"])

  await page.goto("/settings/notifications")

  await page.getByRole("button", { name: "Enable notifications" }).click()

  const pushSubscription = await page.evaluate(async () => {
    const registration = await navigator.serviceWorker.ready
    const subscription = await registration.pushManager.getSubscription()
    return subscription !== null
  })

  expect(pushSubscription).toBe(true)
  await expect(page.getByText("Notifications enabled")).toBeVisible()
})

Decision Guide

Question	Answer	Approach
Need to test how app looks on iPhone 14?	Yes	Use `devices['iPhone 14']` -- gets viewport, UA, touch, scale factor in one shot
Need to test a CSS breakpoint at 768px?	Yes	Use `test.use(\{ viewport: \{ width: 768, height: 1024 \} \})` -- simpler, no UA change
Need to test both portrait and landscape?	Yes	Use named device + landscape variant: `devices['iPad Pro 11']` and `devices['iPad Pro 11 landscape']`
Need realistic mobile performance?	Yes	Use CDP `Network.emulateNetworkConditions` + `Emulation.setCPUThrottlingRate` (Chromium only)
Need to test touch gestures?	Yes	Use device profile with `hasTouch: true`, then use `tap()`, mouse gestures for swipe
Need to test geolocation?	Yes	Set `geolocation` and `permissions: ['geolocation']` in context options
Need pixel-perfect mobile testing?	No -- use real devices	Playwright emulation approximates; font rendering and native UI differ from real hardware
Which devices to test by default?	Start with 3	`Desktop Chrome` + `Pixel 7` (Android) + `iPhone 14` (iOS). Add tablet if your app has a tablet layout.
When to add more device projects?	When bugs escape	If users report device-specific bugs, add that device profile permanently
Run all devices on every PR?	No	Run desktop + one mobile on PRs. Run all devices on main branch merges.
Device emulation vs custom viewport?	Depends on goal	Emulation: testing real-world device behavior. Custom viewport: testing CSS breakpoints.
Should I test every screen size?	No	Test your actual CSS breakpoints, plus smallest (320px) and largest (1440px+) supported sizes

Anti-Patterns

Don't Do This	Problem	Do This Instead
Only testing at 1280x720 desktop	Misses all mobile and tablet layout bugs; most web traffic is mobile	Add at least `Pixel 7` and `iPhone 14` projects
Using device emulation for pixel-perfect testing	Emulation approximates real devices -- font rendering, sub-pixel antialiasing, and native browser chrome differ	Use emulation for layout and interaction testing; use real device labs (BrowserStack, Sauce Labs) for pixel-perfect validation
Ignoring touch interactions	Mobile users tap, swipe, and long-press; `click()` alone may not trigger touch-specific event handlers	Use `tap()` on touch device profiles; test swipe gestures with mouse move sequences
Not testing orientation changes	Users rotate tablets and phones; layouts may break in landscape	Test both portrait and landscape with device variants or `page.setViewportSize()`
`page.setViewportSize()` without `hasTouch: true`	Viewport is small but browser reports no touch support -- `@media (hover: hover)` still matches desktop	Use device profiles or explicitly set `hasTouch: true` in `test.use()`
Hardcoding `isMobile` checks in every test	Duplicates logic, hard to maintain; tests become brittle	Use page objects that abstract mobile vs desktop behavior behind methods
Testing mobile layout with `visibility: hidden` checks only	Element may still take up space; CSS may use `display: none` or `transform: translateX(-100%)`	Use `toBeHidden()` (checks not visible) or `toHaveCSS('display', 'none')` for specific CSS behavior
Running 10+ device projects on every CI run	Massive CI time and cost with diminishing returns beyond 3-4 devices	Pick representative devices: one Android phone, one iPhone, one tablet, and desktop browsers
Network throttling in every test	Slows entire suite dramatically for minimal extra coverage	Create a separate `mobile-perf` project or tag performance tests with `@slow` and run them separately
`await page.waitForTimeout(2000)` after orientation change	Arbitrary delay; layout reflow may be faster or slower	`await expect(locator).toHaveCSS('property', 'value')` -- assertion auto-retries until layout settles
Testing geolocation without setting permissions	Browser blocks geolocation silently; test sees no location data and passes incorrectly	Always set `permissions: ['geolocation']` alongside `geolocation` coordinates
CDP throttling on Firefox or WebKit	CDP sessions are Chromium-only; test will throw on other browsers	Guard CDP calls with a browser check or use Chromium-only projects for performance tests

Troubleshooting

`tap()` throws "Page.tap: Not supported" error

Cause: The browser context was created without hasTouch: true. Device profiles set this automatically, but custom viewport configurations do not.

typescript

// Wrong -- custom viewport without touch support
test.use({ viewport: { width: 375, height: 667 } })
test("tap fails", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/")
  await page.getByRole("button").tap() // Error: Not supported
})

// Fix -- enable touch explicitly
test.use({
  viewport: { width: 375, height: 667 },
  hasTouch: true,
})
test("tap works", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.goto("/")
  await page.getByRole("button").tap() // Works
})

// Or use a device profile that includes hasTouch
test.use({ ...devices["iPhone 14"] })

`isMobile` is always `false`

Cause: isMobile is set by the device profile's isMobile property, not by viewport size. Custom viewports do not set it.

typescript

// isMobile is false here -- no device profile used
test.use({ viewport: { width: 375, height: 667 } })

test("isMobile is false", async ({ page, isMobile }) => {
  console.log(isMobile) // false
})

// Fix: use a device profile, or set isMobile explicitly
test.use({
  viewport: { width: 375, height: 667 },
  isMobile: true,
  hasTouch: true,
})

test("isMobile is true", async ({ page, isMobile }) => {
  console.log(isMobile) // true
})

Geolocation not working -- location remains default

Cause: Missing permissions: ['geolocation'] in context options. The browser silently denies the Geolocation API without this permission.

typescript

// Wrong -- geolocation set but no permission granted
test.use({
  geolocation: { latitude: 40.7128, longitude: -74.006 },
  // Missing: permissions: ['geolocation']
})

// Fix
test.use({
  geolocation: { latitude: 40.7128, longitude: -74.006 },
  permissions: ["geolocation"],
})

CDP session throws on Firefox/WebKit

Cause: page.context().newCDPSession(page) is Chromium-only. Firefox and WebKit do not support CDP.

typescript

// Wrong -- crashes on Firefox and WebKit
test("throttle network", async ({ page }) => {
  const cdp = await page.context().newCDPSession(page) // Throws on non-Chromium
})

// Fix -- guard with browser name check
test("throttle network", async ({ page, browserName }) => {
  test.skip(browserName !== "chromium", "CDP throttling is Chromium-only")

  const cdp = await page.context().newCDPSession(page)
  await cdp.send("Network.emulateNetworkConditions", {
    offline: false,
    downloadThroughput: (500 * 1024) / 8,
    uploadThroughput: (500 * 1024) / 8,
    latency: 400,
  })
})

// Alternative -- use context.setOffline() which works on all browsers
test("offline mode", async ({ page }) => {
  await page.context().setOffline(true) // Works everywhere
})

Viewport change does not trigger CSS media queries

Cause: page.setViewportSize() changes the viewport but does not trigger resize or orientationchange events in some frameworks that rely on JavaScript-based responsive logic rather than CSS media queries.

typescript

// If media queries don't fire after setViewportSize, dispatch manually
await page.setViewportSize({ width: 375, height: 667 })
await page.evaluate(() => window.dispatchEvent(new Event("resize")))

// Better: use the viewport in test.use() so it's set before page load
test.use({ viewport: { width: 375, height: 667 } })

Service worker not registering in tests

Cause: Service workers require HTTPS or localhost. Playwright's default baseURL of http://localhost:3000 works, but other HTTP origins do not.

typescript

// Ensure your baseURL is localhost or HTTPS
// playwright.config.ts
export default defineConfig({
  use: {
    baseURL: "http://localhost:3000", // Works for service workers
    // baseURL: 'http://192.168.1.100:3000',   // Does NOT work -- not localhost
  },
})

// If testing against a non-localhost server, use HTTPS
// or use serviceWorkers: 'allow' (default) in context options

core/configuration.md -- project setup with device profiles and multi-project config
core/visual-regression.md -- combine responsive testing with screenshot comparison across viewports
core/network-mocking.md -- mock API responses alongside mobile testing
core/service-workers-and-pwa.md -- in-depth PWA testing beyond mobile context
core/performance-testing.md -- comprehensive performance testing including mobile metrics
core/browser-apis.md -- geolocation, permissions, and other browser APIs in detail
ci/projects-and-dependencies.md -- advanced multi-project patterns for responsive testing matrices

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playwright-cli

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rules

Mobile and Responsive Testing ​

Quick Reference ​

Patterns ​

1. Device Emulation ​

TypeScript ​

JavaScript ​

2. Custom Viewports ​

TypeScript ​

JavaScript ​

3. Touch Events ​

TypeScript ​

JavaScript ​

4. Mobile-Specific UI ​

TypeScript ​

JavaScript ​

5. Geolocation ​

TypeScript ​

JavaScript ​

6. Multi-Project Responsive Testing ​

TypeScript ​

JavaScript ​

7. Responsive Breakpoint Testing ​

TypeScript ​

JavaScript ​

8. Orientation Testing ​

TypeScript ​

JavaScript ​

9. Mobile Performance ​

TypeScript ​

JavaScript ​

10. PWA Mobile Testing ​

TypeScript ​

JavaScript ​

Decision Guide ​

Anti-Patterns ​

Troubleshooting ​

tap() throws "Page.tap: Not supported" error ​

isMobile is always false ​

Geolocation not working -- location remains default ​

CDP session throws on Firefox/WebKit ​

Viewport change does not trigger CSS media queries ​

Service worker not registering in tests ​

Related ​

Mobile and Responsive Testing

Quick Reference

Patterns

1. Device Emulation

TypeScript

JavaScript

2. Custom Viewports

TypeScript

JavaScript

3. Touch Events

TypeScript

JavaScript

4. Mobile-Specific UI

TypeScript

JavaScript

5. Geolocation

TypeScript

JavaScript

6. Multi-Project Responsive Testing

TypeScript

JavaScript

7. Responsive Breakpoint Testing

TypeScript

JavaScript

8. Orientation Testing

TypeScript

JavaScript

9. Mobile Performance

TypeScript

JavaScript

10. PWA Mobile Testing

TypeScript

JavaScript

Decision Guide

Anti-Patterns

Troubleshooting

`tap()` throws "Page.tap: Not supported" error

`isMobile` is always `false`

Geolocation not working -- location remains default

CDP session throws on Firefox/WebKit

Viewport change does not trigger CSS media queries

Service worker not registering in tests

Related