Microsoft Edge doesn't see URL:TEL default app protocol

Question

Domain environment, latest version of Chromium Edge, Windows 10 20H2, latest version of Teams machine wide installer.
We set default apps using the layout modification xml and group policy and everything works perfectly, Teams opens by default when phone numbers are clicked in Outlook etc, but when a user clicks a telephone number on a website Edge opens the Pick an App selection and Teams isn't available on the list.
I know Edge can see that Teams is installed as when a user clicks a link to join a Teams meeting it knows to open Teams, but why isn't it honouring the default app for phone numbers?
If anyone has any ideas please let me know.

Answer 1

Hi @Esher College IT Services ,

I tried several browsers and got the same issue. I believe that's because this protocol is not defaultly associated with Teams client.

You could modify the registry manually:

1. Navigate to: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\Teams\Capabilities\URLAssociations
2. Add new string key: name : tel, Data : TeamsURL.
3. Then you could go to Settings > Default app > Set default by app > Choose Teams and apply the URL:TEL.
   

Best regards,
Lou

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Answer 2

Ho do I change the app who will be opend by Edge?

Answer 3

Steps to Register the tel: Protocol

⚠️ Caution: Editing the Windows Registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Always back up the registry before making changes.

Open Registry Editor:

• Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

Navigate to the following key:

   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\tel

If the tel key doesn't exist, create it:

  - Right-click on `HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT` → New → Key → name it `tel`.
  
  **Set the default value**:
  
     - Click on the `tel` key.
     
        - Double-click the **(Default)** value and set it to something like:
        
        ```
        URL:Telephone Protocol
        ```
        
        **Add a new string value**:
        
           - Right-click in the right pane → New → String Value → name it `URL Protocol`.
           
              - Leave its value **empty**.
              
              **Create the command path**:
              
                 - Under `tel`, create the following subkeys:
                 
                 ```
                 shell\open\command
                 ```
                 
                    - So the full path becomes:
                    
                    ```
                    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\tel\shell\open\command
                    ```
                    
                    **Set the command to launch your app**:
                    
                       - In the `command` key, set the **(Default)** value to the path of the application that should handle `tel:` links. For example:
                       
                       ```
                       "C:\Program Files\YourApp\yourapp.exe" "%1"
                       ```
                       
                       **Restart your computer** to apply the changes.