iMovie: Error 49 when exporting - what to do?

If the "-49" error occurs with "iMovie", you cannot export your videos. This is especially the case with larger files. We'll show you how to fix the problem quickly.

Fix iMovie error 49: Disable local backup

The reason for the error message "-49" is the so-called "Mobile Backup" from Apple's data backup software "Time Machine". As soon as you deactivate the function, you can use "iMovie" to export videos again without errors. However, please note that this will also delete all of your local "Time Machine" backups.

• Start the "Terminal". This is straightforward, for example, via the dock, where you open your "Programs" and then the "Utilities".
• The following command now deactivates the local backup: "sudo tmutil disablelocal". A restart completes the process.
• With "sudo tmutil enablelocal" you can reactivate the backup service.

Tip: As a backup alternative for MacOS users, the "Carbon Copy Cloner" is free for 30 days.