Is my iPhone or iPad original? Check it with Apple's own diagnostics
Apple has a free, official way to test every part of an iPhone or iPad and to show if a part is genuine, unknown or used. Here is exactly how to run it - with an animation of the button steps.
Option 1 - Full Apple Diagnostics (recommended)
This runs Apple's complete test set. You need the iPhone, a wired charger of 20 W or more (or a computer that is switched on), Wi-Fi, and a second device with a browser (another iPhone or iPad with Safari, a Mac, or a PC with Chrome, Firefox or Edge).
- Turn the iPhone off. Hold a volume button + the side button, slide to power off, wait 30 seconds.
- Press and hold both volume buttons (up and down together).
- Keep holding - plug in the cable to a 20 W+ charger or a computer that is on. Wireless charging does not work.
- Release the buttons when the logo appears.
- "Diagnostics & Repair" appears - tap Continue, choose Wi-Fi, accept the terms.
- On your second device open getsupport.apple.com/self-service-diagnostics, choose iPhone, type the serial number, tap Start Session - then tap Continue on the iPhone.
Before you start
- Update iOS if you can, remove the case and unplug accessories.
- Write down the serial number (Settings → General → About). In diagnostics mode you can also tap the i in the bottom-right corner to see it.
- Do not press the side button while plugged into a computer - that can start recovery mode instead.
Then run the tests
When the session starts, the test list appears on your second device. Run Mobile Resource Inspector first - it checks the software and confirms every hardware part is present and answering. Then run the tests for the problem you have (see every test explained). A green check = no issue found; an exclamation mark = a problem was found.
iPad: the same steps; on iPads without a Home button use the top button to turn it off, hold both volume buttons and plug into a charger (Apple suggests 18 W or more).
To leave diagnostics mode: force restart - press and release volume up, press and release volume down, then hold the side button until the logo appears.
Option 2 - Diagnostics Mode on the device (iPhone 14 and later)
Newer models can run Apple's tests on their own screen, without a second device:
- Turn the iPhone off.
- Turn it on and keep holding the side button while it starts - Recovery Assistant opens.
- Tap Diagnostics Mode and connect to Wi-Fi.
- Run the tests. If a test finds an issue, the device may need service.
Supported: iPhone 14 models and later, iPad Pro (M4) and later, iPad Air (M2) and later, iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad (A16).
Option 3 - Parts and Service History (30 seconds)
Open Settings → General → About. If the iPhone has been repaired, a Parts and Service History section appears (iOS 15.2 or later). No section = no recorded part change.
| Label | What it means |
|---|---|
| Genuine Apple Part | Replaced with a genuine Apple part and Apple's repair process. |
| Unknown Part | Non-genuine part, a part that is not working as expected, a part not linked to this iPhone after the repair, or a part that cannot be verified. |
| Used | A genuine part that was already installed in another iPhone (iPhone 15 and later, iOS 18). |
| Unverified | The logic board was replaced earlier; features like Apple Pay may be affected. |
Tracked parts: iPhone 12 and later - battery, display, logic board, front (TrueDepth) camera and rear cameras. iPhone 11 - fewer parts (including the display). iPhone XR, XS and SE (2nd/3rd gen) - mainly the battery. Only the most recent service of each part is shown.
Every Apple diagnostic test explained
Pick a test to see what it checks and what a failure usually means.
Mobile Resource Inspector (MRI) - run this first
Checks: the iOS version and that every hardware component is present and answering. Takes 1-2 minutes.
If it fails: the report names the component that did not answer - often a part that was replaced or a flex cable that is damaged or not connected.
Display Pixel Anomalies
Checks: shows solid colours and patterns to find dead or stuck pixels and dust under the glass.
If it fails: the screen has pixel defects - a display replacement. Combine with Parts and Service History to see if the screen is original.
Display Anomalies
Checks: uneven colour or brightness, light leakage, flickering, pixel issues and debris.
If it fails: usually a damaged or non-original screen.
Multi-Touch
Checks: which areas of the screen respond to touch and which do not.
If it fails: dead touch zones - the screen, or its connector/flex.
Camera Image Quality
Checks: the front and rear cameras for image-quality problems.
If it fails: a damaged or non-original camera, or dust/cracks on the camera lens glass.
Face ID
Checks: the Face ID sensors (TrueDepth system).
If it fails: the TrueDepth module or its flex - often after a drop, liquid, or a screen replacement where the front sensor flex was damaged.
Audio Output, Speakers and Audio for Self Service Repair
Checks: plays tones through the speakers to check volume, clarity and distortion (the self-service audio test also records a clip on each microphone).
If it fails: a blocked or damaged speaker, the ear speaker flex, or the audio amplifier on the board.
Microphones
Checks: records a short clip to confirm each microphone picks up sound.
If it fails: a blocked mic hole, or the flex the mic sits on (the bottom mic is part of the charging port flex).
Buttons
Checks: the side and volume buttons (and the Action button on newer models).
If it fails: the power or volume button flex.
Apple also lists "Prepare to Ship" for preparing a locked device for shipping - it is not a test. Available tests can differ by model.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if my iPhone is original?
Open Settings → General → About and look for Parts and Service History - it shows Genuine Apple Part, Unknown Part or Used for replaced parts. For a full check, run Apple Diagnostics (Option 1): Mobile Resource Inspector confirms every part is present and working.
How do I put my iPhone into diagnostics mode?
Turn it off, press and hold both volume buttons, and while holding them plug the iPhone into a 20 W or stronger wired charger or a computer that is on. Release the buttons when the logo appears, then tap Continue on the Diagnostics & Repair screen.
Do I need a second device?
For the full Apple Diagnostics yes - another iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC opens getsupport.apple.com/self-service-diagnostics and controls the tests. iPhone 14 and later can also run Diagnostics Mode on their own screen through Recovery Assistant.
Does diagnostics mode erase my data?
No, running the tests does not erase the iPhone. Just avoid pressing the side button while it is plugged into a computer, which can start recovery mode instead.
My iPhone says "Unknown Part" - is it fake?
Not always. Unknown Part appears for non-genuine parts, but also for genuine parts that were not linked to the iPhone after the repair or that are not working as expected. Ask the shop that did the repair which part they used.