TL;DR
Here is how to fix Mac Diagnostic issue:
- Restart your Mac to clear issues that might block Mac Diagnostics.
- Update macOS to fix bugs and ensure compatibility with Diagnostics.
- Reset the SMC to resolve hardware issues affecting Diagnostics.
Feeling stuck? Your Mac isn’t running right, and now Mac Diagnostics won’t even start. I totally get how annoying that is and I’m here to guide you through some easy fixes. Whether it’s a simple restart or a quick update, I’ll help you sort it out.
Reasons Why Mac Diagnostics Doesn’t Run
Here are some common reasons why Mac Diagnostics doesn’t run:
- 🔍 Mac Diagnostics may not run if your operating system is outdated and incompatible.
- 💻 If your Mac has hardware problems, Mac Diagnostics might not be able to run.
- 🔧 Other software, like antivirus or firewalls, can interfere and stop Mac Diagnostics from working.
- 🙅 Mac Diagnostics may not start if you don’t follow the correct steps or lack proper permissions.
- 🦠 Malware or viruses can block Mac Diagnostics from running by disrupting your Mac’s normal functions.
Sometimes, just disconnecting all peripherals before running Mac Diagnostics can make a difference. It helped me when my Mac wouldn’t start the test.
How to Fix Mac Diagnostics Doesn’t Run
These six solutions are the most effective for fixing your Mac Diagnostics issue.
1. Restart Your Mac
Restarting your Mac can clear memory and system software issues, potentially resolving problems with Mac Diagnostics. To restart a Mac, follow these steps:
- Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select Restart from the dropdown menu.
- A confirmation window will appear. Click Restart again.
- Wait for your Mac to shut down and restart. It may take a few minutes.
2. Update Software
Updating macOS ensures compatibility and fixes known bugs that may be causing Mac Diagnostics to malfunction. Here are the steps to update your macOS on Mac:
- Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and select System Settings.
- Click General and select Software Update.
- If any updates are available, click Update Now and follow the instructions.
- If the updates require restarting your Mac, save your work and click Restart.
After the restart, check if it is working correctly. If it’s not, move on to the next solution.
3. Reset the SMC
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can resolve hardware-related issues that might be preventing Mac Diagnostics from running. To reset the SMC on your Mac, follow these steps:
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select Shut Down.
- Unplug your Mac from the power source if it is connected to a power adapter.
- Hold the Shift ⇧ + Control ⌃ + Option ⌥ keys and the Power button simultaneously on your Mac’s built-in keyboard for about 10 seconds.
- After 10 seconds, release all the keys and the Power button.
- If your Mac was connected to a power adapter, reconnect it to the power source.
- Press the Power button to turn on your Mac.
4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM
Resetting NVRAM/PRAM clears incorrect settings that could be causing Mac Diagnostics to fail. To reset the NVRAM/PRAM, follow these steps:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Press the Power button to turn on your Mac.
- Immediately press and hold the Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + P + R keys.
- Hold down the keys until you hear the startup sound twice or see the Apple logo twice. Release the keys and let your Mac continue to start up.
5. Boot in Safe Mode
Booting in Safe Mode helps isolate and diagnose issues by disabling non-essential software and hardware. Here’s how you can boot your Mac in Safe Mode to resolve Mac Diagnostics doesn’t run:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Press the Power button to turn on your Mac.
- Immediately press and hold the Shift ⇧ key as your Mac starts up.
- Release the Shift ⇧ key when you see the login window.
6. Scan for Malware
Malware can corrupt your Mac Diagnostics. If you suspect malware is the cause of problems with Mac Diagnostics, use an antivirus application to remove it. Here’s how you can run a malware scan on your Mac using MacKeeper:
- Download and install MacKeeper.
- Open MacKeeper on your Mac and click the Antivirus tab in the left-hand menu.
- Click the Start Scan button to scan your system for malware and viruses.
- Wait for the scan to complete, which may take several minutes, depending on the size of your system and the number of files being scanned.
- Once the scan is complete, MacKeeper will display a list of issues. Review the list of issues and click the Fix button to resolve them.
- Once the fixes are complete, you may be prompted to restart your system to complete the repairs.
- If no threats are found, click the Rescan button to run the scan again or close the program.
Final Words
Running Mac Diagnostics is super important because it helps catch issues with your Mac early on. If it doesn’t work, you could miss problems that might slow down your Mac or cause bigger issues later. Here are some more Mac optimization tips for the future:
- Resetting the SMC can fix system settings issues that impact Mac Diagnostics.
- If Apple Diagnostics doesn’t run, try clearing cache files or using the Activity Monitor to speed up your Mac.
- Monitor CPU, GPU, and RAM usage to prevent overheating and ensure Mac Diagnostics runs smoothly.
