Set Gmail as Default Mail Client in OS X - Guide
Setting Gmail as Your Default Email Client on macOS
When using a Mac, clicking a mailto: link frequently defaults to opening the native Mail application. If you prefer to utilize Gmail, or another email provider, some adjustments are necessary.
It’s important to understand that simply changing the default email client in Mail’s preferences doesn’t fully resolve the issue. This only affects which application opens for general email tasks. To ensure mailto: links open directly in Gmail within browsers like Safari or Chrome, modifications must be made at the browser level.
Chrome Configuration
Configuring Chrome to open mailto: links in Gmail is a straightforward process. Simply navigate to a Gmail window and select the gray diamond icon positioned next to the bookmark star.
A dialog box will appear, prompting you to either allow or deny Gmail access. Selecting either option will successfully establish Gmail as the default handler for mailto links.
Should you wish to revert to the previous settings, type "chrome://settings/handlers" into the address bar. From there, you can either select or remove Gmail as your designated mail handler.
Firefox Customization
Firefox also provides an easy method for setting your preferred email client. Access the preferences menu ("Command + ,") and navigate to the "Applications" tab.
Scroll through the list of "Content Type" options until you locate "mailto". Then, choose your desired default "Action" from the column on the right.
Safari and the Mailto Extension
Unfortunately, Apple’s Safari browser lacks a built-in feature for directly setting application handlers. A simple setting or configuration file is not available.
The most reliable solution for Safari is to utilize a mailto: extension, which is also compatible with Opera and Chrome.
Once the extension is downloaded and installed, a configuration screen will appear. Select your preferred email service from the available options, and then restart Safari.
Following these steps, clicking mailto: links should now open a new compose tab within your chosen email service. If your email provider isn't listed, you can utilize the "Custom URL" option at the bottom of the configuration screen.
To find the correct URL, consult your email provider’s documentation or perform a web search.
To modify or remove the extension, access Safari’s preferences, select the "Extensions" tab, and either uninstall the extension or open its options page.
These methods allow you to designate Gmail as your default email client on macOS. Hopefully, these instructions will enable you to change your mail handler regardless of the service you utilize. Feel free to share your thoughts and questions in our discussion forum.