A method for controlling an image recording apparatus includes: detecting a defective recording element out of a plurality of recording elements on a recording head for recording an image on a recording medium; performing a correction processing including suspension of an output of the defective recording element and increase of an output of a recording element at least adjacent to the defective recording element according to a detection result; determining whether or not an image defect is caused in the image by the suspension of output of the defective recording element, before performing the correction processing, according to the detection result; selecting a forced recording element that is forced to output ink out of defective recording elements when it is determined that the image defect is caused; and suspending the output of the defective recording element other than the forced recording element when the forced recording element is selected.