BIOS Beep Code Decoder
Identify hardware failures instantly by decoding your computer's beep pattern. Select your BIOS manufacturer and enter the pattern.
1. Select BIOS Manufacturer
2. Enter Beep Pattern
Click to start recording, then tap for each beep. Hold longer for a long beep. Click Stop or outside to finish.
Select a common beep pattern:
Type pattern (e.g., "1L-2S" for 1 long 2 short, "3S" for 3 short, "continuous"):
Full Reference Table
| Manufacturer | Pattern | Meaning | Severity |
|---|
How BIOS Beeps Work
What is POST?
Power-On Self-Test (POST) runs every time your computer starts. The BIOS checks critical hardware components before handing control to the OS. If something fails, it communicates via beep codes since the display may not be working.
Short vs Long Beeps
A short beep is typically under 0.5 seconds. A long beep lasts about 1-2 seconds. The combination and count of these beeps encode specific hardware failures. Some manufacturers use repeating or continuous patterns.
Finding Your BIOS Type
Check the first screen when booting (before the OS logo). It usually shows "AMI", "Award", or "Phoenix". Dell, HP, and Lenovo use proprietary BIOS with their own code systems. Check your motherboard manual if unsure.
When to Worry
A single short beep on AMI/Award is normal (POST passed). Multiple beeps or continuous beeping indicates a failure. If you hear codes after hardware changes, reseat the component you just installed. Persistent codes may require replacement parts.