How to resolve 'No space left on device' error when moving photo files on Mac?

I keep getting an error message when I try and move files from my desktop, operation couldn't be completed. No space left on device. And The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in my jpeg file can't be read or written (Error Code -36. My macOS is Sequoia 15.6.1 and it says I have 412.13 GB or 499.96 GB used. What can I do to correct this?




[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Moving photo files


iMac 27″, macOS 15.6

Posted on Nov 12, 2025 8:23 PM

Reply
3 replies

Nov 13, 2025 4:03 AM in response to Kim Metcalfe

Select your drive in Finder, press Command-I and post a screenshot.

I'm thinking that your drive is full, but not in the way you may have expected.

The problem is that macOS does not immediately free space on disk when it should.

Space may appear as "Available", but the FREE space is only equal to "Available" MINUS "Purgeable".

If only we could direct the OS to free all that purgeable space...


Nov 13, 2025 8:56 AM in response to Kim Metcalfe

Kim Metcalfe wrote:

I keep getting an error message when I try and move files from my desktop, operation couldn't be completed. No space left on device. And The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in my jpeg file can't be read or written (Error Code -36. My macOS is Sequoia 15.6.1 and it says I have 412.13 GB or 499.96 GB used. What can I do to correct this?

Error Code -36 indicates an I/O Error which is typically caused by a hardware issue...usually with an external drive.


@Luis Sequeira1 has you covered regarding the Free storage space issue....assuming the failed drive is not somehow causing the space issue. And @Yer_Man's question is very important.

How to resolve 'No space left on device' error when moving photo files on Mac?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.