LightAtom

ERR_UNKNOWN_URL_SCHEME: How to Fix It

A link used a scheme (like intent://, tel: or an app's custom scheme) that the browser or an app's web view doesn't know how to open.

ERR_UNKNOWN_URL_SCHEME

The link wasn't a normal web address but a special link meant to open another app, and nothing was set up to handle it.

Quick checks

  • Does the link try to open an app (maps, a store, a payment app)? Install that app or open the page in the full browser.

Fixes on Mac

  1. Open in the full browser

    1. Copy the link and open it in Chrome or Safari rather than inside another app.
    2. Install the app the link is meant for, then try again.

Fixes on Windows

  1. Same steps

    1. Open the link in a full browser and install the app that registers the scheme.

Other devices

  1. Android

    1. This is most common in Android apps that show web pages. Update the app, or tap “Open in browser”.

Still not working?

Developers (Android WebView): override shouldOverrideUrlLoading and hand non-http(s) schemes (intent:, tel:, mailto:, market:) to the system with an Intent, instead of letting the WebView load them.

See what’s happening

LightAtom's connections view shows which app made a connection, useful when a link hands off to another app.

Frequently asked questions

What does ERR_UNKNOWN_URL_SCHEME mean?

The page tried to load a URL with a scheme the browser or web view doesn't support, such as intent:// or an app's custom link.

Is ERR_UNKNOWN_URL_SCHEME a virus?

No. It's an app or website trying to open another app in a way your device can't handle.

How do developers fix it in a WebView?

Intercept non-web schemes in shouldOverrideUrlLoading and launch them with the system, so the WebView only loads http and https.

Related errors and tools

Related

LightAtom team

The people who build LightAtom, a network monitor for macOS.