I tried to delete the files, but I keep getting the error: 'The operation couldn't be completed. (OSStatus error -45.)'

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I tried to delete the files, but I keep getting the error: 'The operation couldn't be completed. (OSStatus error -45.)'

I recently updated my iPad to iPadOS 27. After that, I noticed that some of my video files in .mkv format are showing a lock symbol, and I am unable to delete them.

I have tried many troubleshooting steps, but none of them helped.

I tried to delete the files, but I keep getting the error: 'The operation couldn't be completed. (OSStatus error -45.)'
I also tried deleting the specific folder. It was deleted from its location but not from the Bin. When I try to delete it from the Bin, it will not delete.
I even tried removing them via Settings -> General -> iPad Storage, but nothing worked. I also tried offloading the Files app, but that didn't work either. Some files are still stuck directly on my iPad storage, and I cannot move or delete them.

This is really worrying me. Please let me know if there is any other option available besides resetting my iPad.

[Edited by Moderator]

iPad (10th generation)

Posted on Sep 27, 2026 4:17 AM

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Answer 1

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lavi198 Author

Level 1

25 points

Oct 10, 2026 7:55 AM in response to lavi198

How to delete locked files :

Download the VLC media player from the App Store and install it on your iPhone or iPad.
Restore all the files from the Bin folder if you have already deleted them.
Connect your iPhone to your PC using iTunes.
On your PC, create a file with the exact same name and extension as the file you want to delete from your iPhone (I used a Windows PC).
Open iTunes, click the iPad icon at the top, and navigate to your device page.
Open the File Sharing option, where you will see the VLC folder. Add your newly created files from Windows into this folder.
On your iPhone or iPad, open the Files app, navigate to the VLC folder, and copy those files. Then, go to the folder containing the locked files, long-press, and select paste. When prompted, choose to replace the existing files.
The lock icon will now disappear, and you can easily delete the files.

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Answer 2

lavi198 Author

Level 1

25 points

Oct 10, 2026 9:12 AM in response to lavi198

How to delete locked files :

Download the VLC media player from the App Store and install it on your iPhone or iPad.
Restore all the files from the Bin folder if you have already deleted them.
Connect your iPhone to your PC using iTunes.
On your PC, create a file with the exact same name and extension as the file you want to delete from your iPhone (I used a Windows PC).
Open iTunes, click the iPad icon at the top, and navigate to your device page.
Open the File Sharing option, where you will see the VLC folder. Add your newly created files from Windows into this folder.
On your iPhone or iPad, open the Files app, navigate to the VLC folder, and copy those files. Then, go to the folder containing the locked files, long-press, and select paste. When prompted, choose to replace the existing files.
The lock icon will now disappear, and you can easily delete the files.

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Answer 3

LotusPilot

Level 10

330,472 points

Sep 27, 2026 4:50 AM in response to lavi198

Try a forced-restart - as this will often clear unexpected file-locks and/or an isolated software issue:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
Press and hold the top button.
When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Answer 4

LotusPilot

Level 10

330,472 points

Sep 28, 2026 3:21 AM in response to jan_sklenarik

No, that was not the "suggestion" that you imply.

The structured troubleshooting steps that I have taken the time to document may not need to be completed in its entirety. Each step builds upon the preceding element - and the next step is only performed if the problem hasn't been cleared at that point.

If the file-locks that are inhibiting file deletion have not been successfully cleared, then it may be necessary to perform a factory restore to clear an underlying problem. Assuming that you have either an iCloud or iTunes backup of your iPad, the backup can be restored to your iPad after restoring to factory settings - losing nothing.

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