error 12 corresponds to noSuchItem, meaning the system attempted to access a file or folder that couldn’t be found locally or in the cloud—often because it wasn’t synced properly or is missing altogether
In other words, macOS is telling you “I can’t find the item you’re trying to open or sync.”
Troubleshooting Steps to Fix It
Here’s a practical step-by-step guide to help resolve NSFileProviderInternalErrorDomain Error 12 on your Mac:
1. Restart Your Mac
A simple reboot often clears temporary sync glitches and restarts the File Provider services. iBoysoftReddit
2. Check Your Network Connection
Ensure you’re connected to a stable internet network. A weak or unreliable connection may prevent files from syncing properly. iBoysoft
3. Free Up Local Disk Space
Low storage can block downloads. Remove unnecessary files, empty the trash—just create enough breathing room for local sync operations to complete. iBoysoft
4. Accept Any Pending iCloud Terms
If prompted in System Settings, make sure to accept the latest iCloud terms and conditions—this can resolve permission or sync blocks. Reddit
5. Verify the File on iCloud.com
Go to [iCloud.com] and look for the file or folder:
- If it’s missing, check the Recently Deleted folder to restore it.
- If it’s present, try downloading it directly to your Mac to reset its sync status. iBoysoft
6. Manually Download via Finder
In Finder, locate the file that shows the cloud icon:
- Right-click and select Download.
- Once it changes to “Available Offline,” try opening it again. iBoysoft
7. Sign Out and Sign Back Into iCloud
Refreshing your iCloud connection can rebuild the sync setup:
- Go to System Settings → Apple ID → Sign Out, then restart.
- Sign back into iCloud (just beware: this will remove local copies and require redownloading)—be patient as it resynchronizes everything. iBoysoft
8. Restart the File Provider Daemon
If you’re comfortable with Terminal:
- Open Terminal and run:
pkill -f fileproviderd - This will restart the File Provider daemon. Optionally check via Activity Monitor if it’s running again.