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Request Desktop View in Apple Safari on iPhone & iPad

Need to request a desktop site view in Safari browser? Learn how to access the desktop version of websites while browsing on hand-held devices.

Most websites today are developed in a responsive design that adjusts according to the screen resolution. However, a few sites are still old-age, which get trimmed in the mobile screen and need a desktop browser.

The Safari browser offers a feature that automatically loads the desktop view on the mobile screen.

In this guide, we have shared the steps to load the desktop site layout in the Safari browser app.

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Use the ‘Request Desktop Website’ option

The built-in feature within the Safari browser running on iOS or iPadOS can request desktop site safari on small screens. The feature is convenient when used smartly. Here are the steps to open the desktop view:

  1. Launch the Safari app on iPhone or iPad.
  2. Open the Website URL that you want to request a desktop website.
  3. Tap on the AA icon within the URL bar.
  4. From the available list, select the Request Desktop Website option.
    Request Desktop Site from Safari on iPhone and iPad

This will reload the website page and load the site’s desktop version. You may not be able to see significant differences on the iPad, though, but on iPhone, you will notice the UI changes.

You can also disable the desktop site view by tapping the Request Mobile Site under the same reading icon. The request desktop site safari is helpful when you do not have a computer or laptop handy to load a desktop site.

Bottom Line

The ‘Request Desktop Site’ view comes in handy when you are in need of desktop layout of website and that features are unavailable on mobile sites. Safari browser will immediately switch from mobile layout to desktop and help you view the full desktop mode.

Similarly, you can request for mobile site view in Safari browser on Mac using the developer tools. The developer tools allow us to manage the screen size and watch website changes in real-time.

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Kushal Azza

Kushal Azza

Kushal Azza is a Google Certified IT Professional, Digital Content Creator, and Go-To Digital Marketer with Engineering Degree. He has over a decade of experience solving tech problems, troubleshooting, and innovating digital solutions. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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