A login page is one of the initial points of interaction between a user and a system and definitely one of the most significant ones. Web and mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, and a variety of other software solutions offer only limited functionality to unlogged users. A person needs to register and enter to access the core features that make the essence of software and its value.
In 2026, the login experience has evolved to include biometric authentication, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and passwordless entries. As an experienced software testing company, we have observed that even a minor defect here can lead to massive user churn and security vulnerabilities. Professional manual software testing remains the gold standard for verifying these high-stakes user journeys.
What does it mean for QA specialists? Working on test cases for a login page requires being as meticulous as you can. If you need some help with this task, here’s a short guide on test case writing.
Originally Published: Oct 13, 2021 | Last Updated: March 11, 2026
What Are the Different Formats of Test Cases?
A couple of things can influence your choice of the test case format. Firstly, the more complex functionality is, the more details you will need to include in a test case. Secondly, the format can be dictated by the configurations of test case management software your team uses. Finally, it can depend on the generally accepted practices within a QA company or a development team.
Choosing a standardized format is particularly important when you decide to QA outsource. It ensures that internal developers and the dedicated QA team are speaking the same language, which is vital for maintaining speed in a CI/CD pipeline.
If you don’t use any test management software, you can write test cases in Google Spreadsheets or Microsoft Excel. You’ll find an example of the formatting further in the article.
It is better to clarify which format to use before you start writing test cases. It can save you a lot of time.
Utilizing professional software testing services often means gaining access to pre-built templates and high-end QA resources that simplify this documentation process. This is especially useful for mobile app testing, where device-specific test cases can become quite complex.
Which Test Case Examples Should You Follow?
Test Case Example #1: UI and Layout Verification
At the very beginning, we need to make sure that the login page looks like it is intended to look. Let’s suppose everything is fine and there are no UI defects. Then, you can get a test case that looks like this.
ID
LP-1 (LP for Login Page, 1 as an ordinal number)
Summary
Check Login Page displaying.
Steps
- Open front end (or: open the website + active link).
- Proceed to the login page.
- Pay attention to the page layout.
Expected results
The login page opened.
The page looks as expected.
Actual results
The login page opened.
The page looks as expected.
Status
Passed
Now, let’s imagine things aren’t that good, and there is a bug. In this situation, everything in your test case will remain the same, except for two last clauses – actual result and status. It can go like this:
Actual results
The login page opened.
The label text overlaps with the input field.
Status
Failed.
Or like this:
Actual results
The login page didn’t open.
Status
Blocked.
As you can see, the wording will depend on what actually happens at this stage.
In 2026, mobile QA experts pay extra attention to how login pages adapt to foldable screens and varying resolutions. A quality assurance & testing company will always check these visual elements on real devices to ensure brand consistency.
Test Case Example #2: Navigation and Links
Test cases have slightly different names of clauses they include or a different sequence of those clauses. You can find an example below. Let’s start with bug-free functionality again.
Test #
LP-2
Test description
Check top navigation for a logged-in user.
Inputs
- Open front end.
- Log in as a registered user.
- Check links in the header of the page.
- Try to open the My Account section.
Expected Output
A logout link is displayed for a logged-in user.
A logged-in user can open the My Account section.Pass/Fail
Pass
If there is a bug, you add one more clause at the end and describe what happens:
Defect
A logged-in user can’t open the My Account section.
Or:
A logout link is not displayed for a logged-in user.
If you are using test automation services, these types of navigational checks are prime candidates for automating regression testing. This allows your team to focus on more complex security scenarios.
Test Case Example #3: Advanced Conditions and Priority
Some cases require preconditions (actions to perform before executing a test case) and postconditions (actions that return the system to its initial state). Sometimes software testers also decide to include priority in their test cases. Thus, you can end up with yet another format of this test artifact:
- Preconditions.
- Summary.
- Priority.
- Steps.
- Expected result.
- Postconditions.
Given the importance of a login page, the majority of test cases for login page will have a high priority. Here’s an example of a test case with preconditions, postconditions, and priority included.
Test Case #3
Preconditions
A user is logged into the system.Summary
Check the Back button.Priority
Medium.Steps
- Log out of the system.
- Click the Back button.
Expected result
The user is not logged. The login page is displayed.Postconditions
To access the features for logged-in users, a user has to log in again.
All the test case examples shared above are correct and frequently used. Moreover, you can be certain to discover even more variations of test case formats. Once again, if it’s your first time creating test cases, specify the details with other team members. If you are studying or working on a test task, go with the most detailed test case or mix several, showing that you are aware of the variations 😉
What Is the Essential List of Test Cases for a Login Page?
All the login pages are more or less the same. There will be slight differences in design, but they don’t affect the approach to test case writing fundamentally. According to the Nielsen Norman Group, usability in login forms is a major factor in user retention.
We won’t write a test case example for every possible user input here. Instead, we’ll share some ideas that will make test case writing easier. Below, you will find summaries that can become the background for test cases for your project. We’ll include the Forgot Password summaries, too, though technically, you can distinguish them as a standalone group of test cases.
Positive Test Cases for Login Page
- Log in with valid credentials.
- Check the Show Password feature.
- Check the Remember Me checkbox.
- Check the autofill.
- Check the Log Out button.
- Restore the password with a registered email.
- Check the Forgot Password email.
- Create a new password using valid data.
- Log into the account using a new password.
- Switch between input fields using Tab.
- Log into the system using the Enter button.
- Log in with valid credentials in different browsers.
- Log in with valid credentials using different devices.
- Check biometric login (FaceID/TouchID) for mobile apps.
- Verify Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) code acceptance.
Negative Test Cases for Login Page
- Log in with empty required fields.
- Log in with an invalid email.
- Login with an unregistered email.
- Log in with an invalid password.
- Log in with both email and password invalid.
- Restore a password with an invalid email.
- Restore a password with an unregistered email.
- Restore a password with empty required fields.
- Restore a password using non-matching new passwords.
- Log in to the account using an old password.
- Verify system behavior after multiple failed login attempts (Lockout).
- Check for SQL injection vulnerabilities in login fields
Read Top E-Commerce Test Cases
Security is non-negotiable in 2026. Following guidelines from OWASP for authentication testing is a standard practice for any software QA services provider.
To Sum Up: How Does a Professional QA Company Approach Login Testing?
The login page is often the foundation for the core features. If it doesn’t function properly, a software product/service becomes pretty much useless. For many enterprises, software testing outsourcing is the most efficient way to handle this complexity. By using outsourced testing, you gain access to a broad device lab and deep security expertise.
Whether you rely on QA services for manual software testing or automation testing services, the goal remains the same: a secure, seamless entry for every user. Leveraging QA outsourcing allows you to implement a robust test automation strategy that grows with your product.
FAQ
Why should I use outsourced software testing for a login page?
A specialized QA company has the experience to identify edge cases, such as session timeouts or security vulnerabilities, that internal teams might overlook.
How does biometric testing work in mobile QA?
It requires testing on real physical devices to ensure the software correctly interfaces with the hardware’s FaceID or fingerprint sensors.
What is the benefit of automating regression testing for logins?
Login is a high-frequency action. Automating it ensures that new updates don’t accidentally “lock out” your entire user base.
Does a login page affect SEO in 2026?
Yes. Page speed and mobile responsiveness are key ranking factors. If your login page is slow or buggy, it can negatively impact your overall domain authority.