How to access the desktop version of a website in Safari on iPhone

This tutorial shows you the quick steps to visit the desktop version of a website in Safari on your iPhone or iPad and switch back to mobile view if needed.

Mobile and desktop versions of a website in Safari on iPhone

Don’t you hate it when visiting a website in Safari on your phone takes you to a crippled mobile version rather than the full desktop experience? Thankfully, iOS has made it a cinch to skip those skimpy mobile websites and go straight to their full desktop versions if needed.

Before you begin: It’s important to note that requesting a desktop website doesn’t always work as intended on each and every website. For instance, some websites might switch you to their enhanced mobile edition rather than to the full desktop version. You must know that web developers have the tools at their disposal to override your preference, and I’ve seen a fair share of websites that pop right back into mobile mode.

How to view the desktop version of a site in Safari

On iPhone

  1. Open Safari and visit any website that has both a mobile and a desktop version.
  2. Once the site loads, tap on the AA symbol located at the leftmost side of Safari’s URL box.
  3. A menu will pop up with an option to see a desktop version of the website in its full glory. Choose Request Desktop Website to load up a desktop version of the original.
  4. You can go back to the mobile site anytime using the same action and selecting Request Mobile Website.
Request Desktop Website in Safari on iPhone

On iPad

Safari on iPad running iPadOS (or iPadOS 13) and later automatically takes you to the desktop version of a website. You do not have to do anything else.

However, if you want to access the mobile version of a website on your iPad, all you need to do is tap AA in the Safari URL bar and select Request Mobile Website.

Request Mobile Website in Safari on iPad

How to always request the desktop site in Safari

Maybe you’d like to request the desktop website every time you visit a site in Safari on iOS. If yes, follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings and select Safari.
  2. Tap Request Desktop Website.
  3. Enable the toggle for All Websites under Request Desktop Website.

Safari Request Desktop Site Settings - updated

Other Safari tips: