How to use Apple Diagnostics

Although they have been developed under strict quality controls, modern operating systems are not exempt from presenting errors, whether hardware or software, that considerably affect users' experience and their productivity.

That is why Apple has developed the diagnostics tool, with which we can carry out a series of support and control steps and actions, in order to verify the state our computer is in and how we can resolve its usage problems.

At the hardware level, the hard drive and the memory are exposed to factors that can alter their operation, so using Apple Diagnostics allows you not only to analyze the situation, but to detect the error in order to execute the necessary actions. The Apple Diagnostics tool is used with the most modern computers, built after 2013, while for those that came to market before that date, the analysis tool is called Apple Hardware Test.

Detect whether there are problems and pay attention to the possible solutions

When we have problems with our computer, laptop or other device, life starts to get complicated. As much as these exist to make our daily tasks and chores easier, at a professional or personal level, at any moment they can present a fault that disrupts our productivity. This is why Apple makes use of its diagnostics tool, in which the user, by following a series of steps, can determine which hardware component is the one causing the fault.

How to use the diagnostics tool?

The company explains the following steps:

1. The first action to take is to disconnect all the external devices from the Mac. The keyboard, the screen, the mouse and the connection to the AC outlet do not count.
2. The next step is to turn it off. And it is important that the Mac is on a stable, flat and rigid surface to avoid sudden movements, and that it receives good airflow.
3. A few seconds later, we turn it on again and immediately afterwards, we press and hold the D key on the keyboard until the screen appears indicating that we can select the language. Once selected, Apple Diagnostics will indicate that it is checking the Mac by means of a progress bar.
4. For the diagnostic to produce a response, it could take between two and three minutes. This is where you will be informed about any error and the suggestion to solve it by means of a reference code that you must write down before continuing.

After having our reference code at hand, there are several options that can be executed according to the user's criterion or preference:

• If you want to repeat the test: click «Run the test again» and press Command (⌘)-R.
• If you want to learn more about the service and technical support options (More information): click «Get started» or press Command-G.
• To restart the device, click Restart or press R.
• To turn it off, press S or click Shut Down.

Where and how to use the reference codes

It is in the section about learning more options or getting more information where the device, from macOS Recovery, will take us to a web page in which we will be asked to select the country of origin and then click «Agree to send» in order to send the reference code we obtained in the diagnostic and our serial number.

As we have explained, depending on the problem detected, the code will help to obtain the following steps to fix the problem. For example:

• If the code is: NDD001- It may be a problem with the USB hardware. The step suggested by Apple in this case is to repeat the test and, if the code repeats, the most convenient thing is to get in touch with the company.
• Other codes that can appear very frequently are: NDK001, 03, 04, which have to do with keyboard problems.
• PPM001 problem with a memory module.
• PPM002 to 015, problems with the built-in memory.
• PPR001 problem with the processor.
• PPT002 The battery needs to be replaced soon.

We are not exempt from the possibility that there are problems we cannot manage to solve. In that case, the most convenient thing is to get in touch with Apple or take the computer to a trusted service provider, like us, keeping our reference code, in order to be attended to directly and be able to find the solution to the problem.