com.apple.ImageCaptureCore error -9956

Update

When this article was originally written this solution worked for me. However, it currently does NOT work with my MacBook running macOS Catalina (10.15.7) and my iPhone running iOS 13.7. For now, I’m using AirDrop to transfer my videos.

Original Article

When downloading video from my iPhone to my Mac using Image Capture, I sometimes (but not always) get the error

The operation couldn’t be completed.
(com.apple.ImageCaptureCore error -9956.) (-9956).
An error occurred while importing. The item “IMG_1607.MOV” was not imported.

(though the file name isn’t always IMG_1607.MOV)

Solution

Giving the Image Capture application Full Disk Access will correct this problem.

Security Concerns

Giving any application Full Disk Access is a security concern. Because Image Capture is a built-in program distributed by Apple, I consider it a low-risk to give it Full Disk Access however I would recommend removing Full Disk Access when you’re done transferring the uncooperative file.

Instructions

• Click the Apple Icon in the upper-left corner of your screen.
• Click the System Preferences... menu item
• Click the Security & Privacy icon
• There are 4 tabs (General, FileVault, Firewall, and Privacy). Select Privacy (it will have a blue background when selected)
• In the left column of items find and click Full Disk Access
• Click the lock in the lower left hand corner that says Click the lock to make changes.
• A box will popup asking you to enter your password (type it in and click Unlock)
• In the right half of the box there are a + and a - button, click the + button
• Scroll down and click Image Capture from the list (it may be easier if you click the column heading Name, which will put the items in alphabetical order)
• Click the Open button
• You’ll get a warning message, “Image Capture” will not have full disk access until it is quit., click the Quit Now button
• Open the Image Capture application and try your import again

At this point the import worked for me. I hope it works for you, as well.

Related Resources

How to fix Image Capture import errors 9956 and 9934?

Sal Ferrarello (@salcode)

Sal is a PHP developer with a focus on the WordPress platform. He is a conference speaker with a background including Piano Player, Radio DJ, Magician/Juggler, Beach Photographer, and High School Math Teacher. Sal can be found professionally at WebDevStudios, where he works as a senior backend engineer.