Apple has just released a free online tool in French to examine the components of an iPhone or Mac. Useful for identifying a fault before repairing it yourself or entrusting the device to a customer service.
Under pressure from users, Apple is slowly but surely moving towards more openness and flexibility regarding the repair of its products. Since the end of last year, the company has offered in the United States a free diagnostic tool to evaluate the components of iPhones and some Macs to determine which ones need repair or replacement.
Apple Diagnostics for Self Service Repair, that’s its name, has just been rolled out in more than thirty European countries including France. According to Apple, ” Diagnostics allows users, as well as Apple Authorized Service Providers and independent repair service providers, to test their devices to ensure proper function and optimal performance of parts. “. In other words, the tool is identical to the one used in the brand’s repair centers. If the tool detects a problem, you can, if you have the skills, try to repair it yourself. To do this, there are several options: go to the Self Service Repair online store for Apple products to order original spare parts, buy or rent the necessary tools and get your hands on repair manuals. If you don’t feel like a DIY enthusiast, you can simply go to Apple’s after-sales service to have your equipment repaired.
The diagnostic tool thus allows you to thoroughly examine iPhones (from the iPhone 12), Macs from models equipped with an M2 chip as well as Studio Display screens. Regarding iPhones, these must be powered by iOS 17 or later. Those running with a beta version of the system are not supported. Similarly, Macs compatible with the diagnostic tool must run at least macOS Sonoma (14.1). Finally, note that to carry out the diagnosis, you will need an Internet connection and an additional device (a Mac, a PC, an iPad or another iPhone). It is through this that the various tests will be launched.
Before starting the diagnostic procedure, it is necessary to put the iPhone in a special mode dedicated to the operation. For example, we performed the diagnosis of an iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone must be connected to the mains for the operation. We used a Macbook Air M2 to carry out the procedure by plugging the iPhone directly into one of its USB-C ports. Note that we tried unsuccessfully to activate the diagnostic mode of the iPhone by plugging it into a Power Delivery charger (30 W) or a 27-inch iMac. The Diagnostic mode never wanted to activate under these conditions. Apple recommends a charger with a power of at least 20 W or a computer turned on and connected to the mains.
► Start by turning off the device by pressing the button Power and Volume button – simultaneously for a few seconds until the power off menu appears on the screen. Wait about thirty seconds to make sure that the iPhone is turned off. Then press the buttons Volume + And Volume –. Keep them pressed and then plug the iPhone into a power source using its USB-C or Lightning cable. The iPhone will start up and the Apple logo will appear in white on a black background on the screen. Then release the volume buttons and let the iPhone start up.
► After a few seconds, the iPhone screen displays the page Diagnostics and Repair. So it is in Diagnostic mode. Press the globe icon bottom left to be able to display the instructions in French. Then press the button Start a session.
► You are prompted to choose the Wi-Fi network that the device should connect to in order to perform the operation. Select the desired Wi-Fi network and enter the associated password.
► Back to the home page, press the i at the bottom right of the screen. The iPhone will then display its serial number as well as a QR Code (to be scanned if you are using another iPhone to conduct diagnostics). It is necessary to identify it and proceed with the diagnosis.
► On the computer or other device you have chosen to run the diagnostic procedure, open the browser (Safari with a Mac running at least Catalina, Edge 12, Firefox 59 or Chrome 55 at least). Go to the dedicated page Apple Diagnostics for Self Service Repair. Click on the button Continue which is displayed.
► Click on the button representing the device to be diagnosed or, the iPhone in our example.
► Now enter the serial number of the iPhone as it is displayed on its screen. Validate by clicking on the button Start session.
► The iPhone screen displays the terms and conditions of use. Tap Accept.
► After a few seconds, the iPhone is ready to receive diagnostic instructions.
On the screen of the second device (your computer, iPad or second iPhone) you will see a list of the different operations you can perform. Depending on the problems you suspect on the iPhone, perform the appropriate tests.
Inspect mobile resources
► These tests are a good appetizer. They allow you to check the operating status of a large part of the device’s components (Bluetooth, NFC, camera, screen, battery, etc.) but also its software. Click on Start the diagnosis.
► The procedure will then start automatically on the iPhone. You just have to wait until it is finished. This test lasts about 3 minutes.
► Once the analysis is complete, the tool draws up an initial inventory. If everything is correct, click on the button Choose another diagnostic suite.
Audio output
► If you are experiencing sound issues on your iPhone, this test is suitable. The iPhone will play several series of sounds at different frequencies and volumes through its speakers. You will be asked whether you heard them correctly.
Pixel anomaly on the screen
► If you suspect the presence of dead pixels, in other words pixels that no longer appear on the screen or that do not have the right color, run this diagnostic. Here you are asked to define an area where you think a defective pixel is located. Slide two fingers from right to left on the screen to change the colors displayed (red, green, blue, white, black and various shades of gray) to detect stubborn pixels.
Multi-Touch
► Do you have the impression that certain areas of the screen react poorly or no longer react at all when you touch them? Run this diagnostic. You will then have to slide a single finger across the width of the screen to check that the entire touch surface is working properly.
Face ID
► If you have some identification issues with the Face ID camera (a previous repair that was not done properly or a component that is not genuine Apple may be the cause), run this test. You will need to hold the iPhone facing you for about a minute.
Camera Image Quality
► Do you find that the quality of the photos you take with your iPhone has deteriorated? During this test, you will be asked to take photos with each of the camera’s lenses (the transition is automatic). You will then have to touch the area of the image that you think has defects.
► When all your tests are completed, click on the link End session at the bottom of the page. On iPhone, long press the button On Off.
► In the menu that appears, choose To leave and press again To leave. The iPhone will exit Diagnostic Mode and restart normally.