Set Your Default Email Reader in Chrome
Email links appear all across the web, but they're not very helpful if those links open up a message in an email program you don't use! By changing your default email reader settings, you can dictate which email client opens when you click on an email link.
Depending on what type of computer you use, what your current defaults are, and whether you use a browser-based email platform, setup steps vary a bit. These instructions explain how you can make email links in Google Chrome open a new Gmail message by default.
If your settings and/or email preferences are not captured by these instructions, please open a Help Desk ticket to receive additional help.
1 Make sure you're logged in to your CCA account on Google Chrome
You may have other personal or professional Gmail addresses you use outside of CCA. Google lets you specify your preferences for each account. Make sure you're adjusting settings associated with your CCA Google account.
By the same token, these email link settings will function only when you're logged in to your CCA account while using Chrome.
2 Navigate to your "Protocol Handlers" settings
The easiest way to do this is to paste chrome://settings/handlers in Chrome's address bar.
You can also browse to these settings:
- Go to your Settings (⋮ "more" menu > Settings or ⌘ + , keyboard shortcut)
- Privacy and Security
- Site settings
- Under Permissions expand the Additional Permissions section
- Select Protocol handlers
3 Ensure Gmail is not blocked
If Gmail (mail.google.com) appears beneath the "Blocked" list, click the "X" to remove it.
4 Allow sites to act as email protocol handlers
Make sure the toggle at the top of the page is enabled. It reads "Sites can ask to handle protocols" when enabled. Any default handlers will be listed directly below (and above the "Blocked" section), including Gmail once it has been added.
5 Open Gmail in a new tab
If Gmail is already open, refresh the page.
6 Give Gmail permissions to open email links
A popup message should appear asking permission for Gmail to open email links. Click "Allow."
Or use the protocol handler icon in the address bar
If you don't see the popup message, click the handler icon on the righthand side of your browser's address/search bar to bring up the message.
Upon clicking "Allow," Gmail should appear on the list of enabled handlers in your Google Chrome settings.
Now, whenever you're using Chrome while signed in to your CCA Google account, email links will open a new message in Gmail.