The invention is applicable to the technical field of detection, and provides a method for detecting a display panel. The method comprises the following steps of: providing a display panel which comprises at least one short circuit rod, a plurality of detecting pads arranged in a first peripheral zone, and a plurality of IC pads arranged in a second peripheral zone which is different from the first peripheral zone; the detecting pads are electrically connected with the short circuit rod; a first stage test is conducted, which comprises the step of inputting a common voltage signal and a plurality of first-stage test signals to the detecting pads for detecting the display panel; switching operation is conducted, the first-stage test signals are cut off and the common voltage signal is input to the detecting pad continuously; and a second stage test is conducted, which comprises the step of inputting at least one second-stage test signal to the IC pad. The method can guarantee that whether the power input end at the terminal side is normal is detected out.