> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.get2dial.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Test an IVR menu

> Simulate a caller pressing digits through your IVR menu in the browser, before anyone dials it for real.

Simulate a caller pressing digits through your menu in the browser, without placing a real
call — even before you've saved it.

## Before you start

* You need a menu open in the **IVR builder**.

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the simulator">
    In the **IVR builder**, select the test icon on the menu you want to check.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Press digits as the caller would">
    Select a digit to follow that path, or select **Press nothing (let it time out)** to check
    your [timeout and retry behavior](/inbound/ivr/dtmf-and-timeouts).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Follow the path to its destination">
    The simulator shows where that path ends up — a queue, an extension, a submenu, or a hang
    up.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Verify

<Check>
  Every digit you expect to be mapped reaches the destination you intended, and letting the
  menu time out reaches your fallback.
</Check>

<Note>
  The simulator checks routing logic only — it doesn't place a real call or verify audio
  quality. To hear the menu the way a caller does, route a phone number or caller ID rule to it
  and call in.
</Note>

## Common problems

* **A path doesn't match what you built.** You're likely testing against unsaved changes on a
  different menu than you think — confirm you're on the right menu name in the simulator.

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Build an IVR menu" href="/inbound/ivr/build-a-menu" />

  <Card title="Route an inbound number" href="/inbound/route-an-inbound-number" />
</CardGroup>