Corrupted or damaged photos

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 79 views

Understanding the Issue

If you're experiencing issues with your Photos library, specifically with JPEG photos that you can view and edit but cannot duplicate, export, drag to the desktop, or upload to iCloud, you're not alone. Many users have reported encountering an "Unknown error (50)" message when trying to perform these actions. In this article, we'll delve into the possible causes and solutions for this frustrating issue.

What Causes the "Unknown error (50)"?

There are several reasons why you might be encountering the "Unknown error (50)" in Photos. Some possible causes include:

Corrupted or damaged photos: If your JPEG photos are corrupted or damaged, Photos may not be able to process them correctly, leading to the "Unknown error (50)" message.
Library corruption: In some cases, the Photos library itself may be corrupted, causing issues with certain photos or actions.
File system issues: Problems with the file system on your Mac or external drive can also lead to the "Unknown error (50)".
Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications or plugins can cause issues with Photos.

Symptoms of the "Unknown error (50)"

If you're experiencing the "Unknown error (50)" in Photos, you may notice the following symptoms:

Photos won't duplicate: You can view and edit your JPEG photos in Photos, but you're unable to duplicate them.
Exporting photos fails: You're unable to export your JPEG photos from Photos.
Dragging photos to desktop fails: You're unable to drag your JPEG photos from Photos to the desktop.
Uploading photos to iCloud fails: You're unable to upload your JPEG photos to iCloud.

Troubleshooting the "Unknown error (50)"

To resolve the "Unknown error (50)" issue in Photos, try the following troubleshooting steps:

Step 1: Check for Corrupted or Damaged Photos

Inspect your photos: Use the "Inspect" feature in Photos to check if any of your JPEG photos are corrupted or damaged.
Delete corrupted photos: If you find any corrupted or damaged photos, delete them from your Photos library.

Step 2: Check for Library Corruption

Back up your library: Before attempting to repair your Photos library, make sure to back it up to an external drive or iCloud.
Repair your library: Use the "Repair Library" feature in Photos to fix any corruption issues.

Step 3: Check for File System Issues

Check your file system: Use the "Disk Utility" app to check for any file system issues on your Mac or external drive.
Repair your file system: If you find any issues, use the "Repair Disk" feature to fix them.

Step 4: Check for Software Conflicts

Disable plugins: Disable any plugins or third-party apps that may be causing conflicts with Photos.
Update your software: Make sure your Photos app and operating system are up to date.

Step 5: Rebuild Your Photos Library

Back up your library: Before rebuilding your Photos library, make sure to back it up to an external drive or iCloud.
Rebuild your library: Use the "Rebuild Library" feature in Photos to start fresh with a new library.

Conclusion

The "Unknown error (50)" in Photos can be frustrating, but by understanding the possible causes and following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the issue. Remember to always back up your Photos library before attempting to repair or rebuild it. If you're still experiencing issues, consider seeking help from Apple Support or a professional photo management expert.

Additional Tips and Resources

Check for updates: Make sure your Photos app and operating system are up to date.
Use the Photos app: Use the Photos app to manage your photos, rather than third-party apps.
Use iCloud: Consider using iCloud to store and manage your photos.
Consult Apple Support: If you're still experiencing issues, consult Apple Support for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the "Unknown error (50)" in Photos?

A: The "Unknown error (50)" is an error message that appears in Photos when you try to duplicate, export, drag to the desktop, or upload to iCloud certain JPEG photos.

Q: Why am I experiencing the "Unknown error (50)"?

A: There are several reasons why you might be experiencing the "Unknown error (50)", including corrupted or damaged photos, library corruption, file system issues, and software conflicts.

Q: How do I resolve the "Unknown error (50)"?

A: To resolve the "Unknown error (50)", try the troubleshooting steps outlined above, including checking for corrupted or damaged photos, checking for library corruption, checking for file system issues, and checking for software conflicts.

Q: Can I recover my photos if I've experienced the "Unknown error (50)"?

Q: What is the "Unknown error (50)" in Photos?

A: The "Unknown error (50)" is an error message that appears in Photos when you try to duplicate, export, drag to the desktop, or upload to iCloud certain JPEG photos.

Q: Why am I experiencing the "Unknown error (50)"?

A: There are several reasons why you might be experiencing the "Unknown error (50)", including corrupted or damaged photos, library corruption, file system issues, and software conflicts.

Q: How do I resolve the "Unknown error (50)"?

Q: Can I recover my photos if I've experienced the "Unknown error (50)"?

A: Yes, you can recover your photos if you've experienced the "Unknown error (50)". Try the troubleshooting steps outlined above, and if you're still experiencing issues, consider seeking help from Apple Support or a professional photo management expert.

Q: What are some common causes of the "Unknown error (50)"?

A: Some common causes of the "Unknown error (50)" include:

Corrupted or damaged photos: If your JPEG photos are corrupted or damaged, Photos may not be able to process them correctly, leading to the "Unknown error (50)" message.
Library corruption: In some cases, the Photos library itself may be corrupted, causing issues with certain photos or actions.
File system issues: Problems with the file system on your Mac or external drive can also lead to the "Unknown error (50)".
Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications or plugins can cause issues with Photos.

Q: How do I prevent the "Unknown error (50)" from occurring in the future?

A: To prevent the "Unknown error (50)" from occurring in the future, try the following:

Regularly back up your Photos library: Make sure to back up your Photos library to an external drive or iCloud on a regular basis.
Use the Photos app: Use the Photos app to manage your photos, rather than third-party apps.
Use iCloud: Consider using iCloud to store and manage your photos.
Keep your software up to date: Make sure your Photos app and operating system are up to date.

Q: Can I use third-party apps to resolve the "Unknown error (50)"?

A: While third-party apps may be able to help resolve the "Unknown error (50)", it's generally recommended to try the troubleshooting steps outlined above first. If you're still experiencing issues, consider seeking help from Apple Support or a professional photo management expert.

Q: What if I've lost my photos due to the "Unknown error (50)"?

A: If you've lost your photos due to the "Unknown error (50)", try the following:

Check your backups: Check your backups to see if you have a copy of the lost photos.
Use data recovery software: Consider using data recovery software to try and recover the lost photos.
Contact Apple Support: If you're unable to recover your photos, contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Q: Can I get compensation for photos lost due to the "Unknown error (50)"?

A: If you've lost photos due to the "Unknown error (50)", you may be eligible for compensation. Contact Apple Support to discuss your options.

Q: How do I report the "Unknown error (50)" to Apple?

A: To report the "Unknown error (50)" to Apple, follow these steps:

Contact Apple Support: Contact Apple Support via phone, email, or chat.
Provide detailed information: Provide detailed information about the issue, including the error message and any troubleshooting steps you've taken.
Attach screenshots or photos: Attach screenshots or photos to help illustrate the issue.

Q: Can I get help from a professional photo management expert?

A: Yes, you can get help from a professional photo management expert. Consider consulting a professional photo management expert if you're experiencing issues with your Photos library or if you're unsure about how to resolve the "Unknown error (50)".