← PWA & Install
Protocol Handling
Probing…Protocol Handling is a web platform capability in the PWA & Install category. Register as handler for custom URL schemes (`web+…`). Supported in Chromium 13+ and Firefox 3+; not available in Safari. Requires a secure context (HTTPS or localhost) and a user gesture such as a click or tap.
Secure contextUser gesture
Try it
Loading demo…
Code
navigator.registerProtocolHandler(
'web+shwcs',
location.origin + '/?handler=%s',
)
// The browser may prompt the user to allow it.
// Then web+shwcs:hello opens /?handler=web%2Bshwcs%3AhelloBrowser support
Chromium
13
Firefox
3
Safari
No
Frequently asked questions
Which browsers support Protocol Handling?
Supported in Chromium 13+ and Firefox 3+; not available in Safari.
Does Protocol Handling require HTTPS?
Yes. Protocol Handling needs a secure context, so it only works over HTTPS (or on localhost during development).
What is Protocol Handling used for?
Register as handler for custom URL schemes (`web+…`).
Can I try Protocol Handling in my browser?
Yes. shwcs.net runs a live Protocol Handling demo that probes your current browser and lets you try the API. Everything runs locally — nothing is sent anywhere.