In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an integral part of our lives. From browsing the internet to accessing various apps, our smartphones are with us every step of the way. However, there are instances where we may prefer to view websites in their desktop version rather than the mobile version. This could be due to compatibility issues, better viewing experience, or the need for additional features that are only available on the desktop site. In this blog post, we will explore different methods on how to change to the desktop site on an iPhone, providing you with the flexibility to access websites in the way that suits you best.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change to the Desktop Site on iPhone
There are several reasons why you may want to change to the desktop site on your iPhone.
Firstly, some websites may have a poorly optimized mobile version that lacks certain features or functionality. By accessing the desktop site, you can ensure a more seamless browsing experience and have access to the website’s complete features.
Secondly, the desktop version of a website may offer better compatibility with certain web applications or services. This is particularly important if you rely on specific tools or functionalities that are only available on the desktop site.
Lastly, viewing a website in its desktop version can provide a more comprehensive and immersive experience, especially when browsing content that requires a larger screen or more precise navigation.
Method 1: Using Safari’s Request Desktop Website Feature
One of the easiest ways to change to the desktop site on an iPhone is by using Safari’s built-in "Request Desktop Website" feature. Follow the steps below to enable this feature and view websites in their desktop version.
Step 1: Open Safari on your iPhone.
Step 2: Navigate to the website you want to view in desktop mode.
Step 3: Tap on the "Aa" icon located in the top-left corner of the Safari address bar.
Step 4: From the drop-down menu, select "Request Desktop Website."
Step 5: Safari will now reload the webpage, displaying the desktop version of the site.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides a quick and easy way to view websites in their desktop version. | 1. Works only in Safari and may not be available in other web browsers. |
| 2. Saves user preferences for specific websites, allowing them to always load in desktop mode. | 2. Some websites may not have a distinct desktop version, resulting in an inconsistent user experience. |
Method 2: Using Third-Party Browsers
If Safari’s built-in feature is not sufficient for your needs, you can consider using third-party browsers that offer more advanced options for changing to the desktop site. One such example is Google Chrome. Here’s how to use Google Chrome to access the desktop site on your iPhone.
Step 1: Download and install Google Chrome from the App Store if you haven’t already.
Step 2: Open Google Chrome on your iPhone.
Step 3: Navigate to the website you want to view in desktop mode.
Step 4: Tap on the three-dot menu icon located in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Step 5: From the menu that appears, select "Request Desktop Site."
Step 6: Google Chrome will now reload the webpage, displaying the desktop version of the site.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Offers more customization options for viewing websites in desktop mode. | 1. Requires downloading and using an additional browser app. |
| 2. Provides better compatibility with certain websites that do not work optimally on Safari. | 2. May consume more resources and battery compared to Safari. |
Method 3: Via Developer Tools in Safari
For more advanced users, changing to the desktop site on an iPhone can be done via the developer tools available in Safari. This method provides greater control and customization options for accessing the desktop version of a website. Follow the steps below to use developer tools to view websites in desktop mode.
Step 1: Open Safari on your iPhone.
Step 2: Navigate to the website you want to view in desktop mode.
Step 3: Tap on the share icon located at the bottom-center of the screen.
Step 4: Scroll down and select "Copy" from the available options.
Step 5: Open a new tab in Safari and navigate to the address "webinspector://inspector".
Step 6: The developer tools console will open. Paste the copied URL into the address bar and press Enter.
Step 7: Safari will now display the developer tools interface. Tap on the "Toggle Device Bar" icon located in the top-left corner.
Step 8: From the options that appear, select "Desktop" to switch to the desktop view.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Offers advanced customization options and control over website rendering. | 1. Requires knowledge of developer tools and familiarity with web development concepts. |
| 2. Allows testing and debugging of websites for developers and web designers. | 2. May result in slower performance or instability if used incorrectly. |
Method 4: Using a Third-Party App
If you frequently need to access websites in their desktop version on your iPhone, using a dedicated third-party app can be a viable solution. These apps provide enhanced browsing capabilities, including the ability to switch to the desktop site. One such popular app is "Desktop Browser." Here’s how to use it.
Step 1: Download and install the "Desktop Browser" app from the App Store.
Step 2: Open the app on your iPhone.
Step 3: Enter the URL of the website you want to view in desktop mode.
Step 4: The app will load the desktop version of the site by default.
Step 5: Browse the website as you would on a desktop computer.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Dedicated app specifically designed for accessing websites in desktop mode. | 1. Requires downloading and using an additional app. |
| 2. Offers additional features and functionalities not available in standard web browsers. | 2. May have limitations in terms of compatibility with certain websites. |
What to Do If You Can’t Change to the Desktop Site on iPhone
If you encounter difficulties while trying to change to the desktop site on your iPhone, there are a few possible solutions to consider:
1. Clear your browser cache and website data: Sometimes, cached data can interfere with the loading of a desktop version. Clearing your browser cache and website data can help resolve this issue.
2. Update your browser: Ensure that you are using the latest version of your selected web browser, as outdated versions may lack certain features or have compatibility issues.
3. Try a different browser: If you are experiencing difficulties with one browser, try using a different browser, as it may have better support for viewing websites in desktop mode.
4. Contact website support: If you are still unable to change to the desktop site, consider reaching out to the website’s support team for assistance. They may be able to provide specific instructions or suggestions based on their website’s configuration.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your desktop browsing experience on an iPhone:
1. Use external input devices: Connect a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse to your iPhone to enhance usability when using the desktop site.
2. Enable desktop mode by default: Some third-party browsers allow you to set the desktop mode as the default setting for all websites. Check the browser’s settings to enable this feature.
3. Utilize split-screen view: If you have a compatible iPhone model, you can use the split-screen view to have two apps open side by side. This can be particularly useful when multitasking or comparing information between the desktop site and other apps.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I permanently view websites in desktop mode on my iPhone?
A: Safari and some third-party browsers allow you to set preferences for specific websites to load in desktop mode whenever you visit them.
Q2: Will changing to the desktop site affect the functionality of certain mobile-only features?
A: Yes, in some cases, changing to the desktop site may result in the loss of certain mobile-only features or functionalities.
Q3: Does changing to the desktop site on iPhone require jailbreaking my device?
A: No, all of the methods described in this blog post can be achieved without jailbreaking your iPhone.
Q4: Can I change back to the mobile site after switching to the desktop site?
A: Yes, you can switch back to the mobile site by following the same steps for each respective method.
Q5: Will these methods work on all websites?
A: While the majority of websites can be accessed in their desktop version using these methods, some websites may have limitations or restrictions that prevent switching to the desktop site.
Final Thoughts
Being able to change to the desktop site on your iPhone provides greater flexibility and control over your browsing experience. Whether it’s for improved compatibility, additional functionalities, or a better viewing experience, the methods outlined in this blog post offer various options to suit your needs. Experiment with these methods and find the one that works best for you. Remember to always stay up to date with the latest browser versions and consider reaching out to website support if you encounter any difficulties. Happy browsing!