Must-have features for every MVP mobile app

Building a mobile app for your startup or business can be an exciting, but it’s easy to get lost in the many possibilities for features and functionality. The truth is, when you’re building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), you don’t have the luxury of adding everything. You need to focus on the core features that make your app work, solve the problem for your users, and give you the feedback you need to move forward.

In this article, we’ll go through the must-have features that your MVP mobile app can’t do without. These features will help you validate your idea, gather user feedback, and lay the foundation for your app’s future growth. Let’s break them down.

1. User authentication & registration

Your app needs a way for users to sign up and log in. It’s a basic  feature for almost every mobile app, and it helps deliver a personalized experience. Whether you're creating a marketplace, a social platform, or a fitness app, you’ll need a reliable authentication system.

Here are some options to consider:

• Email sign-up: This is the most common and simple method.

• Social media sign-up: Let users sign in with their Google or Facebook accounts for faster access.

• Single sign-on (SSO): This allows users to sign in using existing credentials from another platform.

Focus on secure password management and create a smooth registration process. You don’t want users to delete your app because signing up feels like a chore.

2. Core user interface (UI) design

The UI is how users interact with your app, and the design should be intuitive and straightforward. For an MVP, you don’t need flashy designs, but your layout should be clean and easy to navigate. A simple, user-friendly UI will make a big difference in user experience.

Here are some tips:

• Clear navigation: Make it easy for users to find what they’re looking for.

• Responsive design: Your app should look and work well on all device sizes.

• Minimalist design: Focus on core elements like buttons, icons, and menus that allow users to access key features.

A good UI will make your app easy to use and navigate, and it will keep users coming back.

3. Core functionality 

The goal of your MVP is to solve a problem. Your app needs to focus on delivering the core features that directly address your users' needs. Whether it’s a healthcare, banking, or smart home app, the key functionality should be simple but powerful.

For example:

• Healthcare app: The MVP might need features such as appointment scheduling, patient records management, and basic telehealth capabilities to enable healthcare providers to connect with patients remotely.

• Banking app: The core functionality could include secure account login, transaction history, and basic fund transfers, allowing users to perform essential banking tasks from their mobile device.

• Smart home app: The MVP might focus on controlling and monitoring a few key devices like smart lights and thermostats, allowing users to set schedules and receive notifications when there are changes in their home environment.

Your MVP should focus on solving one or two major problems. Keep it simple and save the extra features for later.

4. Push notifications

Push notifications are a great way to keep users engaged and informed, even in the MVP stage. Whether it’s reminding users about updates, encouraging them to return, or notifying them of new features, notifications can help retain users.

Here’s how to use push notifications effectively:

• Send timely updates: Let users know about new messages, updates, or reminders.

• Don’t overdo it: Too many notifications can be annoying, so keep it balanced to avoid overwhelming users.

Push notifications are a great way to encourage user engagement and retention.

5. Analytics and user feedback

Without data, you won’t know if your MVP is actually solving the problem. Analytics tools can provide insights into user behavior and help you make informed decisions about future features.

Here are some tools to consider:

• Google Analytics for Firebase: A simple tool to track user behavior and engagement.

• Mixpanel: Helps you track user actions and events in detail.

• Hotjar: Allows you to collect user feedback through surveys and session recordings.

Analytics will help you understand how users interact with your app and what needs improvement.

6. Basic in-app communication (messaging, support)

Providing a way for users to get in touch with you is important, especially in the MVP stage. Whether it’s through a simple contact form, live chat, or an email support system, offering users a way to communicate with your team helps build trust and provides a path for feedback.

For now, keep it simple:

• FAQ section: Answer common questions upfront to save time.

• Basic contact form: Let users reach out easily if they have questions or need assistance.

User support doesn’t have to be complex in the MVP stage, but it should be accessible.

7. Payment system (if needed)

If your app involves transactions, such as in-app purchases or subscription models, you’ll need to include a secure payment system. An MVP doesn’t need to include every payment option, but it should have a reliable, user-friendly payment process.

Consider these options:

• Stripe or PayPal integration: Simple to set up and widely used for handling payments.

• In-app purchases for mobile apps: For purchasing items or subscriptions directly from the app.

Only include a payment system if it’s part of your MVP’s core functionality. Keep it straightforward and secure.

8. App performance and load speed

Users expect apps to load quickly and work smoothly. Slow performance can drive users away, so it’s important to focus on optimizing your app for speed and responsiveness.

Here are some ways to improve performance:

• Optimize images and assets: Reduce file sizes to speed up load times.

• Streamline the code: Avoid unnecessary code and functionality that can slow down the app.

• Test on multiple devices: Make sure your app works well on a variety of devices and network conditions.

If your app is slow or crashes often, users may not stick around. Prioritize performance, even in your MVP.

9. Data privacy and security

Even in the MVP stage, security and privacy matter. Users expect their data to be protected, and apps must comply with regulations like GDPR or CCPA.

Here’s how to keep things secure:

• Encrypt sensitive data: Ensure that personal and payment information is stored safely.

• Be transparent with privacy policies: Let users know how their data will be used and stored.

Building trust early on with secure and transparent practices will pay off in the long run.

Focus on the essentials

At the end of the day, an MVP is about testing your idea and getting feedback. Don’t worry about making your app perfect, instead, pay attention on the features that will validate your concept and prove that your app solves a real problem. 

By focusing on the core functionality, performance, security, and user feedback, you’ll be able to create an MVP that is ready for growth.