Test left and right audio channels
One headphone, earbud or speaker is quieter—or not working? Play a separate tone through the left and right channels to check stereo balance.
Use dry, normally working equipment. Start low, set headphones up outside your ears, and stop at discomfort, distortion or unusual heat.
A clean test starts with a simple setup.
- 01
Lower your volume before putting on headphones.
- 02
Tap Left and confirm the sound comes only from the left channel.
- 03
Stop the tone, then repeat with Right.
- 04
Swap headphones or test another device before assuming the phone is at fault.
If your device is hot, swollen, wet inside or completely silent after drying, stop testing and contact a qualified technician.
Before you test
01How do I test left and right speakers?+
Play the Left tone and confirm it is heard only on the left, stop it, then repeat with Right. Use headphones or clearly separated stereo speakers for the most useful result.
02Why do both sides play on my phone?+
Most phone speakers do not provide obvious left-right separation at close range. This test is most useful with headphones or external stereo speakers.
03Does this fix an unbalanced channel?+
No. It helps isolate the symptom so you can check accessibility balance settings, the cable, Bluetooth pairing or the hardware.