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How to connect to real device in Appium using WiFi has become a common requirement for QA testers and developers looking to enhance flexibility and mobility during mobile testing. Traditionally, devices are connected to Appium through USB cables, which can be cumbersome when running multiple tests across several devices. Using WiFi instead allows testers to freely move devices, scale testing setups, and eliminate dependency on physical cables. In this guide, we will explore the steps to connect real Android and iOS devices to Appium using WiFi, making mobile testing much more efficient and adaptable.
Connecting real devices to Appium using WiFi brings multiple benefits. Firstly, it offers flexibility—testers can move around without being restricted by cables, which is especially useful for scenarios involving physical device interactions. Secondly, it helps in scaling tests across multiple devices without the hassle of managing multiple USB hubs or cable connections. Lastly, it reduces the risk of connectivity issues related to faulty USB ports or cables, which can often disrupt tests.
To connect an Android device to Appium using WiFi, begin by connecting the device via USB. Ensure that the device has Developer Options enabled. You can do this by navigating to Settings > About Phone and tapping the Build Number multiple times until Developer Mode is activated. Once Developer Options are enabled, make sure USB Debugging is turned on.
Settings > About Phone
The key to connecting a real Android device in Appium using WiFi is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Once the device is connected via USB, use the terminal to check the list of connected devices by typing:
adb devices
This command will list all devices connected via USB. Now, switch the connection to WiFi by enabling the ADB TCP/IP service on port 5555:
adb tcpip 5555
After running this command, disconnect the USB cable. Next, you need to connect to the device via its IP address. To find the IP address of the device, go to Settings > About Phone > Status and note the IP Address.
Settings > About Phone > Status
adb connect <device_ip_address>:5555
Replace <device_ip_address> with the actual IP address of your device. To verify the connection, run:
<device_ip_address>
You should now see the device listed as connected over WiFi.
Once the device is connected via WiFi, you can launch Appium and configure your desired capabilities to target the connected device. The WiFi connection allows Appium to communicate with the device just as it would with a USB connection, making the testing process seamless.
Connecting an iOS device to Appium using WiFi is slightly different compared to Android, as it involves Apple’s Remote Debugging feature.
First, connect the iOS device to your Mac via USB and open Xcode. Navigate to Window > Devices and Simulators and select your device. Enable Wireless Debugging from this screen. Ensure that both your Mac and iOS device are connected to the same WiFi network.
Window > Devices and Simulators
To connect to a real iOS device in Appium using WiFi, you will need WebDriverAgent installed and configured. WebDriverAgent helps Appium interact with iOS devices. You will also need to use the iOS WebKit Debug Proxy tool to enable communication between Appium and the device over WiFi. Run the following command to start the proxy:
ios_webkit_debug_proxy -c <device_udid>:27753
Replace <device_udid> with the UDID of your iOS device, which can be found in Xcode under the Devices section.
<device_udid>
Once WebDriverAgent is set up, you can specify the UDID and other desired capabilities in Appium to start testing. Make sure to keep both the computer and iOS device on the same WiFi network for consistent connectivity.
When connecting real devices in Appium using WiFi, you might encounter issues such as disconnections or devices not appearing in the ADB list. Here are some common solutions:
Unstable WiFi: Ensure you are using a reliable WiFi network. Unstable networks can cause frequent disconnections.
ADB Errors: If ADB commands fail, restart the ADB server by running adb kill-server followed by adb start-server.
adb kill-server
adb start-server
Firewall Restrictions: Ensure that your firewall or antivirus is not blocking ADB or Xcode connections.
Connecting to real devices in Appium using WiFi can significantly improve the efficiency of mobile testing by eliminating the restrictions imposed by USB cables. Whether you are testing on Android or iOS, the wireless setup allows for greater flexibility and scalability, making it easier for QA testers and developers to manage multiple devices and execute test cases seamlessly. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up a wireless connection and enjoy a smoother, more adaptable testing experience.
Mastering how to connect to real device in Appium using WiFi will undoubtedly enhance your mobile testing capabilities and streamline your workflow, enabling you to deliver higher quality applications with confidence.
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