How to Test a Local Website on Mobile Devices: A Guide for Developers Using Vite

Pasindu Laksara
2 min readJun 19, 2024

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Testing websites on Chrome’s Inspect tool is convenient but not always accurate for mobile devices. For better testing, you can directly access your local server on your mobile device. Here’s a quick guide for React, JavaScript, Vue, Svelte, and Laravel projects using Vite.

Why Test on Real Mobile Devices?

  • See Actual Performance: Emulate network speeds and device performance.
  • Catch Real Device Bugs: Identify device-specific bugs.
  • Ensure Better User Experience: Validate touch interactions and responsive designs.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Connect Devices to the Same Network

Ensure your computer and mobile device are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Start Your App with Vite

Run the following in your terminal to make your local server accessible:

npm run dev — — host

Vite will display your local IP address and port number:

Local: http://localhost:5173/

Network: http://192.168.1.5:5173/

Step 3: Access the Local Server on Your Mobile Device

On your mobile browser, type your IP address followed by the port number:

http://192.168.1.5:5173/

Step 4: Test and Debug

Your local application should now be accessible on your mobile device. Navigate through yourapp to test performance and functionality.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Cannot Connect? Check for firewall or security settings blocking the connection.
  • Different Networks? Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Port Issues? Verify the port isn’t used by another service.

Conclusion

Testing your local website on a real mobile device offers a more accurate user experience. With Vite and a simple network setup, you can ensure your application performs well across all platforms. Share your tips and experiences in the comments. Happy coding!

#WebDevelopment#MobileTesting#React#JavaScript#Vite#Vue#Svelte #Laravel#DevTips#Coding#WebDesign#ResponsiveDesign #FrontendDevelopment

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