This article demonstrates how to launch desktop websites automatically for every website you visit, as well as how to request a desktop version of a website in Safari and other iPhone browsers. Devices running iOS 13 and later must follow the instructions.
How Do I Request a Desktop Site on My iPhone?
To request a desktop site on an iPhone, you can follow these steps:
- Open the Safari browser on your iPhone.
- Go to the website you want to request the desktop version of.
- Click on the “aA” icon located in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select “Request Desktop Site” from the menu that appears.
Alternatively, you can also request a desktop site by using the keyboard shortcut “Command + Shift + R” if you have an external keyboard connected to your iPhone.
How Do I Always Open the Desktop Version of a Website?
Every time you visit a specific website, a desktop version can be launched using the same menu.
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With the site open, tap the Options menu next to the address bar.
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Choose Website Options.
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Tap the switch next to Request Desktop Website to on/green.
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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?
There are a few ways to open the desktop version of a website on a mobile device:
- Use a browser extension: Some browser extensions, such as “Request Desktop Site”, allow you to request the desktop version of a website.
- Change the user agent: Many browsers have the option to change the user agent, which is a string of text that tells a website what type of device and browser you are using. Changing the user agent to a desktop browser will often cause the website to display the desktop version.
- Add a “m.” to the URL: Some websites automatically redirect mobile users to a mobile version of the site, but removing the “m.” from the URL will sometimes bring up the desktop version.
- Use a VPN service: Some websites detect your device type and browser through your IP address, using a VPN service can change your IP address to a different location and make the website think you are accessing from a computer.
Keep in mind that some websites may not have a desktop version or may not allow you to access it from a mobile device.
How to Request Desktop Websites in Other Browsers
To request the desktop version of a website in a mobile browser, you can try the following methods:
- In Chrome for Android, open the menu and tap “Request desktop site.”
- In Safari for iOS, tap the “aA” icon in the top left corner of the screen, and then select “Request Desktop Site.”
- In Firefox for Android, tap the menu button (three horizontal lines), tap the “Page” button, and then select “Request Desktop Site.”
- In Microsoft Edge, tap the three dots in the top right corner of the screen, tap “settings”, tap “view advanced settings”, toggle the “Request desktop sites” switch.
Keep in mind that not all websites will have a desktop version and some website may not work properly in mobile browser while requesting desktop version.
