How to reset external protocol handler in Chrome?

Question

A while back I selected "Do nothing" when Chrome asked me how to handle a specific url. Now I want Chrome to launch xdg-open, which again can launch the correct application, but I can't figure out how to undo my "Do nothing" selection. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Solution 1

I found a solution to this on Windows, and it turns out it also works on Ubuntu:

1. Close Chrome
2. Open ~/.config/google-chrome/Local State in a text editor.
3. Search for protocol_handler.
4. To make Chrome ask you how to handle a specific protocol again, remove the line corresponding to that protocol in the list of excluded schemes.
5. Save and exit.

Update: protocol_handler has been moved to the file Preferences in the subdirectory Default. If you are using multiple profiles, the file is also located in the folders Profile 2, Profile 3 etc.

Update: protocol_handler no longer seems to exist, this is now handled directly within the Chrome settings, see https://support.google.com/chrome/forum/AAAAP1KN0B0_FSBtFo5g_8 . Currently it is found in Settings -> Privacy and Security -> Site settings -> Handlers

Solution 2

On Windows, this setting now appears to be located at

~/AppData/Local/Google/Chrome/User Data/Default/Preferences

Do a search for excluded_schemes. It will be a dictionary of custom protocol names set to true or false. Find the desired custom protocol in the dictionary and delete that entry, save the file, then restart Chrome.

Comments

[Silicone]

if anyone is looking for it on the Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Local State

[justin.m.chase]

On windows: ~/AppData/Local/Google/Chrome/User\ Data/Local\ State

[Meekohi]

Mine doesn't have protocol_handler anywhere inside :(

[JinSnow]

windows run: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data (but no protocol_handler handler inside)

[Emil Lunde]

@Meekohi Updated post with new location.

[JohnRDOrazio]

seems like things have changed again, there is no longer a protocol_handler file. Perhaps they are now using sqlite or something similar...

[Admin]

It's called "Protocol handlers" now.