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How to request desktop versions of websites in Safari in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15
Last updated 3 years ago
While this isn't quite as prevalent as it used to be, it's still a handy trick to keep in your back pocket. This is especially true for websites that require you to fill out forms, which sometimes do not work well with mobile versions.
Requesting the desktop version of a website on mobile can also cause some problems of its own — sometimes, certain elements do not work on mobile. However, it is easy to revert to the mobile version if you encounter problems.
How to request a desktop version of a site on iOS 15 and iPadOS 15
- Open Safari
- Go to the website you want to load
- Tap the aA icon
- Tap Request Desktop Site
To revert the changes, follow the steps above, but tap Request Mobile Site .
Of course, if you know that a site you frequent has issues when loading the mobile version, you can permanently request the desktop site, too.
How to permanently Request Desktop Website on mobile Safari
- Tap Website Settings
- Toggle on Request Desktop Website
Important: Not every website will have an apparent difference between mobile and desktop sites. This is especially true of websites that utilize responsive layouts — layouts that automatically adjust to the screen's resolution rather than the device you're on.
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How-To Geek
How to view a desktop site on mobile safari.
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How to view desktop site in safari.
Safari is fast and optimized for mobile devices. That's usually a good thing. But there are still a few websites that refuse to adapt to mobile Safari or provide an inferior experience on their mobile site. In times like these, you can switch to the desktop version of the website.
Like many iOS features, especially ones for Safari, the Request Desktop Site feature is hidden. With iOS 13, Apple has changed the placement of this option, which makes it a bit easier to find. As iPadOS 13 automatically loads desktop websites, iPad users won't need to look for this feature after updating.
Here's how this feature works on devices running iOS 12 and iOS 13.
Related: iPadOS Will Almost Make Your iPad a Real Computer
iOS 12 and Below
Open the Safari app on your iPhone or iPad and load a website. Now, tap and hold on the "Refresh" button next to the URL bar.
You'll see a popup at the bottom of the screen. From here, select "Request Desktop Site."
The website will reload, and you'll now see the desktop version of the site . To go back to the mobile version, tap and hold on the "Refresh" button again and select "Request Mobile Site."
iOS 13 and Above
With the iOS 13 update, Apple has improved the Safari browser in a couple of important ways. While most improvements are seen on the iPad version, iPhone users get access to the new Safari Download Manager as well as a new customization menu for websites.
Tap on the "Aa" icon to see a couple of new menu options. From here, select the "Request Desktop Website" button to open the desktop version of the website.
Come back to the same menu to switch back to the mobile version.
And that's it. You now know how to access desktop websites on your iPhone and iPad using mobile Safari.
- Web Browsers
Requesting Desktop Sites on iPhone’s Browser: A Step-by-Step Guide
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.
- 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.
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.
Read his full bio here.
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How to Switch to Desktop Mode on iPhone
3 ways to request a desktop site on your phone
- University of Nebraska
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Request a Desktop Site
- Always Open the Desktop Version of Site
- Always Open a Desktop Version for All Sites
- Request Desktop Sites in Other Browsers
- Frequently Asked Questions
What to Know
- For a single website, open the page, and then go to Options (aA) > Request Desktop Website .
- To always use the desktop version: Options (aA) > Website Settings and turn Request Desktop Website on.
- To use desktop version for every site: Settings app > Safari > Request Desktop Website > turn All Websites on.
This article shows how to request a desktop version of a website in Safari and other browsers on an iPhone, including how to automatically open desktop sites for every site you go to. Instructions apply to devices running iOS 13 and later.
How Do I Request a Desktop Site on My iPhone?
The mobile versions of websites are generally streamlined to make them easier to use on the smaller screen, but you may lose some functionality. Here's how to open the full version in Safari for iPhone.
With the site open, select the Options menu in the address bar. It looks like two capital letter A's.
You may need to scroll up or down to reveal the address bar.
Tap Request Desktop Website .
The page will reload with the desktop version.
How Do I Always Open the Desktop Version of a Website?
You can use the same menu to automatically open a desktop version every time you go to a certain site.
With the site open, tap the Options menu next to the address bar.
Choose Website Options .
Tap the switch next to Request Desktop Website to on/green .
Now, even if you navigate away, your iPhone will automatically open the desktop version every time you open a page in this domain.
How Do I Always Open a Desktop Version of Every Website?
You can use the Settings app to tell Safari to always request a desktop version for every site you visit. Here's what to do.
Open Settings .
Select Safari .
Scroll down and tap Request Desktop Website .
Set the switch next to All Websites to on/green .
How to Request Desktop Websites in Other Browsers
If you don't use Safari, you can still request desktop websites in other browsers, although you may have to do it for each site you visit.
In Chrome, navigate to the site, and then go to More (three horizontal dots) > Request Desktop Site .
In Firefox, open a page and then go to More (three horizontal lines) > Request Desktop Site .
In Microsoft Edge, tap More (three horizontal dots), and then select View desktop site .
In Opera, go to More (three horizontal lines), and then turn the switch next to Desktop Site on.
Yes. The steps for iPadOS are the same as using desktop mode on an iPhone.
To switch back to the mobile version of a website in Safari, tap Options (aA) > Request Mobile Website .
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Tips & Tricks
Troubleshooting, how to force safari to load desktop sites on iphone.
Mobile websites are great, but they are very limited when it comes to how much content can be displayed on the small screen. Apple’s iPhones have gotten bigger in size over the years and thanks to HTML5, viewing desktop sites on your phone isn’t nearly as bad as you think. Plus sometimes you may need to use the full desktop version of a site, so you may come into a situation where forcing Safari to load the desktop site onto iPhone is necessary.
By default, when you visit a website using Safari or any web browser on an iPhone, you’re shown the mobile version of the site. Although it’s pretty easy to request the desktop site manually from the address bar, some people may want to access desktop websites at all times. No one would be okay with having to request the desktop version every time they visit a new website. It’s honestly far from convenient. If you’re one of those iOS users who’re frustrated by this, you’ve come to the right place, so let’s cover how to force Safari to load desktop sites on iPhone and iPad.
Safari is fully capable of always loading desktop versions of websites, as long as you set it up properly. Just follow the steps below to get started.
There you go. Now you’ve learned how to force Safari to always load desktop websites on your iPhone and iPad.
Keep in mind that Safari can only display the desktop version of the website whenever available. For example, when you try to visit the official Apple website, you’ll be shown the mobile version instead of the full desktop site.
If your iPad is running iPadOS 13 or later, you don’t have to follow this procedure. This is because iPadOS 13 brings desktop-class Safari to the iPad, and defaults to loading the desktop sites on iPad. However, this method is still applicable to iPads running older versions of iOS.
More often than not, mobile websites may still perform better on your iPhone as they’re more optimized for mobile devices. Therefore, if you ever change your mind, you can follow these steps to disable desktop websites on your iOS device.
Do you use third-party web browsers like Chrome on your iOS device? Unfortunately, there’s not currently a similar feature that allows you to always load desktop versions of websites for those web browsers, but it may be coming soon to them too. Instead, you’ll have to request the desktop site manually for the time being.
We hope you were able to permanently access desktop websites while browsing with Safari. What are your overall thoughts on this feature? Is this something that you’ll be using in the long run? Do share your valuable opinions and experiences in the comments section down below.
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Related articles:
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» Comments RSS Feed
You still may get a site’s web page that has been altered for the small screen of the phone. If you want the page as displayed on a PC, a substitute browser like Zoomable (which also has a permanent ‘desktop’ setting) has a screen-size slider; when set to the appropriate size (up to about 3/4 of full size on some sites), the full regular desktop site is displayed. You can then pinch-zoom to view the page in detail.
This no longer works on the NYT website.
Please tell me a new way; can’t believe even the NYT is caught in today’s “feed” trap, not allowing me to choose what to read.
To tell the truth, so many times I was in the situation where it was necessary for me to load the desktop site onto an iPhone. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do it properly because I wasn’t able to cope with my safari settings and the description in a lot of sites was really intricate. Now it is like a relief that I stumbled across your article and have finally understood how this system works and how much it is a simple process. From my point of view, it is really convenient to have permanent access to websites on the desktop while browsing using Safari because you don’t need to face such a huddle like a request for the desktop version every time you visit a new website. I think that your guide will be useful for any holder of an IPhone because it can make their work with sites and with the use of Safari much easier, helping them to get rid of unnecessary hassle.
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How to Switch to the Desktop Versions of Your Favorite Mobile Sites
Reading articles on a phone in the 2020s is almost impossible—mobile designers seem intent on hiding the article you want to read. First there's the banner at the top of the site, which follows you as you scroll. That's bad enough, but some sites add another banner that follows you at the bottom of the screen, generally with an ad, a newsletter signup form, and a reminder that the app "works better" than the website. Keep scrolling and the text of the article will be interrupted several times between the top and bottom bars.
It's a mess. And there's a workaround, of sorts: requesting the desktop version of a site.
It's hard to remember now, but in the early days of smartphones most websites were built with desktop computers in mind. Browsing the web on an iPhone in 2009 meant doing a lot of scrolling, panning, and zooming to see the section of the page you were interested in. It was annoying, granted, but far less annoying than browsing a typical mobile page in 2023. Desktop sites, meanwhile, have gotten a lot better about rescaling themselves. This is called “ responsive design .” Go ahead, if you're on a computer: Make this window more narrow and watch as the site changes on the fly to fit the space you give it.
This has all been true for a long time. The main difference between the "mobile" version of a site and the "desktop" one are the annoyances that follow you as you scroll. That means that, generally, all you have to lose by requesting the desktop version of a site are the mobile-specific annoyances. It's not a trick that will work on every site, granted, but it works on many.
Requesting the desktop version of a site isn't hard. On the iPhone and iPad's Safari browser you need to tap the " aA " icon in the bottom-right corner, then click Request Desktop Website .
This will request the desktop version of the site for this session. You can also change the settings to automatically ask for the desktop version—just tap Website Settings in the same menu and you'll see the option to request the desktop website automatically for that domain.
On an Android device running the Chrome browser you need to tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, then tap the Desktop Site checkmark.
In either Android or iOS the website you're reading should refresh, after which you will get the desktop version of the site. The page may not even look different, and in some cases won't behave differently, but in my testing most websites are at least a little easier to use this way. In particular, requesting the desktop website tends to reduce the number of bars of nonsense that follow you as you scroll.
Requesting the desktop version of a site removes some annoyances, but it's not perfect. If you want to see the article you're currently reading, and only that article, you'll have to go one stop further: reading mode. This is a feature offered on all major smartphones that can extract the text of an article from any website and show you only that.
Safari has this feature built-in: just tap the " aA " button in the left-side of the address bar and tap Show Reader . You will then see only the article text. You can optionally set any domain to automatically load articles with reading mode, if you like—I recommend doing this if you notice a particular website is consistently annoying.
Android doesn't come with reading mode, sadly, but you can add one by installing Reading Mode , an official Google tool you can download from the Google Play Store . This application adds a systemwide button that you can use in any app, including the Chrome browser. It will extract all text and show it to you alone. It can also read the text to you out loud, if you like.
The web is only getting more and more cluttered, but at least you can fight back. It's just a matter of using the right tools.
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How To Request Desktop Websites in Safari on iPhone and iPad
By Andrew Myrick 1 comment Last updated November 5, 2021
From time to time, you might come across a website that does not properly render or work well in Safari. Even as Apple continues to turn Safari into more of a desktop experience on the iPad, some websites still force you to use the mobile version.
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Apple has made great strides to turn Safari into one of the best mobile browsers. From adding Extensions to bringing a bit more customization options, Safari continues to improve in some pretty great ways.
Request Desktop Websites in Safari
Thankfully, Apple has made it easy to force Safari to use the desktop version of the website. There are actually two different options if you want to use the desktop version of a website in Safari. The first of which is only temporary, and will reset every time you go back to the website. Here’s how you can request desktop websites in Safari on iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Safari app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Navigate to the website that you want to view.
- Tap the aA icon in the address bar.
- Tap Request Desktop Site .
While the temporary fix helps out when you’re in a pinch, if there’s a website that you visit regularly, you can force the Desktop version to load every time. Here’s how you can force a website to permanently show the desktop version every time.
- Select Website Settings .
- Toggle Request Desktop Website to the On position.
- Tap Done .
It’s important to note that if you are using the desktop version of a website on your iPhone, you may come across some issues. For one, the UI elements are obviously rather tiny, so you’ll need to pinch and zoom if you need to tap a link or button. Plus, the website itself may not even load properly, resulting in a potentially frustrating experience overall.
This has become an invaluable tool for those who use the iPad on a regular basis. Websites with a responsive design have a tendency to not render properly with Safari on the iPad. But by being able to force the desktop view, you can load any website and use it just the way you want to.
Related Posts:
Andrew Myrick is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is having a never-ending supply of different keyboards and gaming handhelds that end up collecting more dust than the consoles that are being emulated.
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March 19, 2022 at 2:17 PM
Facebook apparently is deliberately blocking desktop URLs again. Can’t figure out how to stop “m.”
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How to View the Desktop Version of a Website on Your iPhone and iPad
Mobile-friendly websites are often stripped down and streamlined for easier navigation, with the result that some full-page content isn't displayed at all – and even when it is, finding that content can sometimes be a chore, especially if you're used to the desktop version of a site.
Recognizing this, Apple has had the foresight to let you bypass mobile versions of websites and view original desktop versions on its mobile devices instead. To request a desktop site on your iPhone and iPad, simply follow these steps.
- Launch Safari on your iOS device and navigate to the website in question.
- Long press the Reload button in the far right of the address bar.
- On iPhone, tap Request Desktop Site at the bottom of the screen. On iPad, the same option appears in the dropdown menu below the Reload button.
With that done, Safari should remember your preference for that particular website and load the desktop version the next time you visit it.
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Top Rated Comments
This was news a few years ago.
But why though? There's reason people design website as mobile first. There's this thing called progressive web apps. All of these are to target mobile users. Why do you want to view website that is for desktop on mobile? I am pretty sure the experience is kinda meh. You need to zoom in and out to actually do anything.
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Open Safari. Go to the website you want to load. Tap the aA icon. Tap Request Desktop Site. To revert the changes, follow the steps above, but tap Request Mobile Site. Of course, if you know that ...
This can lead to websites displaying their mobile/tablet view even when the feature to access a desktop website is enabled in Safari. Step 1: Launch the Safari browser and visit a webpage. Step 2 ...
The website will reload, and you'll now see the desktop version of the site. To go back to the mobile version, tap and hold on the "Refresh" button again and select "Request Mobile Site." iOS 13 and Above With the iOS 13 update, Apple has improved the Safari browser in a couple of important ways.
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: 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 ...
For a single website, open the page, and then go to Options (aA) > Request Desktop Website. To always use the desktop version: Options (aA) > Website Settings and turn Request Desktop Website on. To use desktop version for every site: Settings app > Safari > Request Desktop Website > turn All Websites on. This article shows how to request a ...
Head over to “Settings” from the home screen of your iPhone or iPad. In the settings menu, scroll down and tap on “Safari”. This will take you to Safari preferences. Here, scroll down and choose “Request Desktop Website” located under the Settings for Websites category, as shown below. Here, use the toggle to request desktop version ...
Requesting the desktop version of a site isn't hard. On the iPhone and iPad's Safari browser you need to tap the " aA " icon in the bottom-right corner, then click Request Desktop Website. This ...
Open the Safari app on your iPhone or iPad. Navigate to the website that you want to view. Tap the aA icon in the address bar. Select Website Settings. Toggle Request Desktop Website to the On position. Tap Done. It’s important to note that if you are using the desktop version of a website on your iPhone, you may come across some issues.
Launch Safari on your iOS device and navigate to the website in question. Long press the Reload button in the far right of the address bar. On iPhone, tap Request Desktop Site at the bottom of the ...