How to Fix errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4 on macOS, Windows, iOS & Android

Introduction

Are you encountering the error errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4 on your device? This issue is commonly reported on macOS, but can also appear in Windows, iOS, and Android when dealing with shortcuts or app automation.

Other variations of this error include:

• errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=Could not complete the requested operation.&errorcode=4
• errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=The operation couldn't be completed.&errorcode=4
• errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=Missing shortcut reference.&errorcode=4

In this guide, we will explain what this error means, why it happens, and provide step-by-step solutions for each platform.

What is errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&
errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut?

This error typically appears when:

• A shortcut or automation is missing or corrupted.
• The app requesting the shortcut does not have the required permissions.
• There is a system bug or misconfiguration.

The error is most common on macOS and iOS, particularly in Xcode, Shortcuts app, and automation workflows, but it can also affect Windows and Android users when shortcuts or app integrations fail.

For more details, you can check Apple's developer documentation on NSCocoaErrorDomain.

How to Fix the Error on macOS

If you encounter this error on macOS, follow these troubleshooting steps:

Method 1: Restart and Update macOS

• Restart your Mac and check if the issue persists.
• Go to System Settings > Software Update and install any pending macOS updates.

Method 2: Reset the Problematic App's Preferences

• Quit the app causing the error.
• Open Finder > Go > Library > Preferences and search for the app's preferences file (e.g., `com.apple.shortcuts.plist`).
• Delete the file and restart the app.

Method 3: Check System & App Permissions

• Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Automation.
• Ensure the app requesting the shortcut has the necessary permissions enabled.

Method 4: Developer Fix (For Xcode & Swift Users)

If you're developing an app in Xcode and encounter this error, try:

UserDefaults.standard.set(true, forKey: "NSAllowsArbitraryLoads")

• Also, ensure that all shortcut-related entitlements are properly configured in your Info.plist.

For more details, visit Apple's App Transport Security documentation or check the Apple Developer Forums.

Method 5: Reset Shortcuts Database via Terminal

rm -rf ~/Library/Shortcuts
killall Dock

• Restart your Mac and check if the issue is resolved.

Method 6: Reinstall the Affected App

• Uninstall the app generating the error.
• Restart your Mac and reinstall the app from the Mac App Store or official source.

How to Fix the Error on Windows

If you face a similar shortcut-related error on Windows, try these solutions:

Method 1: Restart Windows & Install Updates

• Restart your PC and check if the issue persists.
• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to check for updates.

Method 2: Reset or Reinstall the Problematic App

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
• Find the app, click Advanced options, then select Reset.
• If the issue persists, uninstall and reinstall the app.

Method 3: Check File & Shortcut Permissions

• Right-click on the shortcut and select Properties > Security.
• Ensure your user account has Full Control permissions.

Method 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) & DISM

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

sfc /scannow

If the issue persists, run:

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

• Restart your PC and test again.

For additional help, visit Microsoft's System File Checker guide or the Windows Image Repair documentation.

Method 5: Delete & Recreate the Shortcut

• Manually delete the shortcut and create a new one.
• Ensure that the shortcut's target file still exists.

How to Fix the Error on iOS (iPhones & iPads)

On iOS, this error often appears when using the Shortcuts app. Here's how to fix it:

Method 1: Restart Your iPhone

• Turn off your iPhone and turn it back on.

Method 2: Reset the Shortcuts App

• Go to Settings > Shortcuts.
• Toggle Allow Untrusted Shortcuts off and then on again.

Method 3: Check App Permissions

• Go to Settings > Privacy > Automation and enable permissions for affected apps.

Method 4: Update or Reinstall the Problematic App

• Open App Store > Updates and update the app.
• If updating doesn't work, delete and reinstall the app.

Method 5: Reset iOS Settings (Last Resort)

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
• This will not delete your data but will reset system settings.

For more details, visit Apple's official guide on resetting iPhone settings or check their Shortcuts troubleshooting page.

How to Fix the Error on Android

If you see a similar shortcut error on Android, follow these steps:

Method 1: Restart Your Device

• Turn off your Android device and restart it.

Method 2: Clear Cache & Data for the Problematic App

• Go to Settings > Apps >[App Name] > Storage.
• Tap Clear Cache, then Clear Data.

Method 3: Reset App Preferences

• Go to Settings > Apps > Reset App Preferences.
• This will restore default app permissions without deleting your data.

Method 4: Reinstall the Affected App

• Uninstall and reinstall the app from the Google Play Store.

For additional troubleshooting, visit the Android Help Center.

Conclusion

By following the step-by-step troubleshooting methods for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android, you should be able to resolve the errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4 error efficiently.

If the issue persists, consider checking online developer forums or contacting the app's support team.