Why Localization Testing Matters
Across the globe, people favor software in their native language, complete with correct time zones, currencies, and cultural nuances. Even a polished mobile app can lose credibility if date formats or currency symbols are incorrectly localized.
Key Areas Requiring Localization QA
Localization extends beyond just text translation. Each target region may have unique linguistic quirks, design layouts, or cultural references that don’t directly map from your original market. Missing these subtle differences can lead to awkward wording, broken UI, or even unintended offenses.
- Text Expansion/Contraction: Some languages require more space than English, risking truncated labels or misaligned UI elements.
- Regional Formats: Time, date, measurement units, and currency must adjust to local norms (e.g., “1,000.00” vs. “1.000,00”).
- Graphic & Color Sensitivity: Colors might hold symbolic meaning in certain regions. Offensive or culturally insensitive images must be avoided.
- Script Orientation: Right-to-left languages (Arabic, Hebrew) demand mirrored layouts.
- Legal/Compliance Text: Specific disclaimers or privacy policies may vary by region.
Our Localization Testing Services
Website Localization Testing
From e-commerce checkouts to multilingual CMS platforms, we ensure text expansion or locale-based formatting doesn’t ruin the user journey.
Mobile App Localization Testing
We test Android and iOS apps across multiple languages, verifying local norms for push notifications, store listings, and more.
Software Localization Testing
Desktop or web-based tools must handle region-specific data, messages, and currency accurately. We verify each detail to ensure consistent performance for all audiences.
Game Localization Testing
We verify in-game text, dialogue, and cultural references so players worldwide can fully enjoy your title. These crucial efforts deliver an immersive, region-friendly experience.
Our Approach to Localization Testing
Internationalization (i18n) Audit
Before localizing text, we ensure your product is designed to handle multiple languages (a process often called internationalization testing). We look at resource files, Unicode support, date/time handling, and more.
String & Layout Verification
Combining manual reviews with automated localization testing scripts, we confirm that translations fit the UI elements. We also check for placeholders or code expansions that break layouts in certain languages.
Functional & UI Consistency
Our localization testers confirm the logic behind each feature holds up in every language. Notifications, payment gateways, and user workflows should adapt seamlessly to local preferences.
Device & Platform Coverage
We test on real devices across iOS, Android, and desktop browsers. This verifies that fonts, character sets, and dynamic layouts behave correctly for each locale.
Cultural Relevance & Sensitivity
Colors, icons, or phrasing could be offensive or misunderstood in some regions. We ensure your app’s aesthetics and messaging are safe from cultural pitfalls.
Regression & Maintenance
Each time you add new languages or expand to new regions, we retest the core features. This is especially vital for localization testing of mobile apps, where ongoing updates can introduce new translations or UI quirks.
Selected Cases
Escuela Coaching
Spain
Helped thoroughly test online coaching platform and get ready for global launch in 30 days
Keystone
Norway
Helped Norway’s #1 study portal improve 8 of their content-heavy websites, which are used by 110 million students annually
BeFamily
United States
We ensured this app had a zero-bug product launch, tripling their projected install numbers
Couple Up! Love Show Story
Ukraine
Helped indie game studio prepare for large-scale gaming and quickly improve performance
Why Choose QAwerk
Global Expertise
We’ve tested apps across North America, Europe, and APAC. Our QA engineers handle major languages like English, German, and Spanish, ensuring region-appropriate experiences.
Transparent Process
We keep you informed through regular updates, clear test plans, and open communication. We log issues using your preferred project management tools, from Jira to Asana.
Scalable Team
Need ongoing software localization testing for frequent releases? How about a short-term push for a major rebrand? We’ve got you covered, adapting to your unique schedule.
End-to-End Coverage
Going beyond strings and layouts, we’ll check integrations like region-based payment gateways or shipping providers. We’ll also confirm that your currency and tax calculations hold up internationally.
Security & Privacy
For industries handling sensitive user data, we coordinate with your data protection guidelines. Our approach aligns with all necessary GDPR or HIPAA rules.
Proven Track Record
Clients see higher user satisfaction and fewer localization complaints after our thorough reviews. Our balanced mix of manual and automated checks will consistently deliver quick wins for global apps.
Expanding to new markets?
Let’s TalkOther Services We Offer
Regression Testing
Reduce the risk of costly post-release issues with regular and comprehensive regression testing.
Automated Testing
Accelerate your software delivery and enhance product quality by automating repetitive test cases.
Accessibility Testing
Ensure your product’s inclusivity for all users. We’ll help identify and rectify barriers faced by people with disabilities.
API Testing
Deliver exceptional digital experiences with a reliable API. We examine APIs for their functionality, performance, and security.
Overnight Testing
Leverage the time zone difference with our team and accelerate your time-to-market by 20%. We test while you sleep.
Penetration Testing
Protect your sensitive customer data. We simulate real-world cyberattacks to find vulnerabilities in your systems, apps, and networks.
Performance Testing
Make your app lightning-fast. We’ll test your app’s speed, responsiveness, and scalability under various load conditions.
Compatibility Testing
Delight every possible user. We’ll test your app across numerous devices, operating systems, browsers, and hardware configurations.
Tools We Use
FAQ
Is localization testing just about translating text?
No. While the translation aspect is important, localization testing also ensures that your app correctly handles date/time formats, currencies, cultural references, UI layouts, and even color schemes across different regions.
How is localization testing different from internationalization testing?
Internationalization (i18n) prepares your software to support multiple languages and regional settings. Localization (L10n) applies those capabilities to specific languages or regions. We handle both, but each addresses a different stage of going global.
Why do I still need manual testers if I use automated localization testing?
Automated checks accelerate the detection of layout errors or untranslated-string errors, but they can’t gauge the cultural appropriateness or subtle contextual nuances. Manual testers bring human insight and language expertise, ensuring a truly tailored user experience.
What’s the best way to maintain quality after adding new languages?
Plan regular regression cycles. Each time you add or update locales, we suggest retesting the affected features. This ensures translations, UI layouts, and cultural references remain consistent and accurate.
QAwerk supported us during the testing phase for the launch of a new service at Escuela Europea de Coaching. Communication was very smooth and pleasant. They provided clear follow-up, focused on fixing errors and offering solutions for their implementation. It was a stroke of luck to work with the QAwerk team, and they helped make the project a success in its first editions.
Alberto Illán Cisneros, Communication and Marketing Manager at Escuela Coaching
QAwerk has consistently delivered high-quality testing solutions and contributed significantly to our product development process. Their team’s professionalism, attention to detail, and proactive approach have been instrumental in ensuring the reliability and functionality of our products.
Ivano Barbieri, Head of UI Development at VirtaMed
We have a specialty/niche product that needs a significant time for onboarding normally. QAwerk was willing and able to do the onboarding and work on the rather complex testing setup. There were some initial hiccups with the technical setup, largely owing to our specialty configuration, but the testing team was patient and willing to work with us on tackling the issues. The flexibility alongside the good technical work has become a staple of this product's testing.
Carolyn Mattes-O'Brien, Head of DevOps and IT at VirtaMed
Thanks to QAwerk, the client can efficiently cover the app's complete regression testing, which is a time-consuming task. The team manages the project well using Jira and Confluence and has regular sync-ups. Moreover, they make valuable suggestions to improve the product's testing.
Mona Kriebel, Test Analyst at VirtaMed
The team is really supportive, and they are nice people, it's always nice to work with such people. They are really effective at what they do.
Sassoon Scheepers, Product Owner at Zazu Africa
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