How to Fix Error Code 43 on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide


If you are encountering error code 43 on a Mac and you may unable to deleting, moving, or accessing files. However, this error usually indicates an issue with file permissions, an incorrect or missing filename, or software or hardware corruption.

Error Code 43 on Mac

Well, error -43 occurs during an installation, suggesting that prerequisites are missing or that an outdated macOS version is being used.

If you’re experiencing this issue, we can help you fix error code 43 on your Mac device.


What is Error Code 43 in Mac?

Error code -43 on macOS typically means that Finder (default file manager for mac) cannot complete an operation because the file cannot be found.

Why Does Error Code 43 Occur on Mac When Transferring Files?

The most common reasons for this include an access conflict for a file, file permission issues, or a filename containing invalid characters such as a question mark or colon. Additionally, disk corruption or an issue with the macOS file system can lead to error 43 on a Mac.


Fixing Mac Error Code -43

Simple Restart or Logout

One quick way to resolve error code 43 on Mac is to log out of your account or simply restart your device. This refreshes the file system and can fix temporary Finder glitches or file permission conflicts. However, this is not a permanent solution.

Fixing Mac Error Code -43 with Finder and Terminal

When error code 43 appears while moving or deleting a file, the first step is to check Finder. Restarting Finder can sometimes resolve temporary file conflicts. If that does not work, using Terminal to remove problematic files may be necessary.

How To Restart Finder

To restart Finder, follow these steps: Press Command + Option + Escape to open the Force Quit menu > Select Finder and click Relaunch.

Alternative methods to delete files other than using Finder.

If the issue persists, try deleting the file via Terminal:

Open Terminal from the Applications > Utilities folder. > Type: rm -rf ~/PathToFile > Press Enter and check if the file is removed.

This method bypasses Finder and forces macOS to delete the file. However, caution is advised when using Terminal commands to avoid accidentally deleting important system files.

Repairing Disk Errors with Disk Utility

Mac error code 43 often occurs due to disk corruption.

Using Disk Utility to repair the drive can resolve the issue. Apple provides detailed guidance on using Disk Utility, which is a valuable resource when troubleshooting file system errors.

To run First Aid in Disk Utility:

  1. Open Disk Utility from Applications > Utilities.
  2. Select the startup disk or the external drive where the error occurs.
  3. Click First Aid and then Run to check for and repair disk errors.

If Disk Utility finds corruption that it cannot repair, backing up important data and reformatting the drive may be necessary.

Checking File Permissions and Unlocking Files

File permission errors can prevent macOS from modifying or deleting files. Checking and correcting these permissions can resolve error 43.

Right-click the file or folder and select Get Info > Expand the Sharing & Permissions section. Ensure the current user has Read & Write access. > If the file is locked, uncheck the Locked box.

If permissions need to be reset for a larger directory, using Terminal with the chmod command can help:

sudo chmod -R 777 ~/PathToFile

This command grants full read, write, and execute permissions to all users for the specified file or folder.


Resolving Error 43 When Copying Files

Sometimes, macOS error code -43 appears when copying files between drives, especially if one is formatted in FAT32 or exFAT. These file systems have limitations that may cause macOS to reject certain file names.

If this is the case, renaming the file before copying or reformatting the drive to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS can resolve the issue.

To reformat an external drive:

Open Disk Utility.

Select the external drive and click Erase.

Choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS as the format.

Click Erase and then Done.


Final Thoughts

​By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve error code 43 on your Mac, allowing for smooth file transfers and operations.

If the issue persists, consider consulting Apple’s support resources or seeking professional assistance.


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