Resolved: How to Fix the “Sorry, No Manipulations With Clipboard Allowed” Mac Clipboard Error

If you’ve been trying to copy and paste text, images, or files on Mac but keep getting the “Mac clipboard error” message — don’t worry! In this guide we’ll show you a few different ways to troubleshoot this issue.

The Mac is a powerful machine that has many features and capabilities. You can use it as a primary computer, or as a secondary device to complement another Windows PC. MacBooks for example are good for graphics design and other high-end tasks that require more power than the average laptop offers.

But one downside to Mac is that there can sometimes be software compatibility issues with certain programs (even if they’re supposed to work on macOS). One such issue arises when you try copying and pasting text, images, or files on your Mac. You might see the Mac clipboard error.

If this happens to you, don’t worry! This article has several solutions that will help you troubleshoot the problem.

What does Mac clipboard error mean?

Copying text or files on your device is like loading them up in what’s called a virtual clipboard. Macs have a temporary storage area for whatever you copy, and until the device is shut down, that data stays there too. If an error message pops up saying Mac clipboard error it means that you can’t access or write on your Mac’s clipboard.

If you’re not permitted to use the clipboard, macOS prevents copying anything out of any application including browsers, PhotoShop, and even Skype. This is a huge setback for anyone that uses the copy-paste function to speed up transferring content from one app to another.

The copy-paste error may be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of a project. But don’t worry! We’ve compiled all the solutions so your copy-paste will work again without running into this pesky problem.

How to Resolve the Mac clipboard error on Mac

Below are some remedies you can attempt to resolve the clipboard error on your Mac:

Method 1. Reboot your system

Because the macOS clipboard gets cleared every time you shut down your computer, simply restarting it may help you resolve this problem. Here are the instructions on how to restart a Mac.

1. Go to your desktop, and then select the Apple icon which is located in the top-left corner of the screen. This is going to open the main menu.

2. Navigate and press the Restart option from the context menu.

3. Wait for your system to reboot. Afterward, you can try using the copy and paste functions to check if the Mac clipboard error returns.

Method 2. Restart ‘pboard’ server with the Activity Monitor

The pasteboard server takes care of your clipboard. It’s possible that a temporary error is causing the issue at hand. In this case, you can restart the pboard process and potentially fix the error.

1. Click on the Launchpad in your Dock.

2. Using the search bar, look for the Activity Monitor application. Click on it once to launch it.

3. Use the search field to look up “pboard”. Double-click on the process from the results.

4. Select the “Quit” button from the new window that appears on the screen.

5. Click the Force Quit button when the system prompts you. This is going to entirely quit the process and ensure it doesn’t interfere with your clipboard.

Method 3. Reset ‘pboard’ server via Terminal

Another way to restart the pasteboard server is via the Terminal. If you’ve used Windows before, the Terminal is the equivalent of the Command Prompt. 

1. It allows you to execute different commands and directly modify your systemClick on the Launchpad in your Dock. Using the search bar, look for the Terminal application.

2. Once the Terminal application opens, enter the noted command then press the Enter buttonn to execute it.: sudo killall board

3. Enter your Mac’s password, and hit the Enter key again. Wait for the process to finish, and then try using copy and paste again.

Method 4. Force Quit the WindowServer process

Some users have reported that quitting the WindowServer process helps resolve the Mac clipboard error. The WindowServer process handles components that make up your Mac’s graphical interface (GUI), including the Dock and Menu Bar.

These processes are vital for macOS to function properly; force-quitting them to reset them can resolve issues with copy/paste functions in certain situations!

1. Navigate to Launchpad > Activity Monitor. Use the search input field to look up WindowServer, and then double-click on the process.
2. Click Quit > Force Quit.

Method 5. Update macOS

Updating your system may iron out some issues and reduce the number of bugs that could lead to the Mac clipboard error..

1. Navigate to your desktop, then click on the Apple icon positioned in the top-left corner of the screen. This is going to open the main menu.

2. Click on the System Preferences option from the context menu.

3. Click on the Software Update button. You can also search “Update” using the search the input in the upper right corner of the window.

4. Wait for macOS to identify if a new update is available. If your system isn’t up-to-date, click on the word Update Now button to begin the update process. This may take several minutes depending on the size of the update and your configuration.

5. After your Mac finalizes the update, check if you can use the copy-paste function without the error coming up.

Method 6: Check for viruses on your Mac

While macOS systems are generally considered to have a lower risk of virus infection, malware can nonetheless attack your machine. This occurs more frequently if you download files frequently or change any security settings to let in third-party programs.

To swiftly and simply identify any malicious files, scripts, or malware on your computer, we advise installing Malwarebytes for Mac. Get ESET Cyber Security Pro for Mac if you want a more comprehensive antivirus program that will stop any viruses before they even get to your computer.

Try copying and pasting some text or files after your device has been scanned and any risks have been removed. You will know right away if this remedy has been successful.