Check the date and power source (battery or hardwired)
Confirm the alarm is not in “silence” or “hush” mode
Press and hold the test button until the alarm sounds
Verify the alarm sounds within a few seconds
Release the test button and confirm the alarm stops after the normal cycle
If it uses a battery, replace the battery if the alarm does not sound during the test
Check the “chirp” or low-battery indicator (if present) and replace the battery if it’s active
Test any interconnected alarms by pressing the test button on one unit and confirming all units sound
Test each smoke alarm individually if they are not interconnected
Repeat the test monthly
Replace the smoke alarm according to the manufacturer’s expiration date or typical end-of-life guidance (often around 10 years)