How to Resolve ERR_UNKNOWN_URL_SCHEME Error?

ERR_UNKNOWN_URL_SCHEME is a browser-related problem that appears when the browser is able to process a URL that it simply doesn’t know how to handle. URL scheme is the first element of a URL that defines the protocol that is necessary.

For instance, http, https, ftp, mail. When a browser encounters a URL with a scheme it does not understand it does not process the request and then produces this error.

Causes of UNKNOWN URL SCHEME Error

The ERR_UNKNOWN_URL_SCHEME error can be triggered by several factors, which can be broadly categorized into issues related to custom URL schemes, browser compatibility, extensions, and typos.

Understanding these causes can help in diagnosing and resolving the error effectively.

Custom or Unsupported URL Schemes

Among the leading reasons is the usage of the custom URL schemes that are not acted on by the browser. These schemes are created to carry out specific operations.

For instance, an operation that leads to the launch of a certain application or a certain process. This error will occur if the browser could not render the scheme to which the current URL belongs.

Also Read: How to Fix Cloudflare’s “Error 520: Web Server Is Returning an Unknown Error”

Typographical Errors in the URL

Another common source is the mistake in the URL, which has happened to many Internet users . Mistakes such as typing htp:// instead of http:// can lead the browser to misinterpret the URL scheme, resulting in the error.

This problem can be solved in most cases by making sure that the URL provided is typed and entered properly.

Outdated Browser Versions

Outdated browsers can also cause this error. As browsers are updated, new URL schemes are also added to them. If the browser version installed is too old, it may not support the new schemes and thus leads to the error.

A simple way of preventing this problem is to ensure the browser being used is the most current version.

Browser Extensions or Plugins

Some of the browser extensions or plugins are developed to operate with certain URL schemes. If these extensions are disabled, malfunctioning, or not installed then the browser can’t process the proper URL for that specific page and thus returns this error.

A solution to the problem is to check if extensions associated with the Web of Science Core Collection are enabled and properly working.

Security Settings and Restrictions

In some browsers there are security settings that can prevent URL schemes which may lead to certain actions that are considered malicious. These settings can lead to this issue if the browser recognizes the given scheme as unsafe or unknown.

Configuration Issues

Another cause of this mistake is problems that may occur with the settings in the browser. It may also take configuration options that concern how the browser deals with specific forms of URLs or protocols.

In some such cases, clearing all the options of the browser and setting them to their defaults often helps solve the problem.

How To Fix the ERR_UNKNOWN_URL_SCHEME Error?

Here are the six best methods to fix the ERR_UNKNOWN_URL_SCHEME error, whether you are a developer or a front-end user. Follow these simple steps first, then get into more technical solutions if needed.

Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

As the content is regularly downloaded into the browser cache, this data might become corrupted or outdated, which leads this warning. The simplest solution to this is usually to clear your cache and cookies.

In Google Chrome:

• Tab for ‘Settings’ then select ‘Privacy and Security’, now, click on ‘Clear browsing data’.

• This applies to Check “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files” (“Browsing history” is optional).
• Choose all time for the time filter.
• Click on “Clear data“.

Also you can go to chrome://settings/privacy in your Chrome browser in order to access privacy settings directly and clear browsing data.

Deactivate Chrome Extensions Temporarily

This error can be as a result of Chrome extensions. It is recommended to temporarily disable all the extensions to solve the issue of the causing extension.

To view all installed extensions:

• Type chrome://extensions/ in the URL bar.

• Disable all active extensions.
• Look whether the error is gone. If it is, enable extension gradually to determine which of them is causing the problem.

Create a New User Chrome Profile

If the above-mentioned approaches do not solve the problem, the creation of a new Chrome profile may prove effective.

To create a new profile:

• Right on top of Chrome, on the profile icon found at the rightmost part of the toolbar, clicking this.
• Navigate to the plus sign + that is found at the lower corner of the window that just appeared to begin the creation of a new user profile.

• Continue with the instructions to get started with this and other new profiles.

• You should also check with the new profile if the error is still existent.

Disable Hardware Acceleration in Chrome

Sometimes, the usage of the hardware can accelerate problems. Disabling it might help.

To disable hardware acceleration:

• Click on the Chrome button and then on settings and on system.
• Turn off when the ‘use hardware acceleration when available option’.

Try a Non-Chromium Browser as the Default

If the error persists, using a browser that is not Chromium-based like Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox as the default browser may be advisable.

For Windows 10:

• Opening the Windows Start, scroll to the left until you find the settings button, click this and then go to the Apps and features tab, under this tab, you will find the Default apps option.
• Under the category named “Web browser” it is possible to change the default browser.

For macOS Ventura:

• Open finder and navigate to the system preference, click on desktop & dock on the left pane.
• Choose the web browser using the “Default web browser” option.

Turn Off Your Firewalls or Antivirus Program

It is then advisable to check the antivirus and the firewall settings because sometimes they could be misconfigured to produce this error. It might assist to temporarily turn off some of them.

To disable antivirus/firewall on Windows:

• Press Windows key + R > type in ‘firewall.cpl’ and press enter > Windows Defender Firewall will appear.
• For the windows firewall, go to “Allow an app or feature through windows Firewall” and make required changes.

To disable firewall on Mac:

• Open Apple menu by clicking on the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and click on the System Settings > Network > Firewall.
• Toggle off the firewall.

Try Opening in a New Window

Adding target=”_blank” to your URL’s href code can specify that the browser should open the link in a new window.

Add New Intent to Load External App

In Android related development, intents can be utilized in controlling how an app engages with other apps.

For example:

@Override
public boolean shouldOverrideUrlLoading (WebView view, String url) {
            view.loadUrl(url); if (url.startsWith("whatsapp://")) {
                        webview.stopLoading();
                        try
                        {
                                    Intent whatsappIntent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_SEND);
                                    whatsappIntent.setType("text/plain");
                                    whatsappIntent.setPackage("com.whatsapp");
                                    whatsappIntent.putExtra(Intent.EXTRA_TEXT, webview.getUrl() + " – Shared from webview");
                                    startActivity(whatsappIntent);
                         } catch (android.content.ActivityNotFoundException ex) {
                                    Toast.makeText(MainActivity.this, "WhatsApp is not installed",
                                    Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show();
                        }
            }
            return false;
}

Disable Any Nonstandard URL Schemes

To eliminate the usage of the nonstandard URL schemes, you can modify your code to accept only standard ones such as HTTP and HTTPS.

@Override
public boolean shouldOverrideUrlLoading(WebView view, String url) {
     if (url.startsWith("http") || url.startsWith("https")) {
            view.loadUrl(url);
            return true;
} else {
            webview.stopLoading();
            webview.goBack();

            Toast.makeText(MainActivity.this, "Error: Link not supported", Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show();
            }
            return false;
}

Conclusion

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