How to run diagnostics on your Pixel

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Regardless of what phone you get, the device starts to lag over time in certain areas. Pixel phones have a lot to offer, but since no device is perfect, sooner or later, it's going to start to sag. The good news is that your Pixel phone has a helpful function that allows you to see how " healthy" your phone is.

Thanks to the Pixel Diagnostic on this Android phone, you can identify and troubleshoot problems that can cause all sorts of problems, such as battery drain and connectivity issues. This function is available on the latest Pixel 8 and 8 Pro and other models, such as the Pixel 8a.

How to run diagnostics on your Pixel

Google lets you check your Pixel smartphone's functionality via a hidden utility called Pixel Diagnostic. This app is built into every Pixel smartphone and includes a variety of checks that may be performed either automatically or manually.

Note: This diagnostic tool can only be used in select regions.

1. Launch the phone app on your Pixel phone and enter the code *#*#7287#*#* to launch the Pixel Diagnose app.

2. You need a reliable Wi-Fi connection for this, so the app will ask you to confirm the same before letting you proceed further. Tap Confirm after making sure your phone is connected to the Internet.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

3. Next, you'll see the Pixel Diagnostics app's primary interface. It consists of several tests categorized into groups based on the type of functionality they're designed to check.

4. There are 33 tests (e.g., Physical Damage, Camera Defects, Speaker) categorized into eight groups (e.g., Visual, Audio). You can scroll to check the complete list.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

5. Tap the Start Test button at the top, next to the Full Diagnose option. The app will now run all the tests in a predefined sequence. Follow the on-screen prompts and wait for the procedure to finish.

6. Once done, the app will display the results. You can also choose to rerun any failed or skipped tests.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

That's all there's to it! You can use these tests (and their results) to determine if your Pixel needs a repair. It's also worth noting here that Google has partnered with iFixit to sell genuine spare parts for nearly all of its phones (going back to the Pixel 2 from 2017), so if you're confident in your skills, you can even fix your Pixel yourself.

Checking your Pixel's functionality is a cakewalk

Google's Pixels have consistently ranked among the best Android phones available, offering everything from top-tier cameras to a clean yet feature-rich software experience. This couldn't be truer for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, which now come backed by Google's commitment to seven years of significant software updates. Combine that with goodies like the ability to diagnose issues and easy repairability effortlessly, and it's no wonder why they're some of the most accessible phones for us to recommend to just about anyone.

Rajat Sharma
Contributor

When Rajat got his first Personal Computer—a Pentium III machine with 128MB of RAM and a 56kbps dial-up modem—back in 2001, he had little idea it would mark the beginning of a lifelong love affair with gadgets. That fascination, combined with a penchant for writing and editing, ultimately led to him becoming a technology journalist. Some of his other interests include Photography, Hand Lettering, and Digital Typography. Rajat is also somewhat obsessed with wrist-worn timepieces and appreciates a Casio just as much as a Jaeger-LeCoultre.

  • blindcow
    I tried the *#*#7287#*#* but on my Pixel 5 when I enter the numbers it immediately disappears. If I copy and paste it does the same. Anyone know why or how I can find the utility?
    Reply
  • igotthepowers
    Pixel 7 pro on TMob in US. When I select confirm, I get this error message:

    Note:
    The Diagnostics Tool is only designed for use in the United States at this time.

    I made sure my VPN is off, I'm on my local Wi-Fi network and I restarted my phone. Why does it think I'm not in the US?
    Reply
  • phunny12000
    blindcow said:
    I tried the *#*#7287#*#* but on my Pixel 5 when I enter the numbers it immediately disappears. If I copy and paste it does the same. Anyone know why or how I can find the utility?
    Go into the phone app and bring up the keypad and put it in there
    I struggled too only to get us only message
    Reply
  • mustang7757
    I entered the code on my pixel 8 pro unlock with Att sim and works
    Reply
  • mustang7757
    AC News said:
    If you're facing any issue(s) with your Google Pixel smartphone, you can use a built-in utility to check the device's hardware and software functionality. Find out how to run diagnostics on your Pixel.

    How to run diagnostics on your Pixel : Read more
    Thanks for the tip
    Reply
  • Tom McGrew
    This is stupid. It should be in the settings, not in the dialer where your provider can block access to it. Not easy at all.
    Reply
  • Victor Suarez
    igotthepowers said:
    Pixel 7 pro on TMob in US. When I select confirm, I get this error message:

    Note:
    The Diagnostics Tool is only designed for use in the United States at this time.

    I made sure my VPN is off, I'm on my local Wi-Fi network and I restarted my phone. Why does it think I'm not in the US?
    I'm having the same issue...not sure how to go around this
    Reply
  • igotthepowers
    Victor Suarez said:
    I'm having the same issue...not sure how to go around this

    Was hoping the author or somebody else would enlighten us since this is a pretty big issue. Basically the whole article is useless to anybody in our situation.
    Reply
  • mustang7757
    Tom McGrew said:
    This is stupid. It should be in the settings, not in the dialer where your provider can block access to it. Not easy at all.
    I agree
    Reply
  • mustang7757
    Victor Suarez said:
    I'm having the same issue...not sure how to go around this
    igotthepowers said:
    Was hoping the author or somebody else would enlighten us since this is a pretty big issue. Basically the whole article is useless to anybody in our situation.
    Which pixel ?
    Carrier or unlock version
    Reply