What this page wants to install a service handler means?

Many users encountered an interesting option in Google Chrome. It is a button beside the bookmark star in the right part of the address bar.

If you hover over it, the message “this page wants to install a service handler” will appear. Very few people know what that means. One user asked the following question on the official Google forum:

why is gmail requesting to install a service handler?

In this case, we can say that Google Chrome is making the request and not Gmail.

But what does this button stands for? In this article, we will explain what it means and how to disable or enable it.

What is this page that wants to install a service handler message?

When you open a page, some links can open certain programs. These links are called logs and they use handlers as programs. For example, web services, such as Gmail and Google Calendar use handlers.

When you click on the button, it will show you a small box with three options: Use, No, and Ignore. The Ignore option is set as default.

If you click on Manage handler settings, it will take you to the Privacy section of the Chrome settings.

It is worth mentioning that “this page wants to install a service handler” message can be ignored. There’s no danger to your computer or your privacy.

Still, if you want to disable or enable the option, follow the steps below.

1. Disable the option

1. Type chrome://settings/content in the address bar.
2. Go to Handlers.
3. Choose Do not allow any site to handle protocols.

2. Enable the option

Follow the same steps to open Handlers, but choose Allow sites to ask to become default handlers for protocols (recommended).

Conclusion

So, there is not much to say about the message “this page wants to install a service handler”. It is just a simple option in Google Chrome regarding some actions in your email client.

You can enable, disable, or simply ignore the option. It is entirely up to you.

Firefox is usually the best replacement for users who are troubled by Chrome. However, Mozilla Firefox isn’t based on Chromium and thus it might have limitations. There are other efficient browsers that have all the Chrome features, plus integrated apps and high security. The one we recommend is Opera One.

⇒ Get Opera One

Did our explanations help you? What do you do when the “this page wants to install a service handler” message appears? Do let us know in the comments section below!