Switching to desktop view on your iPhone is easy with iOS 17. Simply open Safari, navigate to your desired website, tap the “AA” icon in the address bar, and choose “Request Desktop Site.” This will reload the page in its desktop version, giving you access to features and content sometimes limited on mobile sites.
When you complete the action, the website you’re browsing will reload and display the desktop version of the site, which often provides a more comprehensive view and additional features compared to the mobile version.
You can also watch this video about how to use desktop view on iPhone for more on this topic.
Introduction
Ever found yourself squinting at your iPhone’s screen trying to tap that tiny link or button on a website? Yeah, it’s not fun. But here’s the good news: With the release of iOS 17, you now have the power to turn that cramped mobile view into a full-fledged desktop experience. That’s right, the same layout you’d see on your computer, right on your iPhone. Why is this important, you ask?
Well, some websites hide features or content from their mobile versions, or maybe the desktop version is just easier to navigate. Plus, with more of us using our phones as our primary internet devices, having access to desktop sites is a must. This isn’t just for tech geeks, either; it’s for anyone who wants the full internet experience on the go. So, let’s dive in and learn how to unleash the desktop power within your iPhone.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Use Desktop View on iPhone
The following steps will guide you through how to request the desktop version of a website on your iPhone using Safari.
Step 1: Open Safari on your iPhone
Open the Safari app on your iPhone. This is Apple’s default web browser, where you’ll be able to access the desktop view feature.
When you open Safari, ensure that you’re on the latest version of iOS to access this feature. If it’s not working, check for any available updates.
Step 2: Navigate to a website
Type in the website’s address in the address bar or access it from your bookmarks.
Remember to visit a site that has distinct desktop and mobile versions. Some sites automatically adjust to screen size and may not have a separate desktop version.
Step 3: Tap the “AA” icon in the address bar
Once the website loads, look for the “AA” icon on the left side of the address bar at the top of your screen.
The “AA” icon is a quick access button to several Safari settings, including the option to switch to desktop view.
Step 4: Choose “Request Desktop Site”
After tapping the “AA” icon, a menu will appear. From this menu, select “Request Desktop Site.”
The website should immediately reload and display the desktop version. If it doesn’t change, try refreshing the page or making sure that the site you’re visiting offers a desktop version.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Full Website Features | Accessing the desktop version of a site on your iPhone often unlocks all the features a website has to offer, which might be restricted or different on mobile versions. |
| Better Navigation | Desktop sites typically have more comprehensive navigation menus, making it easier to find what you’re looking for without the need to zoom in and out. |
| Improved Visibility | Desktop view allows for better visibility of web content, with larger texts and images, reducing the need to strain your eyes on a mobile site. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| May Not Be Mobile-Friendly | Desktop sites are not always optimized for mobile screens, which can lead to a lot of horizontal scrolling and resizing to read content. |
| More Data Consumption | Desktop versions of websites often use more data than their mobile counterparts because they are designed for larger screens and contain more elements. |
| Possible Glitches | Some features may not work correctly in desktop view on a mobile device and could lead to a less-than-ideal browsing experience. |
Additional Information
While the desktop view on your iPhone is a great feature, there are a few extra things you should know. First, once you’ve requested the desktop site, Safari will remember your preference for that website and automatically load the desktop version in future visits—pretty handy, right? But if you ever want to go back to the mobile site, just follow the same steps and choose “Request Mobile Site” instead.
Also, keep in mind that not all websites will look perfect in desktop view on your iPhone. Sometimes elements might overlap or be off-screen, but you can usually pinch to zoom and navigate around those issues. And remember, if you’re using desktop view on cellular data, keep an eye on your usage to avoid unexpected charges if your plan has limits. Happy browsing!
Summary
- Open Safari on your iPhone.
- Navigate to a website.
- Tap the “AA” icon in the address bar.
- Choose “Request Desktop Site.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will desktop view work for all websites?
Most websites with distinct desktop versions will load in desktop view when you request it, but some sites are designed to automatically adjust to your screen size and may not have a separate desktop version.
Can I set Safari to always open sites in desktop view?
Safari will remember your preference for individual websites, but there is no global setting to open all sites in desktop view by default.
What if a website doesn’t look right in desktop view?
You can always switch back to the mobile version or try zooming and scrolling to navigate around any display issues.
Does using desktop view consume more data than mobile view?
Yes, desktop sites often have more content and larger files, which can result in higher data usage compared to mobile-optimized sites.
Will my browsing history be different when using desktop view?
No, your browsing history will remain the same regardless of whether you use desktop or mobile view.
Conclusion
There you have it—the convenience of a desktop right in your pocket. With iOS 17’s desktop view feature on your iPhone, you’re no longer confined to pared-down mobile sites. You now have the power to explore the web in all its full-sized glory, with all the features and content you’d typically enjoy on a larger screen.
Whether you’re researching, shopping, or just browsing, desktop view can make your online experience that much better. So next time you find yourself on a mobile site that’s just not cutting it, remember these simple steps and make the switch to desktop view. Your eyes (and fingers) will thank you. Keep exploring, stay curious, and enjoy the vast world of the internet, just as it was intended.
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.