ErrorDomain=NSCocoaErrorDomain&ErrorMessage=Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.&ErrorCode=4 - Complete Fix Guide

Are you seeing the frustrating “ErrorDomain=NSCocoaErrorDomain&ErrorMessage=Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.&ErrorCode=4” message on your Mac or iOS device? This comprehensive guide explains what causes this error and provides step-by-step solutions to resolve it.

Understanding ErrorDomain=NSCocoaErrorDomain&ErrorMessage=Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.&ErrorCode=4

This error typically occurs when:

A macOS/iOS application tries to access a shortcut or file that doesn’t exist
There are permission issues with the target file
The shortcut was moved, renamed or deleted
System files are corrupted

The NSCocoaErrorDomain indicates it’s related to Cocoa frameworks, while ErrorCode=4 specifically means “file not found” in Apple’s error system.

5 Ways to Fix ErrorDomain=NSCocoaErrorDomain&ErrorMessage=Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.&ErrorCode=4

1. Recreate the Missing Shortcut

Open Finder and locate the original file
Right-click and select “Make Alias”
Replace the broken shortcut with the new alias

2. Reset App Preferences

Quit the problematic application
Go to ~/Library/Preferences/
Find and delete the .plist file for the app
Restart the application

3. Run First Aid in Disk Utility

Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities)
Select your startup disk
Click “First Aid” and run repairs

4. Reinstall the Problematic Application

Drag the app to Trash
Empty Trash
Download fresh copy from App Store/developer site

5. Update macOS/iOS

Go to System Preferences > Software Update
Install any available updates
Restart your device

Preventing ErrorDomain=NSCocoaErrorDomain&ErrorMessage=Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut.&ErrorCode=4 in Future

✔ Regularly clean up broken shortcuts
✔ Use “Put Back” instead of permanent delete
✔ Maintain organized file structure
✔ Backup important files with Time Machine