How to Fix “errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4” on macOS

If you are encountering the error message “errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4” on your macOS device, you are not alone. This issue is often related to application shortcuts, file system access, or permission conflicts that prevent macOS from executing the intended action. In this guide, we will explore the possible causes of this error and provide multiple solutions to help you fix it.

What Causes the NSCocoaErrorDomain Error?

The NSCocoaErrorDomain is a macOS-specific error domain used by Apple’s Cocoa framework. This particular error indicates that macOS cannot locate a specific shortcut, which could be due to several reasons:

1. Missing or Deleted Shortcut – The shortcut you are trying to access has been moved or deleted.
2. Application Permission Issues – The app does not have the necessary permissions to access or create shortcuts.
3. Corrupted Preferences or Cache – macOS stores system preferences and cache data, which can sometimes get corrupted.
4. Software Conflicts – Conflicts with third-party applications or recent macOS updates can lead to this error.
5. File System Issues – A corrupted file system or misconfigured directory paths may also cause this error.

errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4

How to Fix “Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut” Error

Here are several effective troubleshooting methods:

1. Restart Your Mac

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches. Try restarting your Mac and check if the issue persists:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
2. Select Restart.
3. Once your Mac restarts, check if the error still appears.

2. Check and Restore the Shortcut

If the error is caused by a missing or broken shortcut, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the location where the shortcut should be.
2. If it is missing, check the Trash to see if it was accidentally deleted.
3. Restore or recreate the shortcut manually:
   • Right-click the target file or application.
   • Select Make Alias to create a new shortcut.
   • Move the alias to the original location where the shortcut was missing.

3. Reset App Permissions

If a particular app is having trouble accessing shortcuts, resetting its permissions may help:

1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access.
2. Locate the application related to the error and toggle its permissions off and then back on.
3. Repeat the process for Files and Folders and Accessibility sections.

4. Clear macOS Cache Files

Clearing cache files can resolve corrupted preferences that may be causing this error:

1. Open Finder and click Go in the menu bar.
2. Select Go to Folder and type:

   ~/Library/Caches

3. Delete the cache files related to the problematic application.
4. Restart your Mac and check if the issue is resolved.

5. Check for macOS and App Updates

Updating macOS and your applications ensures that you have the latest bug fixes:

1. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
2. If an update is available, install it.
3. Check if the specific application that triggered the error has an update available in the App Store or its official website.

6. Reset Launch Services Database

macOS manages shortcuts and file associations using the Launch Services database. Resetting it can fix broken shortcuts:

1. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
2. Run the following command:

   /System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Support/lsregister -kill -seed

3. Restart your Mac and check if the issue persists.

7. Repair Disk Permissions

Fixing disk permissions can resolve issues related to application access and file integrity:

1. Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility).
2. Select your Macintosh HD drive.
3. Click First Aid and run a disk repair scan.
4. If errors are found, allow Disk Utility to repair them.
5. Restart your Mac and check for the error.

8. Reinstall the Problematic Application

If the error is related to a specific app, reinstalling it may help:

1. Open Finder > Applications.
2. Locate the app, right-click it, and select Move to Trash.
3. Download and install the latest version of the application from the official website or the App Store.
4. Launch the app and check if the issue persists.

9. Create a New User Profile

If the issue is user-specific, try creating a new user profile:

1. Go to System Settings > Users & Groups.
2. Click Add Account and create a new admin account.
3. Log out of your current account and log in with the new user.
4. Check if the error appears in the new profile.

10. Contact Apple Support

If none of the above solutions work, it may be necessary to contact Apple Support for further assistance. Visit Apple’s support website or take your Mac to an Apple Store for diagnostics.

Final Thoughts

The “errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4” error can be frustrating, but by following the troubleshooting steps above, you should be able to resolve it. Start with simple fixes like restarting your Mac and checking shortcuts, then move on to more advanced solutions like resetting permissions, clearing caches, and repairing disk permissions. If all else fails, reinstalling the affected app or seeking Apple Support should be your final steps.

By keeping your macOS updated and maintaining system integrity, you can prevent similar errors in the future. If this guide helped you, feel free to share it with others experiencing the same issue!