MacOS -36: Fixing File Copying Errors in macOS

The -36 error in macOS typically occurs when attempting to copy or move files from one location to another, often appearing as The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in ‘filename’ can't be read or written. This error is commonly caused by hidden files or disk permissions issues.

To resolve this error, start by revealing hidden files in Finder by pressing Command + Shift + . and checking for any .DS_Store or .AppleDouble files that might be causing the issue.

Delete these files and try copying the file again.

If the problem persists, run Disk Utility and use the First Aid tool to check and repair your Mac’s disk.

Sometimes, this error occurs when transferring files to or from a non-Mac-compatible external drive (such as NTFS-formatted drives).

Ensure that the external drive is formatted in a compatible file system like exFAT or FAT32.

If the error still appears, try copying the file through Terminal by using the cp command, as this can sometimes bypass Finder-related issues.