Inspecting an element on your iPhone is a handy trick for web developers, designers, or curious minds that want to peek behind the curtains of a website. It allows you to view and sometimes manipulate the HTML and CSS code that makes up a website. Don’t worry; it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. In just a few simple steps, you’ll be inspecting elements like a pro.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Inspect Element on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be able to open a hidden developer console on your iPhone’s Safari browser that lets you inspect the elements of any website you visit.
Step 1: Enable Developer Mode
Turn on the Developer Mode on your iPhone’s Safari settings.
Enabling Developer Mode is the gateway to accessing all the developer tools that Safari has tucked away. To do this, open your iPhone’s Settings, scroll down to Safari, and tap on ‘Advanced.’ Then toggle on the ‘Web Inspector.’
Step 2: Connect to a Mac
Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to a Mac computer.
The Web Inspector tool on your iPhone works in tandem with a Mac. So, after enabling Developer Mode, grab a USB cable and hook up your iPhone to your Mac. Make sure you trust the computer if prompted on your iPhone.
Step 3: Open Safari on Mac
Launch the Safari browser on your Mac.
Now, with your devices connected, open Safari on your Mac. We’ll be using the Safari browser on your Mac as a bridge to inspect elements on your iPhone. Make sure the Develop menu is enabled by going to Safari’s Preferences, clicking on the Advanced tab, and checking the box at the bottom that says ‘Show Develop menu in menu bar.’
Step 4: Choose Your iPhone
Select your iPhone from the Develop menu in Safari on your Mac.
With the Develop menu now visible in your Mac’s Safari menu bar, click on it. You should see your iPhone listed as an option. Hover over it, and a list of open tabs on your iPhone’s Safari will appear.
Step 5: Start Inspecting
Pick the tab you want to inspect and start exploring the elements.
Select the tab that corresponds to the website you want to inspect. A new window with the developer console will pop up, and you’ll see the HTML and CSS code for that web page. You can click on different elements to see their properties or even alter the code to see how changes would look.
After completing these steps, you’ll have the Web Inspector at your fingertips whenever you need it. It’s a powerful tool for learning, troubleshooting, or simply satisfying your curiosity about how web pages are built.
Tips for Inspecting Element on iPhone
- Always make sure your iPhone and Mac are running the latest software updates for the best compatibility and security.
- Use a USB cable that supports data transfer, not just charging.
- If the Web Inspector window doesn’t show up, try restarting both your iPhone and your Mac.
- Familiarize yourself with HTML and CSS basics to make the most out of inspecting elements.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the code; any changes you make are temporary and won’t affect the actual website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I inspect element on iPhone without a Mac?
No, to use the full suite of Safari’s Web Inspector tools on your iPhone, you need to connect it to a Mac.
Will inspecting elements make changes to the website?
Any changes you make while inspecting elements are only on your browser and will not affect the live website.
Do I need to be a developer to inspect elements on my iPhone?
No, anyone can learn to inspect elements, but having some knowledge of HTML and CSS enhances the experience.
Can I inspect elements on browsers other than Safari?
The built-in Web Inspector only works with Safari, but there are third-party apps and browsers that offer similar functionality.
Is it legal to inspect elements on any website?
Yes, inspecting elements is a common practice for educational and troubleshooting purposes and is completely legal.
Summary
- Enable Developer Mode in Safari settings on iPhone.
- Connect iPhone to Mac with a USB cable.
- Open Safari on Mac and enable Develop menu.
- Select your iPhone from the Develop menu in Safari on Mac.
- Choose the tab you want to inspect.
Conclusion
Inspecting an element on an iPhone, while it may initially seem like a task suited for tech wizards, is actually a straightforward process that can be mastered by anyone willing to follow a few simple steps. It bridges the gap between what we see on our screens and the complex code that brings it to life. Whether you’re debugging a website, learning about web design, or simply indulging your curiosity, the ability to inspect elements right from your phone is a valuable skill in our digital world. So go ahead, connect that iPhone to your Mac, and start exploring the intricacies of the websites you love. Who knows what secrets you’ll uncover?
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.