Modern Macs have a built-in diagnostic test that can be used to help troubleshoot a hardware problem. The technology has changed over the years, and the procedure is determined by how old your Mac is.
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There a many ways a problem can crop up on your Mac. It could be a corrupted or failing boot hard disk or SSD, a flaky peripheral or a damaged or conflicted OS X. This article is restricted to the case where you suspect something is wrong with the very Mac itself.
“does it power on? And get to the log-in screen or the desktop?” nothing is wrong. If it does not there is little a diagnostics tool will tell you that will help you. Take the MBP to a airquotes Genius so they can replace the motherboard. Test My Hardware 1.01 file size: 2.29 MB Test My Hardware - This free software is a simple system information and diagnostics utility that provides detailed information about all your hardware component, such as your CPU, memory, operating system, power source.
The first step is to determine the OS version and year your Mac was introduced. One way to do this is to use Apple Menu > About This Mac. (If the introduction date for the product isn't specified, you can use a great app called Mactracker to convert a model number to an introduction date.)
Sep 20, 2019 Running diagnostics tells you if your MacBook Pro needs a hardware repair. In which case, you need to contact Apple Support to make an appointment at a Genius Bar or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. If the hardware diagnostics come back clear, the cause of your MacBook Pro problems might be software-based. Click Hardware Checkup tile. Choose the type of diagnostic test you would like to run: Default - This test will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Stress - This test will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Scan a Specific Device - This will allow you to run a diagnostic.
The first applicable document here is Apple support doc #PH18765. In summary, as Apple states it:
- If your Mac is from 2013 or later, use Apple Diagnostics, which is built into your Mac.
- If your Mac is from 2012 or earlier and has OS X v10.8.4 or later, use Apple Hardware Test, which is built into your Mac.
- If your Mac is from 2012 or earlier and has OS X v10.8.4 or earlier, use the system software disc or USB flash drive that came with your Mac.
For this how-to, I'll discuss Macs introduced in June 2013 or later and the Apple Diagnostics.
Apple Diagnostics
The Apple Diagnostics has detailed steps on how to shut down your Mac, which peripherals to disconnect, and how to hold down the D key at boot. Note that there is no prefix key used here. Hold down just the D key right after you hear the startup chime.
Note that if you leave the Ethernet cable plugged in and boot with OPTION + D, you can do some extra things, such as access your support and service options and contact Apple support.
You should review this Apple Diagnistics page and even print it so you have a handy reference during the testing. Especially useful are the keyboard shortcuts that are available.
After booting, you'll see a black screen with a progress bar when the Apple Diagnostics start.
The test takes only a few minutes. When it's done, you see a notice with error Reference codes that describe the likely problem. Apple has an extensive page of error Reference codes that describe the problem(s) found, if any.
Test complete and Reference code provided.
If you get the code ADP000, 'No issues found,' you can reconnect your peripherals, reboot and look for the trouble elsewhere. Otherwise, follow the steps listed on the Reference codes page linked above.
Apple has provided a wealth of information that will help you isolate a possible problem with your Mac's hardware.
![Best Hardware Diagnostic Software Mac Best Hardware Diagnostic Software Mac](/uploads/1/2/6/1/126177694/945191810.jpeg)
After isolating an issue on your Mac to a possible hardware issue, you can use Apple Diagnostics to help determine which hardware component might be causing the issue. Apple Diagnostics also suggests solutions and helps you contact Apple Support for assistance.
If your Mac was introduced before June 2013, it uses Apple Hardware Test instead.
How to use Apple Diagnostics
- Disconnect all external devices except keyboard, mouse, display, Ethernet connection (if applicable), and connection to AC power.
- Make sure that your Mac is on a hard, flat, stable surface with good ventilation.
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn on your Mac, then immediately press and hold the D key on your keyboard. Keep holding until you see a screen asking you to choose your language. When Apple Diagnostics knows your language, it displays a progress bar indicating that it's checking your Mac:
- Checking your Mac takes 2 or 3 minutes. If any issues are found, Apple Diagnostics suggests solutions and provides reference codes. Note the reference codes before continuing.
- Choose from these options:
- To repeat the test, click ”Run the test again” or press Command (⌘)-R.
- For more information, including details about your service and support options, click ”Get started” or press Command-G.
- To restart your Mac, click Restart or press R.
- To shut down, click Shut Down or press S.
If you choose to get more information, your Mac starts up from macOS Recovery and displays a web page asking you to choose your country or region. Click ”Agree to send” to send your serial number and reference codes to Apple. Then follow the onscreen service and support instructions. When you're done, you can choose Restart or Shut Down from the Apple menu.
Mac Diagnostics App
This step requires an Internet connection. If you're not connected to the Internet, you'll see a page describing how to get connected.
Learn more
Best Hardware Diagnostic Software Machine
If holding down the D key at startup doesn't start Apple Diagnostics:
Mac Os Diagnostic Tool
- If you're using a firmware password, turn it off. You can turn it on again after using Apple Diagnostics.
- Hold down Option-D at startup to attempt to start Apple Diagnostics over the Internet.