Have you ever wished you could view websites on your iPhone as if you were on a desktop computer? With iOS 17, you can! It’s a simple process that can make browsing on your phone much easier, especially for sites that are not optimized for mobile devices. In just a few taps, you can switch to desktop view and enjoy a full-featured browsing experience right in the palm of your hand.
You can also watch this video about how to use desktop view on iPhone for more on this topic.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Use Desktop View on iPhone
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand what we’ll achieve. This tutorial will guide you through the process of enabling desktop view in Safari on your iPhone. This feature allows you to request the desktop version of a website, which can be helpful when a site’s mobile version is limited or difficult to navigate.
Step 1: Open Safari and Navigate to a Website
Open the Safari app on your iPhone and go to the website you want to view in desktop mode.
Visiting the website in Safari is the first step because this browser supports the desktop view function. Make sure you’re using Safari and not another browser app for this to work.
Step 2: Tap the AA Icon in the Address Bar
Look for the “AA” icon on the left side of the address bar at the top of the screen and tap it.
The “AA” icon is where Safari hides many of its additional settings. By tapping it, you will open a menu that allows you to change how you view the website.
Step 3: Select ‘Request Desktop Website’
From the dropdown menu, tap on ‘Request Desktop Website’.
By selecting this option, you tell Safari that you want to see the desktop version of the website instead of the mobile version. The page will reload, and you should see the desktop version appear.
After completing these steps, the website will reload and display the desktop version. You’ll be able to navigate the site as you would on a computer, which can be particularly useful for websites that offer more functionality in their desktop format.
Tips for Using Desktop View on iPhone
- Zoom in and out by pinching the screen to better view and interact with the desktop site.
- Rotate your iPhone to landscape mode for a wider view of the website.
- Remember that not all sites offer a good desktop experience on a small screen, so use this feature selectively.
- If a site automatically redirects you to the mobile version, try clearing your Safari cache and requesting the desktop site again.
- Some websites may not function perfectly in desktop view on a mobile device, so be patient and ready to switch back to the mobile version if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is desktop view on iPhone?
Desktop view is a feature in Safari that allows you to view the full desktop version of a website on your iPhone.
Can I use desktop view in browsers other than Safari?
While this tutorial focuses on Safari, some other browsers like Chrome also offer a similar feature to request the desktop version of a site.
Will using desktop view consume more data?
Yes, desktop versions of websites can be larger and use more data than their mobile counterparts.
Can I set a website to always open in desktop view?
As of now, you have to request the desktop version each time you visit a website. However, some browsers may remember your preference for specific sites.
Is desktop view available on iPads?
Yes, iPads running iOS 17 also have the option to request the desktop version of websites in Safari.
Summary
- Open Safari and navigate to a website.
- Tap the AA icon in the address bar.
- Select ‘Request Desktop Website’.
Conclusion
Navigating the internet on a mobile device doesn’t have to be a cramped and limited experience. With the desktop view feature available on iOS 17, you can enjoy the full functionality of websites on your iPhone. This tool is particularly helpful for websites that are not optimized for mobile or where the mobile version lacks features available on the desktop variant. Remember, though, that not all websites will be perfectly usable in desktop mode on a small screen, and some may still force redirect you to their mobile version. Use this feature judiciously and always be ready to switch back if things don’t work out. With these tips and steps, you’re now equipped to enhance your browsing experience on iOS 17. Go ahead, give it a try, and see how it transforms your internet usage on the go!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.