◆Error Codes Wiki

Web Share API Not Supported — Native Share Dialog Fails to Open

Informationalgeneral

Overview

Fix Web Share API errors when the native share dialog fails to open or is not supported, preventing users from sharing content to installed apps.

Key Details

  • The Web Share API opens the OS native share dialog, allowing users to share to any installed app
  • It requires HTTPS, a user gesture (click/tap), and feature detection before use
  • navigator.share() accepts title, text, url, and files parameters
  • Desktop support is limited: Chrome Windows/Chrome OS support it, macOS Chrome recently added support
  • Mobile support is excellent: Chrome Android, Safari iOS, Samsung Internet all support Web Share

Common Causes

  • Browser does not support Web Share API (Firefox desktop, older browsers)
  • Not called from a user gesture (click, tap) — the browser blocks programmatic shares
  • Running on HTTP instead of HTTPS (Web Share requires a secure context)
  • Parameters are invalid: empty URL, unsupported file type, or no shareable data provided

Steps

  1. 1Feature detect before using: if (navigator.share) { /* use Web Share */ } else { /* fallback */ }
  2. 2Always call navigator.share() in a click or tap event handler (user gesture required)
  3. 3Provide a fallback share UI (copy link button, social media share links) for unsupported browsers
  4. 4For file sharing: check navigator.canShare({ files }) before trying to share files
  5. 5Handle the AbortError when the user dismisses the share dialog without completing the share

Tags

web-sharenative-shareapimobilesharing

More in General

printer-offlinePrinter Offline Error
Warning
driver-unavailablePrinter Driver Is Unavailable
Warning
spooler-errorPrint Spooler Error
Warning
pcl-xl-errorPCL XL Error — Subsystem Kernel
Warning
printer-duplex-printing-errorsPrinter Duplex (Double-Sided) Printing Errors — Jams, Alignment & Blank Pages
Warning
printer-usb-connection-errorsUSB Printer Errors — Not Detected, Driver Issues, and Connection Troubleshooting
Warning

Frequently Asked Questions

Chrome (Android, Windows, Chrome OS, macOS), Safari (iOS, macOS), Samsung Internet, and Edge (Windows). Firefox desktop does not support it. Mobile browser support is much better than desktop.