Technical Requirements for the Field Service Mobile App

Key Points

• iOS and Android Requirements: For optimal performance, iOS devices should have 6 GB+ RAM and a 15 GB minimum of free storage, while Android devices require 8 GB+ RAM and 15 GB of free storage.
• Purchasing Strategy: Avoid entry-level devices with borderline specifications, as they can lead to higher support costs and lower productivity. Plan to refresh your device fleet every 3–4 years to keep up with evolving features like offline AI and Performance Priming.
• Field Usage Considerations: Devices must be evaluated for battery durability, thermal performance, and build quality (e.g., rugged, IP-rated) to withstand demanding field conditions.
• Support Policy: Salesforce provides a minimum of 6 months' advance notice before ending support for a mobile OS version. End of support means new app releases are no longer tested, and official fixes for issues specific to unsupported configurations will cease.

Recommended and Minimum Device Requirements

To provide long-term stability, performance, and supportability of the Field Service mobile app , we define both recommended and minimum requirements for Android and iOS devices. These requirements serve as a guide for hardware purchases, support planning, and device lifecycle management.

Note Devices with 4 GB RAM or less are not supported and are prone to app crashes, memory issues, and degraded offline performance.

Note iOS device performance depends heavily on available memory and battery health. Avoid older iPhones and iPads that cannot update to a currently supported OS.

To fully leverage the Field Service mobile app, it's essential to meet the recommended device requirements. While minimum specifications allow the app to run, they are not sufficient for optimal performance when using advanced features.

The recommended device requirements are crucial for:

• Priming 20,000+ records for offline use
• Capturing high-resolution images or videos
• Running AI-powered or augmented reality features

Device Selection Guidance

Your mobile workers are on the move all day in challenging, real-world conditions, so their devices need to be tough. Choosing the right device is about more than just the price tag. While low-end models may seem like a good deal upfront, they often lead to performance issues and higher support costs in the long run. We recommend the following:

• Prioritize Quality Over Price. Invest in devices from reputable manufacturers. High-quality hardware offers better reliability, fewer support issues, and a longer life span, giving you a better return on your investment.
• Look Beyond the Specs. Don't just check the spec sheet. Evaluate devices on real-world performance attributes like battery durability for long shifts, rapid charging or interchangeable batteries, thermal performance to prevent overheating and component degradation, and a rugged build quality that can handle tough environments. Also consider the available accessories such as protective cases, secure mounts, and stylus input for enhanced usability and protection.
• Plan Ahead. Technology changes fast. To keep up with new features like offline AI and Performance Priming, plan to refresh your devices every 3–4 years.
• Test Before You Buy. Always test a small batch of devices with your team's actual workload before placing a large order. This helps you confirm how the devices perform with tasks like large data syncs, offline use, and long days in the field.

Device Lifecycle and Support Policy

We support a wide range of hardware, but to keep bringing you the latest innovations, we occasionally have to update our platform requirements.

Support Schedule for Operating Systems

Support Notification Policy

We provide at least six months' advance notice before ending support for a mobile OS version or device class. These notices are posted in this Help topic, the Salesforce Field Service Mobile Release Notes, and the Field Service Mobile Trailblazer Community.

Once support ends, new app releases are no longer tested on unsupported devices or OS versions, and we do not provide official fixes for issues specific to these configurations. Compatibility may also be removed in future app updates. While we offer best-effort support during the transition, we strongly recommend migrating to supported hardware and software as soon as possible.

Testing and Monitoring

Before a full rollout, test your devices to make sure they can handle the workload.

• Validate Performance: Use benchmarking tools like Geekbench or 3DMark to check memory and CPU load under real-world conditions. Watch how the app behaves during long sessions, when it’s in the background, or when handling workflows with large amounts of media.
• Check Your Settings: Make sure any constraints from your MDM (like memory limits or power-saving modes) aren't interfering with the app.
• Virtual and Managed Environments: If you're using managed profiles or kiosk mode, always validate performance within that specific environment. Double-check that any network filters or VPNs aren't causing delays or blocking syncs.Validate compatibility with Google Play Services, WebView version, and OS security patch level.

Additional Considerations for Extreme Environments

Field technicians work in rugged, remote, and unpredictable places, so it's a good idea to think about how you can support their devices beyond the specs.

Device Protection and Durability

• Rugged Cases: We strongly recommend using cases that are rated for MIL-STD-810H and IP68 standards to protect against drops, dust, and water.
• Thermal Management: In extreme heat or cold, consider using specialized cases to keep devices from overheating or shutting down. For example, thermal jackets with phase change materials can extend usable time outdoors.
• Fully Rugged Devices: For the toughest jobs, especially in industrial or outdoor settings, consider fully rugged tablets or phones from manufacturers like Panasonic Toughbook, Getac, or Sonim.

Battery and Power

• External Batteries: Equip your team with high-capacity power banks (10,000–20,000 mAh+) to get through long shifts.
• Vehicle-Based Charging: Install charging stations in your vehicles using 12V adapters or integrated docks to keep devices charged during travel.

Connectivity in Remote Areas

The Field Service mobile app is built for offline use, but a stable connection is still required periodically for syncing with Salesforce.

• Wi-Fi & Cellular: For the best results, use devices with dual SIM cards or carrier aggregation.
• Devices: Avoid devices that have known issues with handling weak signal transitions, such as switching from LTE to 5G.
• Satellite Connectivity: For extremely remote work, consider equipping vehicles with satellite internet services like Starlink Roam to enable background syncing, data uploads, and better scheduling capabilities where there's no mobile signal.