Skip to main content
L
larry45
Inspiring
December 12, 2019
Answered

Problem with Mail link smartrphone

  • December 12, 2019
  • 2 replies
  • 1496 views

On my contact page on website, a prospective client pointed out something.

 

My mail to link.. which works great on desktop... Click and a new email come up in Apple Mail (or whatever client), and ready to go.

 

But on smartphone, (in my case iphone), I see a hidden at bottom, (beyond pathetic), "Open this link in external app? mailto joe@joephoto.com"

 

This is just pathetic. Is this how email links work for smartphones or is there something I can do to replicate the "normal" way it works on desktops/ laptops, thanks.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Nancy OShea

Actually it's a lot worse than you realize.  MAILTO links are useless unless your device has an e-mail client like Outlook installed on it.  Most people stopped using e-mail software ages ago when they switched to browser-based Gmail and Yahoo mail.

 

To protect yourself and ensure a good user experience for everyone, you need a secure contact form that safely sends form data from your server to your e-mail.   Ask your hosting provider which scripts you can use on your server. 

 

Forn services like Wufoo.com are another option.  Form data is collected and processed on their servers, not yours.

 

2 replies

L
larry45Author
Inspiring
December 16, 2019

So even if they are are not linked, no good? Just jpeg?

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Nancy OSheaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
December 12, 2019

Actually it's a lot worse than you realize.  MAILTO links are useless unless your device has an e-mail client like Outlook installed on it.  Most people stopped using e-mail software ages ago when they switched to browser-based Gmail and Yahoo mail.

 

To protect yourself and ensure a good user experience for everyone, you need a secure contact form that safely sends form data from your server to your e-mail.   Ask your hosting provider which scripts you can use on your server. 

 

Forn services like Wufoo.com are another option.  Form data is collected and processed on their servers, not yours.

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
    L
    larry45Author
    Inspiring
    December 13, 2019

    Thanks Nancy, well the page is a form page. I have a beautiful form. But I put a "loose" email on the top of the form, for those who might want to just send a quick inquiry without filling the form.

     

    So bottom line, and I never knew this, is that on smartphone, loose emails, or independent emails links do not bring up a new email in their email client, as it would on a desktop/ laptop?

     

    I could get rid of the loose email, but for some reason, I feel it's a nice option for those who prefer that. Though, if not on dektop/ laptop, but smartphone then could get confused.. so one could argue just force everyone to use the form?

    Nancy OShea
    Community Expert
    Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    December 13, 2019

    Posting an e-mail address online is irresponsible.  It does nothing but promote spam and puts you and your server at risk.  Spammers like to use other people's e-mail address in the header of their spam campaigns. When your server gets hit with 4,000 bounced e-mails per minute, it doesn't matter that you didn't initiate them.  Your site can be blacklisted or worse, shut down for spamming abuse.  Best advice, DO NOT post your e-mail address online.

     

    Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
      Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices