Use Diagnostic Mode to Test Your iPhone
You can run diagnostics on an iPhone by restarting it into the recovery options screen, then choosing Diagnostic Mode. This is useful when you are troubleshooting a problem or working with Apple Support on a hardware or software issue.
The diagnostic process can help you narrow down a problem before you decide if your iPhone needs repair or replacement. You will connect the phone to Wi-Fi, agree to connect to Apple Support, and choose the diagnostic test that matches the issue you are having.
Start with your iPhone turned on and make sure you have access to a Wi-Fi network. You need Wi-Fi later in the process to connect to Apple Support and run the available diagnostics.
Video Tutorial
How to Run Diagnostics on iPhone
- Turn off your iPhone. Hold the power button and the volume up button until the power-off screen appears, then swipe to turn it off.
- Wait until the display is completely black. Your iPhone needs to be fully powered off before you begin the special restart.
- Press and hold the power button to turn the iPhone back on. Keep holding it after the Apple logo appears.
- Continue holding the power button when you see Continue Holding for Recovery. Do not release the button yet.
- Keep holding until the screen says Loading Recovery Options, then release the power button. This can take about 10 to 20 seconds.
- Wait for the recovery options to load. On this screen, select Diagnostic Mode.
- Select Restart iPhone. Your iPhone restarts and gathers and shares diagnostic information during the restart.
- After the phone boots back up, select Continue.
- Choose the Wi-Fi network you want to use and enter its password if needed.
- When the iPhone displays Connecting to Apple Support, select Agree.
- Select Run Diagnostics.
- Choose the test that best matches the problem with your iPhone. Follow the prompts for that test to check for the issue.
What Happens During the Diagnostic Process
Diagnostic Mode starts from the recovery options screen instead of the regular iPhone interface. Once you choose Restart iPhone, the phone reboots before you continue with the diagnostic setup.
After you join Wi-Fi and agree to connect to Apple Support, you can select Run Diagnostics. The available options let you choose the area you need to test. Pick the option that relates to the problem you noticed, rather than running a test at random.
For example, if your iPhone has a specific behavior that concerns you, choose the diagnostic option that applies to that issue. The test results can help you determine if there is a problem that may need further support or repair.
How to Exit iPhone Diagnostic Mode
You can leave diagnostics at any point if you do not want to continue. On the diagnostics screen, select the three dots button. Then choose Exit Diagnostics.
Confirm that you want to exit when prompted. Your iPhone will reboot, and you can use it normally again after it starts up.
If you only entered Diagnostic Mode to check the available options, exiting this way returns you to your normal iPhone setup. You do not need to stay in diagnostics after you finish a test or decide not to run one.
Tips Before You Start
Make sure you can stay near your iPhone while it restarts. The important part is holding the power button beyond the Apple logo. If you release it too early, the phone will simply start normally instead of opening recovery options.
Also have your Wi-Fi password ready. You cannot complete the connection to Apple Support without joining a network after the restart.
If you are already speaking with Apple Support about an issue, Diagnostic Mode gives you a direct way to run the relevant checks from your iPhone. If you are troubleshooting on your own, use the test selection screen to focus on the issue you are trying to identify.
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