Error code 36MediumFile or transfer could not be completed
What this error means
Code 36 on macOS usually means Finder could not read, copy, or move a file because something about the file or the storage device got in the way. It often appears when you are transferring files between a Mac and an external drive, a network share, or a folder with mixed file types. The problem is commonly caused by a damaged file, a permission issue, or a drive that is temporarily not responding well.
Common causes
- 1The file name or file data is damaged
- 2The external drive or network location has a read or write problem
- 3macOS does not have the right permission to access the file or folder
- 4There is not enough free space on the destination drive
- 5A temporary Finder, USB, or network glitch interrupted the transfer
How to fix it
- Try the copy, move, or delete action again after a short pause. If the error was caused by a temporary Finder or connection glitch, repeating the action may work right away.
- Disconnect and reconnect the external drive or network share, then try again. If you are using Wi-Fi for a network location, make sure the connection is stable before retrying.
- Rename the file or folder if its name is unusually long or contains unusual characters, then try the transfer again. Simple names can help macOS handle the item more reliably.
- Check that the destination has enough free space and that you can write to it. If the drive is nearly full, free up some space before moving the file.
- Open Disk Utility, select the affected drive, and run First Aid. This can repair minor file system problems that often trigger code 36.
- If the problem keeps happening with the same drive, copy the file to your Mac’s desktop first, then move it to the destination from there. If that still fails, the file itself may be damaged and may need to be replaced from a backup or original source.
- Restart your Mac and try once more. A restart clears temporary system issues that can interfere with file transfers.
Recommended fixes
Restart your device
A restart clears temporary state that often causes transient errors.
- Save your work and close open apps.
- Restart the device from the power menu.
- Reproduce the issue to check whether it persists.
Check your network connection
- Confirm other devices can reach the internet.
- Toggle Wi-Fi off and back on.
- Move closer to the router, or switch to a wired connection to rule out signal issues.
Run First Aid in Disk Utility (Mac)
- Open Disk Utility.
- Select your startup disk and click First Aid.
- Let it verify and repair the disk.
Free up disk space
- Empty the Recycle Bin / Trash.
- Remove large files and apps you no longer use.
- Aim to keep at least 10% of the drive free.
Contact Quickfix support
If the issue persists after trying these steps, reach out so we can help.
Visit the contact page and include your scan report code.
When to seek help
You should take this more seriously if code 36 appears every time you use the same external drive, if several different files are affected, or if the drive becomes very slow, disconnects unexpectedly, or stops mounting at all. That can point to a failing disk or a more serious file system problem. If the file is important, stop retrying the same operation over and over and make a backup first. If First Aid does not help, or if the drive contains critical data, contact a data recovery professional or Quickfix support.
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