Issue with url_launcher when sharing emails with Flutter on iOS

Resolving iOS Email Sharing Problems with url_launcher in Flutter

Dart / Flutter Solution

import 'package:url_launcher/url_launcher.dart';
import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
import 'package:flutter/services.dart';
import 'package:fluttertoast/fluttertoast.dart';
// Define the function to launch the email
void launchEmail() async {
    String email = Uri.encodeComponent('example@example.com');
    String subject = Uri.encodeComponent('Inquiry about product');
    String body = Uri.encodeComponent('Hello, I need more information about your product.');
    String url = 'mailto:$email?subject=$subject&body=$body';
    if (await canLaunchUrl(Uri.parse(url))) {
        await launchUrl(Uri.parse(url), mode: LaunchMode.externalApplication);
    } else {
        Fluttertoast.showToast(
            msg: 'Could not launch email app',
            toastLength: Toast.LENGTH_SHORT,
            gravity: ToastGravity.BOTTOM,
            timeInSecForIosWeb: 1,
            backgroundColor: Colors.red,
            textColor: Colors.white,
            fontSize: 16.0
        );
    }
}

Resolving iOS Flutter Email Launch Issue

Dart / Flutter Solution

import 'package:url_launcher/url_launcher.dart';
// Enhanced error handling
void launchEmail() async {
    String email = Uri.encodeComponent('your_email@example.com');
    String subject = Uri.encodeComponent('Product Feedback');
    String body = Uri.encodeComponent('I would like to discuss...');
    Uri emailLaunchUri = Uri.parse('mailto:$email?subject=$subject&body=$body');
    try {
        await launchUrl(emailLaunchUri, mode: LaunchMode.externalApplication);
    } catch (e) {
        print('An error occurred while trying to send email: $e');
    }
}

A FAQ on Email Integration with Flutter Apps

1. Why does iOS lack email capabilities whereas Android does?
2. This typically occurs when the mailto URL format is improperly encoded or when URL scheme configurations are missing from iOS's Info.plist file.
3. How can I make sure the mailto links I use work on iOS devices?
4. Check that the mailto scheme is declared under LSApplicationQueriesSchemes in your app's Info.plist and that every element of the URL is URI encoded.
5. Why is LSApplicationQueriesSchemes essential, and what does it mean?
6. This key, which is essential for safely launching external apps, is located in the Info.plist and enables your app to ask which apps may open specific URL schemes.
7. Is it possible for url_launcher to handle email attachments?
8. No, url_launcher is unable to attach files; it can only open mail applications that already have the addresses, topics, and body text pre-filled.
9. Is it possible to troubleshoot url_launcher on iOS?
10. Yes, you can look for failed assertions linked to URL launching or check for issues when trying to launch URLs by using the iOS logs via Xcode.

Concluding Remarks on the Platform-Specific Email Problems with Flutter

For developers utilizing Flutter, it is essential to comprehend the subtleties of cross-platform interoperability, particularly between Android and iOS. This debate demonstrates that the utilization of the url_launcher package and adherence to platform-specific criteria, such as configuring URL schemes correctly in iOS's Info.plist file, are crucial for the successful implementation of email sharing functionalities. Developers can offer a smooth user experience across all devices by making sure these elements are properly addressed.