BenchReady — Apple Diagnostics with the right macOS branch MacBook Air (M1, 2020), Apple M1 chip · 2.0.0 Capture an Apple silicon diagnostic result and identify exactly which tests ran. MODEL FIT Choose Apple menu → About This Mac. Confirm MacBook Air (M1, 2020) and Chip: Apple M1. An Intel processor or another chip does not match. macOS Big Sur or later; Ventura and later call the preferences app System Settings. Diagnostic screens vary by macOS. Excluded: MacBook Air Intel 2020; MacBook Air M2; MacBook Pro M1 PREPARATION [ ] MacBook Air (M1, 2020) and Apple M1 confirmed [ ] Work saved; macOS version checked if the desktop is accessible [ ] Undamaged compatible power connection [ ] A permitted internet connection if requested [ ] Keep any existing backup accessible to you. [ ] Keep credentials and personal files outside this record. GUIDE 1. Shut down, leave only the permitted keyboard, mouse, display, Ethernet and power connections, and place the Mac on a firm ventilated surface. Record which accessories remain. Sources: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102550; Prepare your Mac, steps 2–4 2. Hold power/Touch ID until Options appears, then release. Hold Command-D until the Mac restarts. The Intel D-at-startup method is not the M1 entry. Sources: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102550; Start Apple Diagnostics → Apple silicon; contrast with Intel processor 3. Choose the macOS branch below. Tahoe 26 and later asks which diagnostic to run; earlier macOS starts testing automatically. If the version is unknown, preserve the screen observation and ask Apple which flow applies. Sources: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102550; Run Apple Diagnostics → macOS Tahoe 26 and later 4. Follow the displayed connection and test prompts. If an offline option is offered, Apple directs you to use it unless support initiated an online session. On 26+, record the selected test as well as its result. Sources: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102550; Run Apple Diagnostics → connection, terms and test selection 5. Retain any reference code for Apple. Distinguish a completed test, an interrupted test, and a symptom that remains after a completed test. A result covers the test that ran; include untested conditions in the handoff. Sources: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102550; View Apple Diagnostics test results EVIDENCE TO RECORD Furthest visible stage: Not recorded Diagnostic scope: Not recorded Result observed: Not recorded Startup Options — M1 startup entry with the allowed connections: Not checked OS-appropriate diagnostic — 26+ selected test or earlier automatic test: Not checked Original symptom afterward — Only if the Mac restarts safely and the original action is available: Not checked STOP CONDITIONS Stop using and charging equipment with swelling, casing separation, smoke, a burning smell or suspected battery damage. Do not open or press on it. Set damaged accessories aside. Do not open mains adapters or force connectors. Do not erase, reset, flash firmware or bypass a lock as a default diagnostic step. OUTCOMES Diagnostic result ready: Keep the test scope and result together. Save recurring symptoms even when this test found no issue. - Provide macOS branch, entry reached and selected/automatic test. - Bring the result and any later recurrence to the service appointment. Share the diagnostic evidence with Apple: A reference code, an inaccessible diagnostic screen, or a continuing symptom needs Apple review. - Provide the last startup screen reached and the macOS branch. - Share the exact reference code directly with Apple and describe the original symptom. Complete the missing diagnostic step: Confirm the displayed test with Apple before choosing an unrelated test or reporting a pass. - Keep selection unavailable, interrupted and not tested distinct. - Record whether power/network or a screen prompt prevented completion. Keep the unanswered checks visible: The macOS branch, startup entry, or test result is unconfirmed. Apple needs that distinction before interpreting this record. - Provide the last visible startup/diagnostic stage. - Confirm macOS version and which test actually ran. - Keep unperformed conditions marked Not tested. Ask the provider to confirm these before further changes. Stop the powered checks: Stop using or charging damaged equipment. Keep away from hot or smoking equipment; obtain emergency help for an immediate fire risk. Arrange manufacturer guidance before handling or transport. - Tell Apple about the visible damage before arranging a MacBook Air service. - Provide the last visible startup/diagnostic stage. - Do not open the case, remove the battery, press a lifted surface, or continue a test to complete this record. SOURCES Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102550 (Prepare / Apple silicon / Run Apple Diagnostics / Results; checked 2026-10-13) MacBook Air (M1, 2020) technical specifications: https://support.apple.com/en-us/111883 (Charging and Expansion / Display Support; checked 2026-10-13) Important safety information for your Mac: https://support.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/important-safety-information-apd9b8f7aa11/mac (Handling / Built-in battery / Charging; checked 2026-10-13) Identify MacBook Air model: https://support.apple.com/en-ie/102869 (Find model / MacBook Air M1 2020; checked 2026-10-04) Start up your Mac in safe mode: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/start-up-your-mac-in-safe-mode-mh21245/mac (Apple silicon / Verify safe mode; checked 2026-10-13) This is a blank guide. Use the website to save observations and export an importable record. No physical repair has been verified.