Sometimes, when clicking on email icons linked with "mailto:" links, the link will not open up. This article gives you some ways to troubleshoot to fix this issue.
In this Article
- Possible fix #1: Enable pop-ups
- Possible fix #2: Set default browser
- Possible fix #3: Configure privacy and security settings for Protocol Handlers
Option #1: Enable pop-ups
One reason your "mailto:" link might not be working is because you need to enable pop-ups on your device or computer.
- Enable pop-ups in Chrome
- Enable pop-ups in Firefox
- Enable pop-ups in Microsoft Edge
- Enable pop-ups in Safari (Mac)
Option #2: Set default browser
These "mailto:" links will open up the designated default email application on the user's current computer. The same link might open up Outlook on one computer and Gmail on another. Those two computers are configured to have different default email applications.
Default applications are controlled by your computer's operating system. You can set your computer to open whichever program you want when clicking on an email link.
Here's how to confirm which default browser is set and to reset it, if needed:
- Set Chrome as default browser
- Set Firefox as default browser
- Set Microsoft Edge as default browser
- Set Safari (Mac) as default browser
Important Note
Setting your browser as the default browser opening up "mailto:" links might not be enough. You may need to try "Option #3" if the problem persists. Protocol handlers allow specific apps to handle certain links, including "mailto:" links.
Option #3: Configure privacy and security settings for Protocol Handlers
Protocol Handlers are used to manage how different applications handle specific types of links. The reason your "mailto:" links aren't working could be because these need to be reconfigured. Follow these links for your particular browser.
- Chrome settings (expand out "Learn about permissions that can be changed" to learn about Protocol Handlers.)
- Firefox settings
- Microsoft Edge settings
- Safari (Mac) settings
Followed Chrome steps but still not working?
- Open Chrome Browser and click More Settings > Privacy and security section.
- Next to Site Settings, click the Right arrow.
- Expand out Additional permissions.
- Next to Handlers, click the Right arrow.
- At the top, make sure Allow sites to ask to become default handlers for protocols (recommended) is turned on.
- In your Chrome Browser's address bar, enter "mail.google.com".
- Click the Service Handler icon in the URL bar.
- Once clicked, you will see this window. Choose Allow.
- Returning to your Chrome settings, you will see "mail.google.com" showing up at the bottom (along with any other links that had been added) which means the process has been completed.
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