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If your device isn’t working quite right and you want to try fixing it yourself before visiting an Apple Store or contacting Apple Support, there’s a simple way to run some tests on your iPhone or iPad. This method is especially useful for devices made from 2020 onward, including the latest iPhone models and most iPads.
First, you need to put your device into diagnostics mode. Here’s a quick guide to do that:
1. Turn off your device completely. Wait about 20-30 seconds to make sure it powers down.
2. Press and hold both the volume up and volume down buttons at the same time.
3. While holding those buttons, connect your device to a power source using your charger. It’s best to plug it into a wall outlet, but if you connect to a computer that’s on and charging, that works too.
4. Keep holding the volume buttons until you see the Apple logo, then release them. Remember, do not hold down the side button during this process, because that can accidentally trigger recovery mode, which might lead to data loss if your device isn’t backed up.
Once your iPhone or iPad boots up, you’ll see a screen titled “Diagnostics & Repair.” If the language isn’t right, tap the globe icon in the lower left. To check your device’s serial or IMEI numbers, tap the “i” icon in the lower right. When you’re ready, tap “Continue.”
Next, connect to Wi-Fi and accept the terms and conditions. After that, your device will connect to Apple, and you’ll see a “Diagnose or Repair” screen with a “Run Diagnostics” button.
If you see the “Run Diagnostics” button, tap it. If instead, you see a screen asking “How can we help you?”, it probably means your device isn’t compatible with the on-device diagnostics or there’s a connection issue. You can try restarting the process or waiting and trying again later.
Once you tap “Run Diagnostics,” you’ll get a list of tests you can run. Common options include:
– Mobile Resource Inspector (MRI), which checks overall device health
– Audio Output
– Display Pixel Anomalies
– Multi-Touch functionality
– Face ID
– Camera Image Quality
Tap on any test to view more details or just hit the button to start it. A progress bar will show as the test runs. It’s important not to press any buttons during testing unless specifically prompted, as pushing buttons can interfere or cause the test to be skipped.
After the test completes, you’ll see the results. Passing tests are marked with a green checkmark. Warnings or issues will have a yellow question mark, and serious problems show a red exclamation mark. Tap on each result to get more details.
To run additional tests, go back by tapping “Back” in the upper left corner, then tap “Done” or choose “Session History” from the options menu to review past tests. Keep in mind, test histories are cleared when the device restarts, so note any persistent issues before rebooting.
Some tests may ask for input or instructions before starting. Always read these prompts carefully and tap “Continue” to proceed. If you want to see instructions more clearly, tap the icon that enlarges the image.
When you’re finished testing, you can exit diagnostics mode either by tapping the three-dot menu and selecting “Exit Diagnostics” or by holding down the side button until a red “Exit Diagnostics” button appears. Tapping that will restart your device normally.
Running these tests can help identify whether the hardware or software might be causing issues, and sharing these results with a technician can speed up the repair process.
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