QNAP NAS Error Code 57: How to Fix It

Easy 15-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
57
Brand
QNAP
Product Type
nas
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-30 minutes
QNAP NAS Error Code 57 indicates that the Recycle Bin (Trash) on one or more of your NAS volumes has reached a critical storage threshold, meaning it is consuming so much space that normal NAS operations are at risk. This happens when deleted files accumulate in the Trash folder without being permanently removed, gradually eating up your available disk space. Clearing the Trash and adjusting your Recycle Bin settings will resolve this error and free up critical storage.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 57

  1. Log In to the QNAP Web Management Interface

    Do not attempt to manage NAS settings over an unsecured or public network. Use a trusted local network connection whenever possible.

  2. Open File Station and Empty the Recycle Bin

    Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently deletes all files inside it. Verify you do not need to recover any files before proceeding, as this action cannot be undone.

  3. Check and Reduce Recycle Bin Size Limits per Shared Folder

  4. Enable Automatic Recycle Bin Cleanup

  5. Verify Volume Space Has Been Recovered

  6. Review and Manage Snapshots if Space Remains Low

    Deleting a snapshot permanently removes the ability to restore files from that point in time. Ensure you have current backups before deleting snapshots.

  7. Update QNAP Firmware to Latest Version

    Ensure your NAS has a stable power supply during firmware updates. A power interruption during firmware installation can cause serious system issues. Do not turn off the NAS until the update is fully complete.
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When to Call a Professional

If after emptying the Recycle Bin and managing snapshots your volume space remains critically full and you cannot identify what is consuming the storage, consider contacting QNAP Technical Support (support.qnap.com). You should also seek professional help if your NAS volume shows signs of corruption, if drives are failing (check for drive health warnings in Storage Manager), or if you are uncomfortable managing storage configurations on a NAS that holds critical business data. A qualified NAS administrator or data recovery specialist should be consulted if data loss is a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does QNAP Error Code 57 mean?
QNAP Error Code 57 means the Recycle Bin (Trash) on one or more volumes of your NAS has reached a critical size threshold. Deleted files that have not been permanently removed are filling up your storage, and the NAS is alerting you that available space is dangerously low as a result.
Will emptying the QNAP Recycle Bin permanently delete my files?
Yes. Emptying the Recycle Bin on a QNAP NAS permanently and irreversibly deletes all files stored inside it. Before emptying the Trash, verify that you do not need to restore any of those files. If you need to recover something, use File Station to browse the Recycle Bin and restore individual files first.
How do I prevent QNAP Error Code 57 from happening again?
The best way to prevent Error Code 57 from recurring is to enable automatic Recycle Bin cleanup in the QTS Control Panel. Set a schedule to empty the Trash weekly or monthly, and configure each shared folder's Recycle Bin to enforce a maximum size limit or automatically delete files older than a set number of days (such as 30 days).
Can QNAP Error Code 57 cause data loss?
Error Code 57 itself does not cause data loss — it is a warning that storage is running critically low due to Trash accumulation. However, if the volume runs completely out of free space, new writes may fail, which could potentially cause file corruption or application errors. Addressing the error promptly by clearing the Trash protects your stored data.
Why is my QNAP Recycle Bin taking up so much space?
The QNAP Recycle Bin accumulates space over time because every file deleted from a shared folder (when Recycle Bin is enabled) is moved there instead of being immediately erased. If automatic cleanup is not configured and the Trash is never manually emptied, large files, old backups, or frequent deletions can gradually fill the Trash until it triggers a critical space warning like Error Code 57.

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