---
title: About Apple URL Schemes
framework: iphoneurlscheme_reference
role: article
path: apple-archive/featuredarticles/iPhoneURLScheme_Reference/Introduction
---

# About Apple URL Schemes

Describes the URL schemes used to communicate with standard iPhone applications.

## At a Glance

You should read this document if you want to launch a system app from your iOS or macOS app, or from your web app running in Safari. This document contains both Cocoa Touch sample code—using the `openURL:options:completionHandler:` method of the shared `UIApplication` object to open URLs—and HTML samples.

### Composing Items Using Mail

Use the `mailto` scheme to open the Mail app and populate a new email with information.

**Relevant Chapter:** [Mail Links](../MailLinks/MailLinks.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40007899-CH4-SW1)

### Starting a Phone or FaceTime Conversation

Use the `tel` and `facetime` schemes to initiate telephone or video conversations.

**Relevant Chapter:** [Phone Links](../PhoneLinks/PhoneLinks.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40007899-CH6-SW1) , [FaceTime Links](../FacetimeLinks/FacetimeLinks.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40007899-CH2-SW1)

### Specifying Text Messages

Use the `sms` scheme to compose a text message and specify a recipient.

**Relevant Chapter:** [SMS Links](../SMSLinks/SMSLinks.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40007899-CH7-SW1)

### Opening Locations in Maps

Use specially formatted URLs to open the Maps app and display directions or locations.

**Relevant Chapter:** [Map Links](../MapLinks/MapLinks.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40007899-CH5-SW1)

### Opening Items in iTunes

Use specially formatted URLs to open iTunes and display items in the iTunes Music Store.

**Relevant Chapter:** [iTunes Links](../iTunesLinks/iTunesLinks.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40007899-CH3-SW1)

### Opening YouTube Videos

Use specially formatted URLs to open YouTube videos in Safari.

**Relevant Chapter:** [YouTube Links](../YouTubeLinks/YouTubeLinks.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40007899-CH8-SW1)

[Next](../MailLinks/MailLinks.html)

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