how to delete url types in xcode

Daniel Parker

2 min read

·

06-02-2025

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Xcode allows you to define custom URL schemes your app can handle. Sometimes, you need to remove these URL types, perhaps because you've changed your app's functionality or are cleaning up old configurations. This article details how to delete URL types from your Xcode project. This is crucial for maintaining a clean and efficient project, preventing conflicts, and ensuring your app handles URLs correctly.

Locating Your URL Types in Xcode

Before deleting, you need to find where these URL types are defined within your Xcode project. They reside in your project's Info.plist file.

Accessing Info.plist

1. Open your Xcode project.
2. Navigate to your project's target. This is usually found in the Project Navigator (left sidebar).
3. Select your app target. This is typically the topmost item under your project's name.
4. Select the "Info" tab. This tab shows your app's configuration settings.
5. Locate the "URL Types" array. This section lists all the custom URL schemes associated with your app.

Deleting a URL Type

Once you've located the "URL Types" array, deleting a URL type is straightforward:

1. Select the URL type you want to remove. This will highlight the dictionary entry representing the URL scheme. You may see entries like CFBundleTypeRole, CFBundleURLSchemes, and CFBundleURLName.
2. Click the minus (-) button. This button usually appears in the bottom-left corner of the editor. This removes the selected URL type from the list.
3. Save your changes. Xcode automatically saves your project, but it's a good practice to explicitly save after making such modifications.

Alternative Method: Editing Info.plist Directly

Alternatively, you can directly edit the Info.plist file. This method requires some familiarity with plist file structure, but it can be faster for experienced developers.

1. Locate the Info.plist file. This is usually found in the root directory of your Xcode project.
2. Open Info.plist in a text editor. Xcode can often open it directly. Otherwise, you can open it with a text editor like TextEdit or Sublime Text. Be cautious when editing directly and back up the file before making changes.
3. Find the <key>CFBundleURLTypes</key> entry. This contains the array of URL types.
4. Delete the entire <dict> element corresponding to the URL type you wish to remove. This is the <dict> element containing the <key>CFBundleTypeRole</key>, <key>CFBundleURLSchemes</key>, and potentially other keys for that specific URL type. Ensure you delete the entire <dict> element and its closing tag.
5. Save the Info.plist file. Xcode will usually recognize the changes and update the project accordingly.

Important Note: After deleting a URL type, thoroughly test your application to ensure that no unintended consequences arise.

Preventing Future Issues

To prevent accidental creation or duplication of URL types, consider using a consistent naming convention and carefully review your app's URL handling logic during development.

By following these steps, you can efficiently remove unwanted URL types from your Xcode projects, streamlining your app's configuration and preventing conflicts. Remember to always test after making changes to ensure everything functions as expected.