![How to Fix Mac Error -43 — File Not Found [2026]](/images/blog/mac-error--43-hero.webp)
Mac Error -43: File Not Found
Quick fix: Rebuild Spotlight index — System Settings > Siri & Spotlight > Scroll down > Spotlight Privacy > Add your drive to the list, then remove it. Full step-by-step below.
What Causes Mac Error -43?
Mac error -43 (File Not Found) can be triggered by several issues:
- File moved or deleted while in use
- Corrupted file metadata
- Spotlight index corruption
- External drive disconnected improperly
- File name contains special characters
| Cause | Best fix |
|---|---|
| File moved or deleted while in use | Rebuild Spotlight index |
| Corrupted file metadata | Reset NVRAM/PRAM |
| Spotlight index corruption | Use Terminal to find the file |
| External drive disconnected improperly | Check Trash and Recently Deleted |
| File name contains special characters | Repair disk with Disk Utility |
How to Fix Mac Error -43 — Step by Step
Rebuild Spotlight index
System Settings > Siri & Spotlight > Scroll down > Spotlight Privacy > Add your drive to the list, then remove it. This forces Spotlight to reindex.
Reset NVRAM/PRAM
Restart Mac, immediately hold Option + Command + P + R for 20 seconds. Release. This resets system settings that can cause file errors. (Intel Macs only — Apple Silicon resets automatically.)
Use Terminal to find the file
Open Terminal:find / -name 'filename' 2>/dev/null
Replace 'filename' with the file you're looking for. This searches the entire drive.
Check Trash and Recently Deleted
Open Trash in Finder. Also check iCloud Drive > Recently Deleted. The file may have been moved there by a sync error.
Repair disk with Disk Utility
Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility > Select your drive > First Aid > Run. This repairs file system errors that can cause -43.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mac error -43 mean?
The file or folder macOS is trying to access doesn't exist at the expected location. It may have been moved, renamed, deleted, or corrupted.
Can I recover a file with error -43?
Often yes. Check Trash, Time Machine backups, and iCloud Recently Deleted. If none work, data recovery software like Disk Drill can help.
Why does this happen with external drives?
Ejecting a drive improperly (pulling it out without ejecting) can corrupt file references. Always eject before disconnecting: right-click > Eject.
Does this affect all files?
Usually just specific files. If all files give this error, the disk may have file system corruption — run First Aid in Disk Utility.
Can special characters in file names cause this?
Yes. Characters like / : * ? in file names can confuse macOS. Rename the file to use only letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.
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