"Error: -69841: Permissions reset on user home directory failed" on iMac

I attempted to reset permissions using " sudo diskutil resetUserPermissions / 'id -u' " and I got the following error message.

Error: -69841: Permissions reset on user home directory failed

Underlying error: 1

Can anyone explain to me how to correct this?

[Edited by Moderator]

iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 13.7

Posted on May 18, 2025 6:03 AM

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1 reply

HWTech

Level 9

68,306 points

May 18, 2025 10:07 AM in response to mlkulakowski

Why are you needing to reset permissions on the entire home user folder? Personally I would never do that since there are portions of even the home user folder which may have some customized permissions made by the system. This could be why it failed. Unfortunately Apple doesn't really document error codes, nor does Apple provide useful error messages.

Do you have iCloud enabled? That may also make a difference.

FYI, you may be asking for help for the wrong problem.

https://xyproblem.info

It also helps to know the exact model of the Mac and version of macOS being used. You can get this information by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac".

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

"Error: -69841: Permissions reset on user home directory failed" on iMac

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