Email is a vital tool for communication, especially in today’s digital world. If you’re using Gmail regularly, you may want to open all mail-to (mailto:) links directly in your Gmail account instead of a desktop email client like Microsoft Outlook 2016.
Many users don’t know it’s possible to make Gmail the default email handler in modern browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Whether you click an email link on a website or from a PDF, this guide will help you configure Gmail to open those links easily.
By following a few simple steps, you can stop Outlook from opening and start using Gmail for all your email needs. We’ll walk you through how to set it up on each major browser. This guide is especially helpful for those working remotely, managing online businesses, or switching to cloud-based email platforms.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step methods for each browser.
Set Gmail as Default in Google Chrome
Step 1: Open Gmail in Chrome
Go to Gmail.com and log in. Look at the address bar for a handler icon (two overlapping diamonds). If it appears, click it.
Step 2: Allow Gmail to Handle Email Links
Choose “Allow” when prompted to let Gmail handle mailto links. Then click “Done.”
Step 3: Manually Enable Handlers if Icon Doesn’t Appear
If you don’t see the handler icon:
- Visit
chrome://settings/handlers - Turn on “Allow sites to ask to become default handlers for protocols”
- Go back to Gmail and refresh the page to trigger the handler icon
For more help, visit Google Chrome Help.
Make Gmail Default in Mozilla Firefox
Step 1: Open Firefox Settings
Click the three-line menu icon in the upper right and choose “Settings.” Go to the “General” tab.
Step 2: Set Gmail for Mailto Links
Scroll down to the “Applications” section. Locate mailto and click the dropdown beside it. Select “Use Gmail.”
Step 3: Confirm the Setting
Close and reopen Firefox. Clicking mailto links will now open Gmail. If Gmail isn’t listed, make sure Firefox is updated via Mozilla’s website.
Configure Gmail as Default in Microsoft Edge
Step 1: Open Gmail in Edge
Visit Gmail.com and sign in.
Step 2: Enable Handler Icon
If a handler icon appears in the address bar, click it. Then choose “Allow” and confirm by clicking “Done.”
Step 3: Manually Turn on Protocol Handlers
If the icon doesn’t show:
- Go to
edge://settings/content/handlers - Enable “Allow sites to ask to become default handlers for protocols”
- Reload Gmail and accept the prompt when it appears
You can always download or update Edge from Microsoft’s official page.
Set Your Browser as the Default Email Handler in Windows 10
After assigning Gmail to handle mailto links in your browser, set that browser as the system default.
Step 1: Access Default Apps
Open Settings > Apps > Default Apps in Windows 10.
Step 2: Choose Your Browser for Email
Find the Email section and select your preferred browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge).
Step 3: Assign Protocols
If listed, assign MAILTO to your browser under Choose default apps by protocol. This ensures consistency system-wide.
Refer to Microsoft’s guide on changing default programs for more information.
Conclusion
With a few quick changes, you can stop Outlook 2016 from opening every time you click an email link. Setting Gmail as your default mail handler provides a seamless, browser-based email experience.
Whether you use Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, the process is simple and quick. Not only is it more efficient, but it also keeps you focused within the browser you use daily. For professionals, students, and freelancers alike, this tweak can improve productivity.