How to Fix Mac Error -36 — I/O Error [2026]

Mac Error -36: I/O Error

This error typically occurs when corrupted .ds_store files. Below you'll find 5 proven fixes to resolve it.

What Causes Mac Error -36?

Mac error -36 (I/O Error) can be triggered by several issues:

Corrupted .DS_Store files
External drive file system incompatibility
USB cable or port issues
Disk permissions problems
Drive reaching end of life

How to Fix Mac Error -36 — Step by Step

Delete .DS_Store files

Open Terminal:
sudo find /Volumes/YourDrive -name '.DS_Store' -delete
Replace YourDrive with your drive name. .DS_Store files often corrupt and cause -36 errors.

Use dot_clean command

Terminal:
dot_clean /Volumes/YourDrive
This merges hidden resource fork files that cause copy errors on non-Mac formatted drives.

Copy via Terminal

Instead of Finder, use Terminal:
cp -v /path/to/source /path/to/destination
Terminal bypasses some Finder issues and shows which files fail.

Reformat the drive

If copying to an external drive, reformat it to APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) using Disk Utility. FAT32/exFAT drives have more compatibility issues with Mac.

Run First Aid

Disk Utility > Select the drive > First Aid > Run. This repairs file system errors and permissions.

Still Getting Error -36?

IT Cares can diagnose and fix this error remotely — usually in under 30 minutes.

Call (581) 398-1270 Book Remote Session

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mac error -36?

An I/O (Input/Output) error meaning macOS can't read from or write to a storage device. Common when copying files to external drives.

Why does this happen with USB drives?

USB drives formatted as FAT32 or exFAT don't support Mac-specific file attributes. The .DS_Store and resource fork files cause conflicts.

Will formatting the drive fix it?

Usually yes, but it erases everything on the drive. Back up your data first, then reformat to APFS or Mac OS Extended.

Can a bad cable cause error -36?

Yes. Try a different USB cable and port. Damaged cables cause intermittent I/O errors during file transfers.

Is my external drive dying?

Possibly, especially if error -36 appears on multiple operations. Check the drive's SMART status with DriveDx or Disk Utility's First Aid.

How to Fix Mac Error -36 — I/O Error