What Is iPhone Diagnostics Mode?

iPhone Diagnostics mode is an Apple troubleshooting environment that can test the device’s hardware and software without starting the normal iOS interface. Depending on the iPhone model and installed iOS version, it can test the display, touchscreen, cameras, Face ID sensors, speakers, microphones, buttons, software version, and installed components.

Diagnostics mode can help identify a possible hardware problem, verify that a replacement part is functioning, or complete certain post-repair configuration procedures.

Diagnostics Mode, Recovery Mode, and DFU Mode

These troubleshooting modes serve different purposes:

  • Diagnostics mode runs Apple hardware and software tests and may help finish a repair.
  • Recovery mode allows a computer to update or restore an iPhone that cannot start normally.
  • DFU mode is a deeper firmware-restoration state. Restoring an iPhone in DFU mode erases the device.

Supported iPhones and iOS Versions

Apple Diagnostics for Repair can run directly on an iPhone 12 or later with iOS 18 or later. The iPhone must be able to turn on and connect to Wi-Fi. Beta versions of iOS are not supported.

Apple Diagnostics for Self Service Repair can be operated from a second device when testing an iPhone 12 or later with iOS 17 or later.

What You Need

  • A supported iPhone that can turn on.
  • The latest available non-beta version of iOS.
  • A working Wi-Fi connection.
  • A compatible wired charging cable.
  • A 20-watt-or-higher USB power adapter or a powered computer.

Prepare the iPhone

  1. Update the iPhone to the latest available version of iOS.
  2. Disconnect charging cables and other accessories.
  3. Remove the case or cover.
  4. Remove the screen protector if it could interfere with a touchscreen or display test.
  5. Make sure a Wi-Fi network is available.

Enter Diagnostics Mode Using Recovery Assistant

On supported newer iPhones running current versions of iOS, Diagnostics mode may be available through Apple’s Recovery Assistant.

  1. Turn off the iPhone completely.
  2. Press and hold the Side button while the iPhone starts.
  3. Continue holding the Side button until the Recovery Assistant startup options appear.
  4. Tap Diagnostics Mode.
  5. Select a Wi-Fi network if requested.
  6. Review and accept the displayed terms and conditions.
  7. Follow the onscreen instructions to select and run a diagnostic test.

Enter Diagnostics Mode Using a Charging Cable

Use this procedure if Diagnostics mode does not appear through Recovery Assistant or if the iPhone’s repair instructions direct you to use the wired method.

  1. Turn off the iPhone by holding the Side button and either volume button until the sliders appear.
  2. Drag the Power Off slider.
  3. Wait approximately 30 seconds for the iPhone to turn off completely.
  4. Press and hold Volume Up and Volume Down at the same time.
  5. While continuing to hold both volume buttons, connect the iPhone to:
    • A 20-watt-or-higher USB power adapter; or
    • A computer that is turned on and connected to electrical power.
  6. Continue holding both volume buttons until the Apple logo appears.
  7. Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
  8. Wait for the Diagnostics & Repair message.
  9. Tap Continue, connect to Wi-Fi, and accept the displayed terms and conditions.
  10. When the Diagnose or Repair screen appears, tap Run Diagnostics.

Run Apple Diagnostics From Another Device

If the iPhone cannot run the tests directly, a Mac, PC, iPad, or another iPhone can serve as the diagnostic console.

  1. Write down the serial number of the iPhone being tested.
  2. Put the iPhone into Diagnostics mode using the wired instructions above.
  3. On the second device, visit Apple Diagnostics for Self Service Repair .
  4. Select Continue and then select iPhone.
  5. Enter the serial number of the iPhone being tested.
  6. Select Start Session.
  7. On the iPhone being tested, tap Continue or Start Session when prompted.
  8. Select and run the appropriate tests from the diagnostic console.

Available iPhone Diagnostic Tests

Available tests vary according to the iPhone model and installed iOS version. Tests may include:

  • Mobile Resource Inspector: Checks the software version, detects installed components, and performs basic functionality checks.
  • Display Pixel Anomalies: Checks for defective pixels, debris, and other display-panel irregularities.
  • Multi-Touch: Identifies areas of the display that do not respond correctly to touch.
  • Camera Image Quality: Helps identify image-quality problems with the front or rear cameras.
  • Face ID: Checks the sensors used by the TrueDepth camera and Face ID system.
  • Audio, Speakers, and Microphones: Plays test tones and checks whether the microphones can detect sound.
  • Buttons: Checks supported physical buttons for proper operation.

Diagnostic-Test Privacy

  • Audio recordings made during microphone testing are used only during the test and are deleted afterward.
  • Photographs taken during camera testing appear only during the test and are not saved.
  • The Face ID test does not take a photograph, and its scans are not saved.

How to Exit iPhone Diagnostics Mode

Use the onscreen option to exit Diagnostics mode or restart the iPhone. The device should restart into the normal iOS interface.

If the iPhone does not respond, force-restart it:

  1. Press and quickly release Volume Up.
  2. Press and quickly release Volume Down.
  3. Hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

If Diagnostics Mode Does Not Start

  • Confirm that the iPhone model and iOS version are supported.
  • Make sure the iPhone is completely powered off before starting.
  • Hold both volume buttons before connecting the cable.
  • Use a wired 20-watt-or-higher power adapter or a powered computer.
  • Try another dependable charging cable or USB port.
  • Do not use MagSafe, a USB hub, monitor, or docking station.
  • Confirm that a working Wi-Fi network is available.
  • Restart the iPhone and repeat the procedure.

Diagnostic results can help identify a potential problem, but they do not always identify the precise component responsible. If the test reports a problem or the symptoms continue, the iPhone may require professional diagnosis and repair.