Apple products and apps are designed with lots of various error-handling code, but sometimes you can run into an error you simply cannot figure out how to resolve. One such issue is the NSCocoaErrorDomain error, particularly the message: “could not find the specified shortcut.” It is frequently accompanied by Error Code 4, and can be very unpleasant especially if you tend to use system shortcuts on a daily basis.
In this post we will learn what is NSCocoaErrorDomain why we get the error message “could not find the specified shortcut” and how to resolve it. We’ll also provide answers to FAQ’s to help you troubleshoot this problem efficiently.
What is NSCocoaErrorDomain?
NSCocoaErrorDomain Explained
The NSCocoaErrorDomain is an error domain used in macOS and iOS development. It is part of the Cocoa framework, which is Apple’s programming framework for developing applications on macOS. The NSCocoaErrorDomain is a general error category that encompasses a wide range of error codes related to macOS’s underlying systems and APIs.
Errors in this domain typically involve issues with the system or apps using these frameworks. For example, problems with file handling, application preferences, or shortcuts are some areas where this error domain might arise.
What Does “Could Not Find the Specified Shortcut” Mean?
The error message “could not find the specified shortcut” typically indicates that the system or application you’re using is unable to locate a shortcut that has been defined in the system settings or the app configuration. This might happen when:
- A shortcut was deleted or is no longer available in the system.
- The shortcut points to a location or file that no longer exists.
- An app or system process is trying to use a shortcut that was never properly set up.
- There are issues with system permissions preventing the proper identification of the shortcut.
Common Causes of Error Code 4
Corrupted System Files
Sometimes, system files related to shortcuts may get corrupted, resulting in the error. This can happen due to incomplete system updates or file system errors.
Incorrect Shortcut Configuration
If a shortcut was manually configured by the user but was later deleted or incorrectly set up, the system might fail to locate it. This misconfiguration often leads to the error message.
Application Bugs
Occasionally, the error can stem from bugs within an application that relies on system shortcuts. These bugs may prevent the app from identifying or accessing the correct shortcut.
Operating System Glitches
macOS or iOS glitches can cause this issue, particularly if the OS is outdated or there’s a temporary system error causing certain shortcuts to become unrecognized.
How to Fix errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4
Now that we understand the causes of this error, let’s look at how to resolve it:
Check System Shortcuts
The first thing to do when troubleshooting this problem is to see if the shortcut exists on your system. After removing (or deleting) the shortcut you might have to create it again.
- For macOS: Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts, and see if the shortcut in question shows up listed there. If it’s gone, see if you can add it back in or recover it.
- For iOS: Head to Settings > Shortcuts and see whether the shortcut still exists. If not, add or restore the shortcut.
Reboot Your Device
Sometimes, a simple system reboot can resolve temporary glitches or issues. Rebooting will refresh the system and help clear any issues related to shortcut recognition.
Reset Preferences
If you think it’s the shortcut settings that have gotten messed up, you can also reset your system preferences to their default. This will reset all shortcuts and configurations to the default, which might fix the problem.
- For macOS: Navigate to System Preferences and set the shortcut options back to their defaults..
- For iOS: You could have reset settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. Keep in mind this won’t erase your data, but it will reset the system settings.
Check for System Updates
Ensure that your device is using the most recent version of macOS or iOS. Apple frequently updates its system to correct bugs and errors. Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and see if there is an update for your particular system.
Recreate the Shortcut
If you can’t find the shortcut in your system or app settings, consider recreating it. This may resolve the issue if the shortcut was accidentally deleted or if the configuration was incorrect.
Clear Cache or Reinstall the App
In some cases, the app trying to access the shortcut might have corrupted cache files. Clear the app’s cache or reinstall the app to reset its configurations.
Troubleshooting Table: Quick Fixes for Error Code 4
| Issue | Potential Fix |
|---|---|
| Corrupted Shortcut | Check and recreate the shortcut in system settings. |
| Missing Shortcut | Reconfigure or add the shortcut in settings. |
| Application Bug | Update or reinstall the app causing the issue. |
| Operating System Glitch | Restart the device or update macOS/iOS. |
| Permissions Issue | Check and adjust system permissions. |
| Misconfigured Shortcut | Reset system preferences to default settings. |
FAQs About NSCocoaErrorDomain Error
What is the “NSCocoaErrorDomain error code 4”?
This error arises when the program is unable to detect the designated shortcut, generally because of absence or failure of the shortcut.
How do I fix the error “Could not find the specified shortcut”?
You can fix this by verifying and recreating the shortcut, restarting your device, resetting preferences of the system, or reinstalling the troublesome app.
Does this error affect macOS and iOS devices?
Yes, this error can occur on both macOS and iOS devices, particularly when using shortcuts or apps that depend on them.
Can a system update fix this issue?
Yes, installing the latest macOS or iOS updates can fix bugs and system glitches that cause shortcut-related errors.
What happens if I cannot find the shortcut to recreate it?
If you cannot locate the shortcut, you might have to manually set it up or to reinstall the app that was using the shortcut.
Is there a way to prevent the “Could not find the specified shortcut” error in the future?
Make sure that you update your system regularly, that shortcuts are indeed set up correctly, and keep your application updated properly, to avoid such problems.
errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4
The NSCocoaErrorDomain error with message “could not find the specified shortcut” and Error Code 4 may seem very annoying, but it can be fixed using the right method. Checking system settings, rebooting your device, updating software, and recreating any disappeared shortcuts will resolve your problem quickly. If it continue to have the problem, you may need try to re-install apps or give permissions. Updating your system and performing regular maintenance on shortcuts to prevent this error in the future.