Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), is proposed as a cytoprotectant and gasotransmitter, involving in many physiological processes and regulating of some diseases. In addition, H 2 S is a small molecular with a minimum of steric hindrance compared with other reactive sulfur species. In physiological atmosphere, H 2 S is mainly existent in HS À , which has a strong nucleophilicity and reducing potency. It also can precipitate with some metal ions forming metallic sulfides with high precipitation coefficient. In recent years, the researchers have a desire to develop methods to achieve real-time detection of H 2 S in vivo, further understanding the physiology and pathology of H 2 S. In this minireview, we summarize recent progress for detecting of H 2 S in brain or cell and briefly expound the principle of methods with the comparison of the different methods between performance and temporal resolution.