Speaker Test
Play test tones to check your speakers or headphones. Start with low volume.
What should I hear?
"Left" and "Right" should each play from one side only. If sound comes from both sides at once, your system may be set to mono audio — see how to fix mono audio below.
How to fix mono audio
Work through these fixes in order — the first two solve most cases.
1. Turn off the mono audio setting
Windows 11: Settings → Accessibility → Audio → turn off "Mono audio". Windows 10: Settings → Ease of Access → Audio → turn off "Mono audio". macOS: System Settings → Accessibility → Audio → untick "Play stereo audio as mono". iPhone/iPad: Settings → Accessibility → Audio & Visual → turn off "Mono Audio". Android: Settings → Accessibility → turn off "Mono audio" (location varies by manufacturer).
2. Center the channel balance
If balance is pushed fully to one side, everything plays through one ear. Windows: Settings → System → Sound → select your output device → set both balance sliders to 50. macOS: System Settings → Sound → Output → select your device and set the Balance slider to the middle.
3. Check the plug and cable
A 3.5 mm headphone jack that's only half-plugged can merge both channels into one ear, or pipe one channel into both. Push the plug in firmly, try another audio port, and test the headphones on a different device to rule out a damaged cable or plug.
4. Check your Bluetooth headset
Some Bluetooth headsets switch to a mono "hands-free" mode during calls and get stuck there. Disconnect and re-pair the headset, or toggle it off and on. On Windows, check that the device is being used as "Headphones" (stereo) rather than "Headset" in the sound output list — the Headset entry is mono and lower quality.
5. Check app and browser settings
Some meeting apps and browser tabs have their own audio output settings. Check the output selector inside the app you're using — if it's set to a mono device or a single-channel mode, fix it there. On this page, the output selector above lets you try a different device directly.
6. Restart and retest
Restarting your computer clears stuck audio settings and drivers. After each fix, come back and press "Left" and "Right" again — when the tone plays from one side at a time, the problem is solved.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test left and right speakers?
Press 'Left' and 'Right'. You should hear the tone only from that side. If both sides play, your system may be set to mono audio — see the 'How to fix mono audio' section below for fixes.
Can I choose which speaker to test?
In browsers that support output selection (Chrome and Edge), a speaker selector appears after you grant microphone permission, because device names are hidden until then.