The cell mechanical properties are closely related to the physiological states and functions of cells. Early studies on the cell mechanical properties could only provide the elasticity or shear modulus of the whole cell population, which results in the loss of the mechanical phenotypes of the heterogeneous cells. In recent years, new methods for the detection of single-cell mechanical properties have been widely reported. The conventional technologies of atomic force microscopy, micropipette aspiration technology, optical tweezers and stretching, magnetic twisting cytometry and magnetic tweezers exhibit a very high detection accuracy, but have a relatively low detection throughput. The new emergence of microfluidic high-throughput detection methods could provide the possible solution for increasing the throughput. This article firstly reviews typical single-cell mechanical property detection techniques such as atomic force microscopy, micropipettes, optical tweezers and optical stretching, magnetic twisting cytometry and magnetic tweezers. Next, the working principles and the recent progresses of the newly emerging microfluidic high-throughput detection technologies, including micro-constrictions, shear-induced and stretch-induced cell deformation, are introduced. Then, the advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed. Finally, the prospects for future development in the detection of single cell mechanical properties are also discussed.