Fix a Dock icon that shows a question mark

Why it happens

A Dock icon is only a shortcut to an app or folder somewhere on your Mac. If that app is deleted, renamed or moved to another folder, the Dock can't find it and shows a question mark instead. The same happens to a folder in the Dock that has been moved or deleted.

How to fix it

1. Drag the broken icon up and away from the Dock. When the word Remove appears above it, let go and the icon disappears. You can also Control-click it and choose Options, then Remove from Dock.

2. In Finder, choose Go, then Applications from the menu bar.

   Finder›Go›Applications

3. Find the app in the Applications folder and drag its icon onto the Dock, to the left of the thin divider line. Click it once to check it opens.

4. For a folder with a question mark, find the folder where it now lives and drag it to the right of the divider, next to the Trash.

Still not fixed?

1. Can't find the app in Applications? Press Command-Space and type its name to search your whole Mac. If it turns up somewhere else, like Downloads, drag it into Applications first and then into the Dock.

2. If the app is gone, install it again. Apps from the App Store can be downloaded again from your purchases in the App Store, and other apps from their maker's website.

3. If the question mark comes back after you restart, the app may live on an external drive that isn't connected. Connect the drive, or move the app into your Mac's Applications folder.

4. If you see a folder with a flashing question mark when your Mac starts up, that's a different problem: your Mac can't find its startup disk. Contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, because the disk may need checking or repair.