The Apple Diagnostics feature will give any MacBook user insight into how and why their device is acting up.
Whenever a screen is acting irregular or sound is no longer coming out of the speaker, some quick keyboard shortcuts can mitigate the issue. However, there are days where it feels like you have done everything to troubleshoot your MacBook. The PRAM and SMC have been reset a few times, and nothing is working. The macOS has been uninstalled and reinstalled to no avail. This results in some head-scratching or curse-laden moments, moments where the MacBook user does not know what to do next.
But, thankfully, for users who have a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air manufactured in the last couple of years, Apple has given those owners of those devices the ability to test and see a diagnosis. The feature, dubbed Apple Diagnostics, will help the user discover the cause of all their recent device-related issues.
The good news is no one will have to install any additional software to access Apple Diagnostics. It is available right on the machine and will inform the user of all the information they need.
Q: I think there is an internal hardware issue with my MacBook, but I don’t want to take it apart. How do I use Apple Diagnostics to know what the problem is?
A: Short answer? By holding down the D key. Long answer? The steps below.
How to use Apple Diagnostics
- Shut off the MacBook and disconnect/remove any and all external devices from it. A mouse, display cables, power adapters, headphones, etc.
2. Next, lay the computer on a flat surface, preferably one with lots of ventilation.
3. Third, turn on your MacBook and start holding down the D key. Keep holding the key down until a gray screen appears, asking “Choose Your Language.”
4. Select your preferred language. The Apple Diagnostics feature will begin scanning your device for any issues.
5. Apple Diagnostics will scan the computer between 2 and 3 minutes and will display the problems found on the computer. Each will list recommended solutions and/or reference code.
5. In the last step, there are four options for the user:
- “Run the Test Again”
- By pressing the Command and R keys, the Apple Diagnostics process will start over again.
- “Get Started”
- Clicking on this link, or pressing the Command and G keys, will start up the macOS Recovery screen and display a web page asking the user to name their country or region.
- When selected, click on the “Agree to Send” option and send the serial number and reference codes directly to Apple.
- Next, follow the onscreen service and support instructions.
- Restart
- Shut Down
“Apple Diagnostics? That was easy to figure it out.”
Next time you find yourself in a bind trying to figure out what is going wrong with your MacBook, using Apple Diagnostics can be a good indicator of what to do. It can show whether or not the user will need to take it in for repairs too.
At MicroReplay, we know a thing or two about MacBooks and how to repair these devices. With over twenty plus years of experience, our company specializes in repairing liquid damaged MacBooks and other high-end laptops.
In need of a liquid spill or cracked screen repair? Book a repair with us today!
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