How do I know which headphone is left and right?

Play a tone through the left channel, then the right, and note which ear each comes from. They should match the L and R markings on the headphones.

Why is one earbud silent?

Usually a damaged cable, an off-center balance setting, or a mono setting. Test each side first, then check the balance and connection.

Can I test headphones online?

Yes. A browser channel test works on any device with headphones or earbuds and needs no app.

How to Test Headphone Left and Right Channels

Quick answer: To test headphone channels, play a tone through the left, then the right, and confirm each comes from the matching ear. A browser test does this in under a minute and reveals a dead side or swapped wiring.

Try it now: open the headphone test with your headphones on the correct ears.

How to run the test

Play the left channel — sound should come only from the left ear. Play the right — only the right. Then play both, which should sound centered and equally loud.

What the results mean

If a side is silent, see our guide on headphones working on one side. If left and right are reversed, the wiring or a software channel setting is swapped. If one side is just quieter, your balance is off-center.

Why test your headphones

A quick channel check catches problems before a call, a game, or when setting up new earbuds, and it works the same way as a stereo speaker test.

Confirm

On the headphone test, both sides should play their own tone and sound equal together.