If you work in interface design or enjoy tinkering with the world of Android app designYou've probably already heard of Figma. What you might not be so sure about is how to get the most out of it on your phone or tablet. The good news is that you don't need to be glued to your computer to review models, comment on prototypes, or follow the thread of a projectWith the mobile app you can do much more than it seems at first glance.
In this guide we will see, step by step and in great detail, How to use Figma on AndroidFrom downloading the app, logging in, and navigating between organizations, to viewing designs, testing prototypes, working with FigJam, managing notifications, and troubleshooting common mobile issues. We'll also supplement this information with key Figma concepts to help you better understand what you're doing on each screen.
What can you do with Figma on Android?
The Figma mobile app for Android is designed so that you can View and test your designs anywhere, without relying on a laptop. It's not a scaled-down desktop version, but a tool focused on reviewing, commenting, and presenting.
With her you can search, view and comment on files Design tools, FigJam boards, Figma Slides decks, and interactive prototypes. It's ideal for giving quick feedback to your team, reviewing subway navigation flows, or presenting a proposal to a client directly from your mobile device.
It also allows you present and test prototypes directly on a real Android device, which is key when you're designing mobile interfaces and want to see how transitions, font sizes, or buttons behave on a physical screen.
Another very useful feature is the tab for Mirror framesWith this feature, you can duplicate in real time what you're designing on your computer to see it on your Android device. This way, you can instantly check how the layout adapts, without having to export anything or create intermediate prototypes.
In addition, the app gives you the ability to edit FigJam panels (especially useful on tablets) and browse teams, projects and files marked as favorites, keeping you up to date thanks to pop-up notifications when someone mentions you or comments on your designs.
Download and install Figma on Android
To start using Figma on Android, the first thing to do is Install the official app From Google Play. Access the store, search for "Figma" and verify that the developer is Figma, Inc. to avoid fake or unofficial apps.
The tool itself recommends using the latest android version that your device allows. This not only improves overall performance, but also reduces errors with the system's web view, which is critical for the app to run smoothly when loading complex files.
Once downloaded and installed, the first time you open the application it will ask you Log In or create an account. From then on, all modifications, comments, and actions you make from your mobile device will be automatically synced with your cloud account.
How to log in and change organization
The Figma mobile app lets you log in with the same methods you use on desktopEmail and password, Google authentication, enterprise SSO, or other options you have configured in your account.
When you first log in, you might only see a few recent files and wonder where the rest are. In Figma, especially if you work at large companies, it's common to belong to several organizations or teamsand the app only displays the content of one organization at a time.
If you can't locate your files, they may be in another organization or even on your computer. Figma personal accountTo switch, tap your organization's logo in the upper right corner of the screen and select the organization or account you need to access.
This organizational change affects everything you see in the app: Recent files, projects, teams, and notifications They are filtered according to the active organization. This is important to keep in mind if you work with multiple clients or companies simultaneously.
If you frequently switch between multiple accounts (for example, a professional and a personal one), you should get into the habit of checking the logo in the upper right corner to make sure you're logged in. looking in the right space before thinking that a file "has disappeared".
Language and basic settings in the app
Currently, the Figma mobile app offers an interface officially available in English and JapaneseThere is no complete Spanish translation yet, so you will see all the menus and buttons in English even if your phone is set to Spanish.
To change the language the app uses, you don't have to touch anything inside Figma: the app It detects the language from the settings of your Android device. That is, if your system is in English, Figma will be displayed in English; if you switch to Japanese, the app will reflect that.
At the basic configuration level, in addition to the language, it is recommended to review notification permissions from the system immediately after installing Figma. If Android has notifications disabled for the app, you will not receive alerts for new comments, mentions, or important changes.
Although the app doesn't yet have a huge menu of internal settings, it does have options for manage push notifications and some basic aspects of the application's behavior, accessible from your organization's logo at the top.
Explore, search and open files on Android
When you open the Figma app on your Android mobile, the main screen shows you a selection of your recent files and prototypes organized into separate sections. This allows you to quickly pick up where you left off.
You have several ways to find what you need: you can browse the tab of Courses To see the latest designs and prototypes you've opened from any device, or tap "View all" for a broader view of all your files.
If you're looking for something specific, the tab Search It allows you to locate files and prototypes by name. Additionally, you can also access documents you've marked as favorites from the desktop version or the browser.
Once you locate the file you're interested in, you just have to click on it To open it, the app will load the canvas or prototype, depending on the file type, and you can start browsing, commenting, or reviewing the content.
Keep in mind that performance when opening very large documents depends heavily on your data connection and device powerOn high-end mobile phones the experience is much smoother, while on basic models it can be a bit more difficult to navigate through large files.
How to view Figma designs on a touchscreen
When you open a design file on your Android, Figma adapts the canvas to touch screen so you can move around with natural gestures. It's not the same experience as using a mouse and keyboard, but it's very comfortable for browsing.
To navigate the canvas you can press and drag Swipe your finger in any direction. This allows you to explore different frames and areas of the design, even if the file is large or has multiple screens.
If you want to zoom in or out, use the classic gesture of pinch with two fingers on the screen to zoom in or zoom out. This way you can review small details, such as icons or text sizes, or to have a global view of the entire flow.
When you need to leave feedback, press and hold an area of ​​the canvas: this will allow you to add a comment anchored to that specific point in the design. It's the fastest way to point out errors in alignment, colors, text, or any adjustment you want the team to review.
Additionally, from the file menu you can toggle options such as Show or hide comment indicators, view the full list of comments, switch between archive pages, or manage which users have access to that design, all without leaving the mobile app.
Working with FigJam from Android
FigJam, Figma's collaborative whiteboard tool, is also accessible from the Android mobile app, although with some particularities depending on the deviceOn mobile devices you'll see a version adapted for quick review and editing.
If you work with an iPad, Figma recommends using the FigJam-specific appwhich offers a dedicated space to view, edit, and organize your whiteboards. This app is optimized for iPadOS 15 or later and takes full advantage of the screen size and Apple Pencil.
Even if you don't have an iPad, you can still use an Android phone. Open and edit FigJam panels with the Figma app. It's useful for reviewing workflows, adding quick notes, or making small adjustments during a meeting.
Using it on small screens requires some patience, but for light tasks like add comments, move post-its or review diagrams It's usually more than enough, especially if you're out of the office and need to contribute something quickly.
For longer visual ideation or more complex drawing projects, using a computer or large tablet is still more convenient, but the mobile app saves you in many situations where you only need one. specific intervention.
View and try out Figma prototypes on Android
One of the most powerful uses of Figma on Android is the ability to test interactive prototypes on a real device. This is essential when developing mobile apps, because it allows you to test real user experiences.
When you open a prototype on your mobile device, you can tap the screen to navigate through the different screens and flows. If the prototype doesn't have any defined interactions, the app automatically switches to the next screen. next frame with a simple touch, which also helps you review the sequence.
The prototypes have a hidden menu bar which does not appear permanently. To access it, touch and hold with two fingers on the screen; additional options related to viewing the prototype will appear.
From that menu you can, for example, change some display parameters, review prototype details or move more quickly between screens without always having to follow the defined interactions.
This way of working is key when you need to teach a flow to a client or validate a specific interaction with test users directly on the mobile, without cables or complicated configurations.
Presenting and reviewing presentations with Figma Slides
Figma isn't just for designing interfaces; it also includes Figma SlidesA solution for creating presentations directly from within the tool. The Android mobile app also supports this type of file.
When you open a Figma Slides deck on your mobile device, you'll see the main slide taking up most of the screen and a strip of miniatures at the bottom, with a preview of each slide.
To navigate the presentation, simply click on the thumbnail of the slide you want to see. This way you can quickly move to the part of the presentation that interests you without having to advance in order every time.
As with the other files, you can zoom in or out on the slide with a gesture: zoom in or out to review design details or small content.
By pressing and holding on an area of ​​the slide, you can add comments, and from the file menu you can show or hide the comment indicators. full feedback list or see the full list of feedback related to that presentation.
Comment, reply, and follow the activity
The Figma app on Android is designed so you don't lose track of your project even when you're away from your computer. The tab for Activity It is the control center for everything that is happening in your files.
From here you can access your comment notificationsMentions and relevant changes. Each notification is displayed as a separate item; tapping it opens a quick view so you can see what was said without loading the entire file.
This "quick response" allows you answer directly to the comments, which is ideal when someone asks you a question while you're out or you want to resolve a doubt about your team with a quick phrase.
If you press and hold on a comment, you can leave one. reaction (for example, a thumbs up). This helps to acknowledge messages without needing to reply with text, speeding up communication.
Once you've left a comment and it's been resolved, you can tap the "Resolve" icon (a checkmark inside a circle) to Mark it as closedIf at any point you want to see that comment within the full context of the design, use the "Open comment in file" option to jump directly to the canvas where it is located.
Mirror frames from your desktop to your Android device
The mirroring feature is probably one of the most interesting features for mobile app designers. Through the tab Reflect From the Android app, you can see in real time the frames you have selected in the desktop file.
This means that, while you're designing a screen on the computer, the changes they appear instantly on your mobile device, without needing to export or refresh anything. It's a fantastic way to fine-tune details like font sizes or spacing.
Additionally, viewing the design scaled to the actual screen of an Android device helps you to detect readability problemselements that are too small or touch zones that are difficult to reach, something that can go unnoticed on the monitor.
This continuous preview is also ideal for checking how they behave complex componentsnavigation bars or typical Android interaction patterns on different screen sizes and resolutions.
In short, the frame reflection turns your phone into a kind of permanent preview monitor, perfect for iterating designs much faster and more accurately, especially when working with mobile devices.
Pop-up notifications and how to configure them
To keep up to date without having to open Figma all the time, the Android app includes popup notifications that notify you when there are new comments, mentions, or important changes to your files.
These push notifications are enabled by default, but you can always disable them. adjust your noise level If you find yourself receiving too many notifications, or conversely, if you're missing out on important things.
To manage them from the app, tap your organization's logo in the upper right corner, then enter the section Notifications and adjust your pop-up notification preferences according to what you want to keep a close eye on.
It is recommended to combine this internal configuration with the Android's own notification settingsIf the system has Figma notifications blocked, the app will not be able to display alerts even if they are enabled within the system.
Playing with these options allows you to find a balance between staying on top of what's important and not filling your phone with constant notifications, something especially relevant if you're part of numerous teams where many files are commented on daily.
Getting started with Figma: interface and files
Beyond the mobile app, understanding how Figma works in general helps you get more out of it on Android as well. Figma is a browser-based tool, so you don't need to install anything To start designing: simply register and log in from the website.
If you prefer a desktop app, there's also a client for Windows and other systems. When you open Figma on your computer, you'll see a home screen listing your Recent files, drafts, and favorites and a side menu for navigating through workspaces.
To create a new project, you have three main options: New design file To start a design or prototype file, use "New FigJam file" to create a collaborative whiteboard or "Import file" to upload Sketch, Figma files or images in formats such as PNG, JPG, HEIC or GIF.
When you enter a design file, you see the classic Figma interface, divided into several zones: one top toolbar with frames, shapes, pen, text and comments; a left column with pages and layers; the central canvas where you design, and a right column called Inspector.
The Inspector is organized into tabs: "Design" for visual options (colors, fonts, sizes), "Prototype" for defining flows and interactions, and "Inspect" for the development team to see technical properties and code snippets exportable to CSS, iOS or Android.
Components, reuse, and collaboration in Figma
One of Figma's greatest strengths is its system of reusable componentsCreating a component is as simple as selecting the desired layers and using the diamond icon (or the shortcut Option + CMD + K on Mac, Ctrl + Alt + K on Windows).
When you convert a set of layers into a component, the layer is marked in purple and has a different icon. From then on, any copy of that element will be a instance of the main component, with its own simple rhombus symbol.
If you edit the master component (adding layers, changing colors, text, etc.), those changes are applied to all instances, maintaining the visual consistency of the design and saving you hours of repetitive work.
In the collaboration section, the "Share" button in the upper right corner of a file allows you to share the project with other people, by entering their email address and selecting permissions: "can edit" so they can modify the design or "can view" to only view and comment.
In addition, Figma features the Figma CommunityIt's a space where users from all over the world share files, design systems, and plugins. You can search for resources, duplicate them to your account, and use them as a foundation for your own projects, saving you a lot of time.
Prototypes, mobile apps, and design on Android tablets
Figma allows you to create advanced prototypes by connecting screens, defining interactions, animations, and horizontal and vertical scrolling behaviors. All of this is configured from the tab Prototype in the Inspector.
If you're thinking of using an Android tablet, such as a Samsung Galaxy Tab, for drawing or layout, the experience will depend heavily on whether the device has integrated stylus and good powerMany designers are considering replacing hours at a desk with a tablet to work more comfortably.
In those cases, the combination is usually to use illustration tools such as Photoshop or other drawing apps The tablet is used for the graphics, and Figma (via browser or app, depending on the system) for wireframes and prototyping. Portability is a plus, but a tablet with a stylus is usually significantly more expensive.
If you already have hardware like a Wacom Cintiq, the tablet doesn't always completely replace the desktop, but it can become a very useful extension for sketching, reviewing, or making progress on light tasks from the sofa, while traveling, or in meetings.
In any case, whether you primarily use Figma in a browser or combine it with mobile devices, the key is to take advantage of its prototyping and testing options. real screens through the Android app to get as close as possible to the final user experience and create professional screenshots that showcase your design.
Troubleshooting common Android problems
Like any complex web-based app, Figma on Android can experience some issues. unexpected closure or a one-off error, especially on older or heavily loaded devices.
If the app is forcibly closed on your mobile device, one of the first recommended steps is update the "Android system web view" to the latest version available on Google Play. This component is what Figma uses to display the content.
After updating, restart your device and reopen Figma. In many cases, these two steps (update and restart) stability problems related to changes in the operating system are resolved.
If the problem persists, check that your Android has sufficient storage spaceClose background applications that consume a lot of resources and check if there are any pending updates for the Figma app in the store.
Although the "lock mode" access problem is mainly described for iOS, on Android it's also advisable to check the device's browsers and security systems. Don't block figma.com nor interfering with authentication, especially if you use corporate SSO.
The combination of a fully cloud-based design environment, a system of components and prototypes, and a mobile app that allows you to review, comment, mirror frameworks, and test flows directly on Android makes Figma a compelling option. design and validate digital products Highly versatile for anyone who wants to design and validate digital products without being chained to a desktop computer.
