Finder error code -36 can occur when macOS cannot read or write certain data during a file-copy or transfer operation. The error alone does not identify whether the problem is caused by a particular file, the source or destination drive, a connection issue, or a software-related problem.
If you encounter Mac error code -36 on macOS 27 Golden Gate, start by identifying the file and drive involved. Then try the least disruptive troubleshooting steps below before running disk repairs or using Terminal commands.
- Eject the external drive you're using and reconnect it to your Mac.
- Restart your Mac.
- Install a safe antivirus program and remove the virus on Mac.
Share with more people to help them fix Mac error code 36!
If the Mac Finder error code 36 problem persists, try the following steps.
Step 1. Identify the Failed File and Transfer Direction
Check whether error -36 occurs when copying from the Mac to an external drive, from the drive to the Mac, or between folders on the Mac. Note the filename in the error message.
Step 2. Check the Connection
Reconnect the drive, try another compatible cable or port, bypass the hub if possible, and check whether the drive receives sufficient power. Stop if you hear unusual mechanical noises or experience repeated disconnects.
Step 3. Test Other Files
Copy a small, unimportant file to determine whether the problem affects one file, one folder, or the entire drive. Avoid repeated testing with irreplaceable files.
Step 4. Run the dot_clean command in Terminal When Appropriate
dot_clean processes AppleDouble metadata files, commonly named with a ._ prefix, and merges that metadata where appropriate. And dot_clean is used to repair a specific folder, rather than a broad filesystem-wide operation. Before proceeding, you'd better back up important data and use a copy of the affected files when practical.
- Open Launchpad, select Other > Terminal and click it to open up the Terminal app.
- Inside the Terminal app, type the following command and press the Return key to perform a dot_clean command:dot_clean
- Now, simply drag the folder that you failed to copy or move into the Terminal window. Once it's successfully loaded and a file address shows, press the Return key.
After the operation completes, repeat the action that previously caused error code 36 on Mac and see if the problem is now resolved. dot_clean is not a general disk-repair tool and will not resolve every error -36 scenario.
Step 5. Check Permissions and Storage Format
Finder error code 36 may also occur when your account has no privilege to change anything to that folder or file. If you are the Mac owner, log in using your administrator account and change the file property, which will enable full access to those files. Follow the instructions below:
- Right-click the folder/file where Mac error code 36 on Mac was encountered.
- Click the Get Info option.
- Make sure the Locked option is unchecked under the General tab.
- At the bottom of the file info, locate Sharing & Permissions.
- Make sure your account has read and write privileges to this folder/file.
In case you're still facing the error code 36, move down to the next potential fix below.
Step 6. Back Up Data, then Consider First Aid
Just like what was mentioned before, Macintosh error code 36 is related to missing or corrupt files caused by hard drive issues. Running First Aid in Disk Utility is always a good option to fix hard drive issues. To ensure your data security, you're advised to back up your data using a cloud service or iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Mac to clone a full disk or clone partitions at a rapid transfer speed.
How to use iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Mac to back up external drive data?
1. Download, install, and activate iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Mac (version 4.8.0).
2. Enroll iBoysoft DiskGeeker for Mac into the Full Disk Access list under System Settings.
3. Plug the external hard drives into your Mac and format the destination external drive.
4. Select the source disk. (Choose the entire disk rather than a volume.)
5. Click "Clone" in the right panel > tap Start.
6. Choose the external hard drive as the destination device (the original drive and destination drive should not be the same one).
7. Click "Start Cloning" to begin backing up your external hard drive to another external storage device. The time required depends primarily on the amount of data being transferred, but the process is generally faster than you might expect. Simply wait for the backup to complete, which may take just a few minutes.
By the way, it also covers File Keeper feature, allowing you to back up selected APFS volumes and easily recover important files if they're accidentally lost during First Aid repair. You can also customize your backup schedule with hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly options to ensure your data stays protected.
After the data backup, it's time to use First Aid to repair your drive.
How to use First Aid to repair your external drive?
- Launch Finder, go to Applications > Utilities, double-click on Disk Utility to run it on your Mac.
- From Disk Utility's sidebar, select the storage drive where the error code 36 occurred.
- Click First Aid from the top and wait till the repair process is over.
Now, check if the Mac Finder error 36 has been resolved.
Step 7. Update macOS and Isolate Software Issues
Some users who've experienced Mac error code 36 reported that the Mac error code 36 issue is specific to some old macOS versions. They found updating their Mac computer to the latest available version helped fix the issue.
To update macOS to the latest macOS 27, follow the steps below.
- Click the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the menu bar.
- Select About this Mac and click Software Update.
- When a new window appears, click Upgrade Now to download and update macOS to the latest macOS 27.
Your Mac computer shall automatically reboot after the updates have been installed successfully. Try to copy files to or from an external drive to see if the Macintosh error code 36 still exists. Also, this method can help you fix other Mac error code issues, like Mac error code 41.
If the error persists, investigate recently installed filesystem utilities, security software, or other software that may affect file transfers.
What Is Mac Error Code 36?
Unlike the error code 8058 on Mac, the Mac error code 36 happens when using Finder to copy and transfer files from or to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or SD card. The full error is usually read as: The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "FileName" can't be read or written. (Error code -36).
The filename mostly is.DS_Store, but it can happen with just about any file on a Mac. DS_Store files, an abbreviation of Desktop Services Store files, are automatically created by Finder in browsed directories.
These files are used to store the custom attributes of its containing folder, such as the position of icons or the choice of a background image. If these files are damaged or corrupted, error code 36 on Mac could occur.
What Causes Error Code 36 on Mac?
Apart from damaged or corrupted DS_ Store files, there are still other reasons that could trigger error code 36 on Mac. Generally, the possible reasons for Mac Finder error code 36 include:
- There are some damaged or corrupted files on the external hard drive.
- Your macOS system is out of date.
- Your Mac has been attacked by a malware or virus attack.
So, to avoid Mac error code 36, you can regularly use Disk Utility to check and repair disk issues, keep your macOS system updated to the latest version, ensure external drives are formatted with Mac-compatible file systems (such as APFS or exFAT), install reliable antivirus software and perform regular scans, and use high-quality cables and devices to ensure stable and secure file transfers.
FAQs
- QDot_clean not working for fixing Mac error code 36, what to do?
-
A
Dot_clean only works when you tell it what and where to clean. If you don't add the path next to the dot_clean command or the path is incorrect, the dot_clean command will not work.
Instead of typing in the path manually, simply drag the folder or file that failed to copy or move next to the dot_clean command. Then press Enter key and check if it works now.
- QWhat does the .DS Store files mean in the Mac error code 36 pop-up?
-
A
DS_Store files are automatically created by Finder in browsed directories. The name DS_ Store files is an abbreviation of Desktop Services Store files. These files are used to store the custom attributes of its containing folder, such as the position of icons or the choice of a background image.