How to test your phone vibration motor

The vibration test uses the browser vibration feature, which is available on Android in Chrome, Edge and Firefox.

• Open the test on your phone and turn off silent mode and do-not-disturb.
• Tap Short buzz. You should feel one quick pulse.
• Try the Long, SOS and Heartbeat patterns to check strength and timing.
• Write your own pattern in milliseconds, alternating vibrate and pause, and play it.

Safari on iPhone does not support the web vibration feature, so the browser cannot trigger the motor. This is a browser limit, not a sign that the haptic engine is faulty. To check an iPhone, use the built-in settings: go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and use a ringtone or alert with vibration, or the haptic preview where offered.

A strong, crisp pulse on every pattern means the motor and its driver work. A weak or rattling buzz suggests a worn motor or a loose part. No sensation at all while the device is not muted points to a failed motor, a disconnected connector or a setting that blocks vibration for the browser.

Check settings before assuming the motor failed.

• Turn off silent mode, focus modes and do-not-disturb.
• In the sound settings, switch on vibration for calls, notifications and touch feedback.
• Disable battery saver, which can reduce or stop haptics on some phones.
• Remove a heavy case that muffles the feel of the motor.
• Restart the phone and update the system software.
• If the test still produces nothing, the motor needs repair.

A pattern is a list of numbers: the first is how long to vibrate, the second how long to pause, the third how long to vibrate again, and so on. For example, 200, 100, 200 gives two short buzzes separated by a pause. Testing a long pattern can reveal a motor that fades after a second or two.