A device for detecting a missing element on a circuit board comprising a positioning tray, a data processing assembly, a lifting control assembly, and a detecting assembly. The positioning tray supports and positions a circuit board to be tested. The data processing assembly is connected with the lifting control assembly and the detecting assembly, and sends a control signal to the lifting control assembly, receives detection data sent by the detecting assembly, and compares the detection data with preset reference data to obtain a detection result of a missing element. The detecting assembly moves up and down between an initial position and a preset position under the control of the lifting control assembly, and sends the detection data to the data processing assembly according to a contact state with elements on the circuit board to be tested at the preset position.