OSX cannot open the `chrome://` protocol by the `open` command

Question

when I try to edit

open "chrome://settings"

It says: The file /chrome:/settings does not exist.

open -a Google\ Chrome "chrome://settings"

also couldn't open the settings in chrome. seems the open command only could open the http && https protocol

In fact, I want to debug some Node code in Chrome Dev Tool, every time I run

node --inspect --debug-brk index.js

I must copy the debug link into Chrome to open the Dev Tool. I want to open it automatically. But the open command cannot it.

Can you try this out once? open -a Google\ Chrome "chrome:////settings" — computnik, Apr 23 '17 at 05:13
@NikhilMotiani doesn't worked. it shows `The file /chrome:/settings does not exist.` — Loatheb, Apr 23 '17 at 06:11

score 0 · Accepted Answer · edited Jan 09 '19 at 17:29

I did some research. Seems Chrome doesn't allow such internal urls for security concerns. Accessing these internal pages, can't be accessed directly, even using using window.location.replace("chrome://settings/")

These involve either creating an extension, or changes the chrome profile for default/first page opened.

Using Extension (credits @alvin-wong on superuser.com) https://superuser.com/questions/558672/open-chrome-and-launch-the-settings-page
Changing Profile Settings and restoring them via script https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!msg/chrome/2Tm8WHyf6y8/O7ZAGGfdBrMJ

Though these would solve your problem, but both of them are hacky way of doings things, and hence not advisable.

Sorry for replying late. Very helpful. – Loatheb Apr 24 '17 at 13:01 — Loatheb, Apr 24 '17 at 13:01

OSX cannot open the `chrome://` protocol by the `open` command

1 Answers1