Running Mac diagnostics can help you detect problems on your computer fast so you can fix them. Check out this guide so you can learn how to get the job done.
Did you know that the Apple Mac has 100 million active users across the globe?
If you too own a Mac PC for a long time, you know it isn’t immune from errors. Sometimes, you’ll experience slight inconveniences that impact your satisfaction. But without expertise, you’ll often feel dumbfounded on how to fix these errors.
Don’t feel overwhelmed yet.
With this guide, you’ll learn about Mac diagnostics and how it fixes your Mac’s errors. Read on and find out how this feature can help improve your experience today.
How to Run Mac Diagnostics
Sometimes, you get a severe hardware problem that you have no means of switching your Mac back on. The good news is that you can run either the Apple Diagnostics or Hardware Test. This is a great way to restart your computer, even when it won’t turn on using other methods.
Regardless of the method, Apple suggests printing their support instructions regarding these tests. As soon as you have a hard copy of these instructions, you must follow through the process. That way, you’ll diagnose specific hardware problems to find ways to fix them.
Your first step is to disconnect all your external drives as well as other hardware devices. The keyboard, mouse, display, and speakers are exceptions. With that done, click on the Apple menu and select Restart.
While the Mac restarts, press and hold the D key. This allows Apple Diagnostics to run automatically. After it finishes, the feature will show a list of the errors it encountered, allowing you to know specific things you must remedy to return to your Mac’s peak condition.
You can also check other methods of running diagnostics on Mac with this link: https://setapp.com/how-to/run-diagnostics-on-mac.
What if the Mac Diagnostics Isn’t Starting?
The most common reason preventing your diagnostics from starting is the use of a firmware password. That’s why when you plan to run this feature, you must turn off the password. It’s easy since all you need is to start your Mac and hold Command + R to access Recovery mode.
Put your firmware password and go to the menu bar. Select Utilities and click on Firmware Password Utility / Startup Security Utility. Once there, click on the Turn Off Firmware Password and enter it when prompted.
After confirming, restart your Mac and continue with diagnostics.
What are the Most Common Hardware Issues?
Most error codes given by the diagnostics indicate their referenced component. It also applies when a component related to the hardware causes a problem to it. Most of the time, you’ll need a specialist or technician from Apple to resolve these problems.
Here are some of the most common error codes found in Mac computers:
- 4AIR – AirPort wireless card failure
- 4HDD – Hard Disk and SSD
- 4IRP – Logic Board
- 4MEM – RAM
- 4MOT – Fans
- 4PRC – Processor
- 4YDC – Video or graphics card
The diagnostics have a feature that allows you to follow on-screen instructions. But if you aren’t tech-savvy, contact Apple Support or arrange a Genius Bar appointment. You also have the option to go to an Apple Authorized Service Provider for repairs.
Fix Common Errors With Resets
After diagnostics, you might find issues with settings found in SMC, NVRAM, and PRAM. The latter two are special memory types found on Macs. They contain various system settings like display resolution, brightness, startup disk selection, and more.
As for SMC, it’s a subsystem controlling your Mac’s temperature. It also manages its power, batteries, and other features. That’s why when finding problems, a reset of these settings will solve your errors.
Resetting NVRAM or PRAM
Again, before proceeding with this fix, you must turn off your firmware password. Once done, restart your Mac and wait for about 20 seconds during the booting process. Hold the following keys at the same time: Option, Command, P, and R.
Don’t panic if it seems like your Mac is restarting during this process. It’s normal, and you can let go of the keys as soon as you hear the startup sound. Another indicator is when the Apple logo appears and disappears again.
When this happens, you successfully reset your NVRAM and PRAM settings. With this reset, you can expect some of your settings to return to the default. If you want to adjust any settings to your liking, go to your System Preferences to accomplish the task.
Resetting SMC
Before you do this process, you must ascertain whether your Mac computer possesses an Apple T2 security chip. To do this, go to the Apple Menu using the Apple logo located in your screen’s upper left corner. Click on System Information while you press and hold Option.
From the ensuing Sidebar, pick either Controller or iBridge. Look at the Model Name field and see whether it has an Apple T2 chip on it. The good news is that the reset method only varies if you’re using laptops with either removable or non-removable batteries.
For desktop computers, resetting the SMC is as simple as shutting down your Mac. Remove the power cord and put the power cord back into the plug after 15 seconds. After that, wait for another 5 seconds before turning on your Mac.
Apple laptops with a T2 security chip are easier to reset. Shut down your Mac and for 10 seconds, press and hold the Power button. After that, wait for a few seconds before turning your Mac back on.
For Laptops Without T2 Chips
If you’re resetting a laptop computer without removable batteries, hold the following buttons after shutting down your Mac:
- Shift
- Control
- Option
- Power
Hold on to these keys until 10 seconds pass. After that, release all the keys and power up your Mac as normal.
As for those with removable batteries, remove it after shutting down the Mac. Press and hold the Power button for about 5 seconds. After that, put the batteries back on and turn on your Mac.
Learn How to Run Diagnostics on Mac Today!
These are ways to properly run Mac diagnostics. Use them to solve your hardware errors as soon as possible.
Is this guide helpful? Are you looking for more tips to get the most out of your Mac and other devices?
If so, read our other posts today! We offer tons of tech guides to help you take better care of these expensive gadgets and to get more productive.