Do you ever find yourself squinting at your iPhone 13, trying to tap on tiny links or navigate a website that’s clearly meant for a larger screen? You’re not alone. Many websites still aren’t fully optimized for mobile devices, but there’s an easy fix: requesting the desktop site. In just a few taps, you can have the full, non-mobile version of a website right at your fingertips. Here’s how to do it.
Step by Step Tutorial: Request Desktop Site on iPhone 13
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about what this will do. When you request a desktop site on your iPhone 13, you’re telling the browser to load the full version of the website, just like it would on a computer. This can make it easier to navigate the site and access features that might be hidden or inaccessible on the mobile version.
Step 1: Open Safari on your iPhone 13
The first step is to open Safari, which is the internet browser that comes with your iPhone.
Once Safari is open, navigate to the website you want to view in desktop mode. Keep in mind that not all websites have a desktop version, but most do.
Step 2: Tap the AA icon in the search bar
In the search bar at the top of the screen, you’ll see an AA icon on the left side. Tap it to open a menu.
This AA icon is the key to a lot of useful features in Safari, including the option to request a desktop site. It’s worth getting familiar with this menu.
Step 3: Tap "Request Desktop Site"
In the menu that appears after tapping the AA icon, you’ll see an option that says "Request Desktop Site." Tap it to reload the page as the desktop version.
After you tap "Request Desktop Site," the website will reload. Keep in mind that the desktop version of a site might take longer to load, especially if you’re not on a Wi-Fi network.
Once you complete these steps, the website should reload and display the full desktop version. This can be particularly useful for websites that have features that are only available on the desktop, or for making it easier to read and navigate the site.
Tips for Requesting Desktop Site on iPhone 13
- Some websites will remember your preference for desktop mode, while others will require you to request it each time you visit.
- Keep in mind that desktop sites can use more data, so if you’re on a limited data plan, be mindful of how often you use this feature.
- If the text is too small on the desktop site, you can always use the pinch-to-zoom feature to make it larger.
- Not all buttons and features may work perfectly in desktop mode since they were designed with a mouse in mind, not a touch screen.
- If you accidentally request the desktop site and want to go back to the mobile version, just repeat the steps and tap "Request Mobile Site" instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will requesting the desktop site change the layout for all websites I visit on my iPhone 13?
No, it will only change the layout for the website you’re currently on. Other websites will still load their mobile versions by default.
Can I make the desktop site the default for all websites on Safari?
Unfortunately, Safari doesn’t have a setting to make desktop mode the default for all websites. You’ll have to request it manually each time.
Will requesting the desktop site save my preference for that website?
Some websites might save your preference and automatically load the desktop version the next time you visit, but others will not.
What if the desktop site doesn’t work properly on my iPhone 13?
If you encounter any issues with the desktop site, you can always switch back to the mobile version by following the same steps and selecting "Request Mobile Site."
Can I request the desktop site on other browsers like Chrome or Firefox on my iPhone 13?
Yes, most browsers have a similar feature. Look for an option in the browser’s menu to request the desktop site.
Summary
- Open Safari on your iPhone 13.
- Tap the AA icon in the search bar.
- Tap "Request Desktop Site."
Conclusion
Requesting the desktop site on your iPhone 13 is a handy trick that can make browsing the web a whole lot easier. Whether you’re trying to access a feature that’s not available on the mobile version of a site or you just prefer the layout of the desktop version, this simple feature can enhance your browsing experience. Remember, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your data usage when loading desktop sites, and not all features may work perfectly in this mode. However, with these tips and steps, you should be able to navigate the web more comfortably on your iPhone 13. Happy browsing!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.