The invention provides an air tightness detection method and a terminal. The air tightness detection method comprises the steps of detecting a first induction capacitance value between a pressure induction layer located below a display module and a metal protection bracket after the time delay of a preset time when a heavy object is placed at a preset position of a touch screen cover plate; acquiring a first pressure value received by the touch screen cover plate according to the first induction capacitance value; comparing the first pressure value with a first pressure standard value acquired in advance, wherein the first pressure standard value is a pressure value detected by a sample terminal which meets preset air tightness requirements; and if the first pressure value is less than or equal to the first pressure standard value, generating a first prompt message used for representing that the air tightness of the terminal reaches the standard. According to the invention, a heavy object is placed at the preset position of the touch screen cover plate, and whether the air tightness of the terminal reaches the standard or not can be detected by using a pressure touch control function of the terminal. The air tightness detection method does not need complex and precise test equipment, is simple and convenient to operate, and improves the detection efficiency, thereby being suitable for low-cost detection requirements.