Using Appdome Automation Testing for Android Apps

What is Build2Test?

Build2Test enables organizations to test Appdome-protected apps using their existing testing infrastructure, automation frameworks, and testing vendors. It allows protected apps to run in trusted testing environments without security protections interfering with the testing process.

Build2Test is part of Appdome Test™, Appdome’s broader solution for testing and validating protected mobile apps throughout the release lifecycle. For more information, see Understanding Appdome Test™.

Build2Test for Testing Vendors

Automated testing is essential for DevOps and QA teams validating applications across different devices and OS versions. However, testing environments may use tools or configurations that can trigger protections in Appdome-protected apps and interrupt testing.

Build2Test recognizes supported trusted testing environments, including platforms such as Sauce Labs, BrowserStack, BitBar, and LambdaTest. This allows Appdome-protected apps to run in these environments without security responses interfering with the test.

Teams can therefore continue using their existing automated test suites, preferred testing vendors, and established QA processes with the protected build.

Build2Test for App Debugging

Debugging tools are commonly used during development to inspect application behavior, troubleshoot issues, and improve performance. These same capabilities can represent a security risk in production because they can be used to inspect or manipulate an application at runtime.

Build2Test allows development and QA teams to test Appdome-protected Android apps in approved debugging environments without disabling the protections included in the build.

For example, teams can evaluate application behavior in environments where debugging capabilities are enabled while allowing the testing workflow to continue without unintended security enforcement interrupting the test.

Build2Test for App Profiling

Application profiling allows development and QA teams to monitor application performance, behavior, and system interactions during testing.

Build2Test enables Appdome-protected Android apps to run in approved profiling environments while retaining the protections included in the application. This allows teams to evaluate application behavior and identify potential issues using their existing profiling and testing workflows.

For example, teams can test applications on devices where Android Developer Options are enabled without the testing environment unnecessarily interrupting the protected application.

Appdome’s Build2Test service can be used in either of the following ways:

• Via Appdome DEV-API.
• Via Appdome’s Console (see the instructions below)

Use Build2Test Service via the Appdome Console

Before You Begin

• Any events encountered when testing the selected service will not raise alarms and notifications. With Appdome’s Build2Test service, Appdome’s in-app defense model recognizes the unique signature of the selected testing service and allows for easy testing without issuing a security alert or forcing the app to exit, even if these services use tools such as Magisk or Frida.
• Ensure you have the following:
  • Appdome account.
  • An Appdome version supporting the Build2Test service. If your current version doesn’t support the feature, contact Appdome Support.
  • Appdome SRM license.
  • A license for Build2Test.
  • Mobile App (APK/AAB).
  • Signing Credentials

Step by Step:

1. Log in to your Appdome account. 
2. Go to the Build Agent or open your Workspace from the right side menu.
3. Select or Upload your app (.apk or .aab file) to the Appdome platform. 
4. Build the app with your selected protections
5. Sign your app.
6. Click on the Test tab and select Build2Test.
   
7. Select your testing vendor and add the signing credentials.
8. Click Prepare For Testing.
   
9. After the build is complete, download your built app.
   

Related Articles:

• Using Appdome Automation Testing for iOS Apps
• How to Use Secure Android & iOS Apps in GitHub CI/CD
• How to use Appdome-Build-2Secure Orb for CircleCI
• How to Secure Android & iOS Apps in GitLab CI/CD Pipelines

How Do I Learn More?

If you have any questions, please send them our way at support.appdome.com or via the chat window on the Appdome platform.

Thank you!

Thanks for visiting Appdome! Our mission is to secure every app on the planet by making mobile app security easy. We hope we’re living up to the mission with your project. If you don’t already have an account, you can sign up for free.