Have you ever been browsing the web on your iPhone and wished you could see the desktop version of a site instead of the mobile version? It’s actually a pretty simple process to request desktop sites on your iPhone’s browser. After reading this brief overview, you’ll know exactly how to do it.
Step by Step Tutorial: Requesting Desktop Sites on iPhone’s Browser
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve here. Requesting a desktop site on your iPhone’s browser allows you to view web pages as they would appear on a computer, rather than the mobile-optimized versions. This can be useful if you need to access features that are only available on the desktop version of a website.
Step 1: Open Safari and navigate to the website
Open the Safari app on your iPhone and type in the website’s URL or use a search engine to find the site you want to visit.
Step 2: Tap the “AA” icon
Once the website loads, look for the “AA” icon in the top-left corner of the address bar and tap on it.
This icon may be small, but it’s the gateway to a bunch of useful features. By tapping on it, you reveal a menu that includes the option to request the desktop version of the website you’re currently viewing.
Step 3: Choose “Request Desktop Website”
From the menu that appears, select “Request Desktop Website.”
Your iPhone will then reload the page, and you should see the desktop version of the site. Keep in mind that some websites may not support this feature, or they may redirect you back to the mobile version if they detect you’re using an iPhone.
After you’ve completed these steps, the website should reload and display the desktop version. This will give you access to all the features and options that are available on the full website.
Tips for Requesting Desktop Sites on iPhone’s Browser
- If you frequently visit a particular website and always prefer to see the desktop version, you can adjust your settings so that Safari automatically requests the desktop site for that specific website.
- Keep in mind that desktop versions of websites are designed for larger screens, so some elements may not look as good or be as easy to interact with on your iPhone’s smaller screen.
- When you request a desktop site, you may need to zoom in and out to navigate the page more effectively.
- Not all websites will perfectly translate to a mobile desktop view. Some sites may still display mobile-optimized elements or may not function as expected.
- If you’re using a different browser, like Chrome or Firefox, the steps to request a desktop site may vary slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set Safari to always request desktop sites?
Yes, you can set Safari to always request desktop sites for specific websites or for all websites.
To do this, go to Safari’s settings and look for the option to request desktop sites. From there, you can customize your preferences.
Will requesting a desktop site use more data?
Requesting a desktop site could potentially use more data than the mobile version, as desktop versions of sites are typically larger and more data-intensive.
Can I switch back to the mobile site after requesting the desktop version?
Absolutely, just repeat the steps and instead of selecting “Request Desktop Website,” choose “Request Mobile Website.”
What if a website doesn’t have a desktop version?
If a website doesn’t have a desktop version, requesting it won’t change the appearance of the site. You’ll continue to see the mobile version.
Does requesting a desktop site save my preference for that website?
Your preference to view the desktop version of a site is usually temporary. Once you close the tab or restart Safari, it will default back to the mobile site.
Summary
- Open Safari and navigate to the website.
- Tap the “AA” icon in the top-left corner of the address bar.
- Choose “Request Desktop Website” from the menu.
Conclusion
Requesting desktop sites on your iPhone’s browser is a handy feature that can enhance your browsing experience. Whether you need access to specific features only available on the desktop version or you simply prefer the layout, following the steps outlined above will get you there in no time. Remember, while the desktop view can be more comprehensive, it’s not always optimized for your iPhone’s screen, so you may have to do a bit of pinching and zooming. Nevertheless, having the know-how to switch between desktop and mobile views is a skill that will come in handy as you navigate the ever-growing world of the internet. So, the next time you’re stuck with a mobile site that just won’t cut it, remember this guide and take control of your browsing experience. Happy surfing!
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.