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How to request desktop versions of websites in Safari in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15

While this isn't quite as prevalent as it used to be, it's still a handy trick to keep in your back pocket. This is especially true for websites that require you to fill out forms, which sometimes do not work well with mobile versions.

Requesting the desktop version of a website on mobile can also cause some problems of its own — sometimes, certain elements do not work on mobile. However, it is easy to revert to the mobile version if you encounter problems.

How to request a desktop version of a site on iOS 15 and iPadOS 15

• Open Safari
• Go to the website you want to load
• Tap the aA icon
• Tap Request Desktop Site

To revert the changes, follow the steps above, but tap Request Mobile Site .

Of course, if you know that a site you frequent has issues when loading the mobile version, you can permanently request the desktop site, too.

How to permanently Request Desktop Website on mobile Safari

• Tap Website Settings
• Toggle on Request Desktop Website

Important: Not every website will have an apparent difference between mobile and desktop sites. This is especially true of websites that utilize responsive layouts — layouts that automatically adjust to the screen's resolution rather than the device you're on.

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How to Request Desktop Site on Safari on iPhone and iPad

There can be times when you want to view a website in desktop mode on iPhone or iPad. Maybe you want to view how the webpage looks, or you need to check a specific detail that’s only available in desktop mode. If you are using Safari as the default browser on iPhone or iPad, it’s quite easy to request a desktop site on it.

1. Request Desktop Site on Safari on iPhone

The default request desktop website option is accessible via the extension menu on Safari on iPhone. Let’s use it.

Step 1: Launch the Safari browser, and visit a webpage.

Step 2: Once you load the webpage, find the extension icon on the Safari address bar. Tap on it.

Step 3: Select Request Desktop Website and Safari will reload the webpage in desktop mode.

You can return to the same extensions menu and request a mobile website to browse on iPhone. If you wish to open all the tabs in the future in desktop mode only, you need to make a tweak in the Safari settings menu.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on iPhone.

Step 2: Scroll to Safari.

Step 3: Find the Settings for websites menu and select Request Desktop Website.

Step 4: Enable the toggle for all websites from the following menu.

From now on, every web query will load in desktop mode in Safari for iPhone. Do note that the whole desktop mode experience can be below-average on a small screen.

Most websites these days are optimized for mobile use. You should only request a desktop site when required. We would advise against using the desktop mode all the time in Safari for iPhone .

2. Use Desktop Site on iPad

While we don’t recommend using a desktop mode in Safari for iPhone, we argue against the same on the Safari iPad app. Most iPad users use the device in horizontal mode and with iPad screen size reaching almost 13-inch, it makes sense to use the Safari browser in desktop mode only.

That’s the reason why Apple has set the desktop mode as the default view on Safari for iPad. If you don’t see the websites loading in desktop mode, you need to make a similar setting tweak (as we did on iPhone) on iPad.

Step 1: Open iPad Settings.

Step 2: Go to the Safari app.

Step 3: Select the Request Desktop Website option.

Step 4: Enable the toggle from the following menu.

Disable Content Blocker

In some scenarios, you might face problems loading websites in desktop mode on iPhone. The behavior can be due to the content blocker in the Safari browser.

Safari on iPhone and iPad does support content blockers, and some websites may not let you browse the articles with content blocker toggled on. You need to disable the content blocker and try loading the webpage again.

Step 1: Launch iPhone Settings app.

Step 2: Scroll down to Safari.

Step 3: Find Extensions from the General menu.

Step 4: Check installed adblocker. Tap on it.

Step 5: Disable it from the following menu.

If you want to prevent Safari from using content blockers on a specific website, you can do so from the same extensions menu.

Step 1: When you get an error loading a webpage in Safari, tap on the extensions menu in the address bar.

Step 2: Open Website Settings.

Step 3: Disable Use Content Blockers toggle.

Explore Reader Mode

When you request a desktop site on iPhone, the whole reading experience on a small screen can turn out to be below-average.

You can enable the built-in reader mode in Safari and turn off all the distractions during web browsing. Here’s how you can use reader mode in Safari on iPhone and iPad.

Step 1: Launch Safari on iPhone or iPad and load web pages that you want to read.

Step 2: If you no longer wish to see all the unnecessary elements on the page, tap on the reader mode icon in the address bar.

And voila! You are all set to read articles in a better environment. You can change fonts and even change the background color in the Safari reader mode.

Read Articles in Desktop Site

Now that Apple allows users to change the default browser on iPhone and iPad, many love using Microsoft Edge as the preferred browser on iPhones. Safari users can go through the steps above to request a desktop site. The experience can be quite cumbersome for iPhone users with a small display.

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Last updated on 14 March, 2022

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DID YOU KNOW

Parth Shah is an evergreen freelance writer covering how-tos, app guides, comparisons, listicles, and troubleshooting guides on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and smart TV platforms. He has over five years of experience and has covered 1,500+ articles on GuidingTech and Android Police. In his free time, you will see him binge-watching Netflix shows, reading books, and traveling.

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How to Request a Desktop Website in Safari for iOS

Mobile-friendly websites are often stripped down and streamlined for easier navigation, with the result that some full-page content isn't displayed at all. Even when it is, finding that content can sometimes be a chore, especially if you're used to the desktop version of a site.

Fortunately, Apple has had the foresight to let you bypass mobile versions of websites and view original desktop versions on its mobile devices instead. To request a desktop site in Safari on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 13, simply follow these steps.

• Tap the " aA " icon in the top-left corner of the screen to reveal the Website View menu.
• Select Request Desktop Website from the dropdown menu.

The great thing about Safari's Website View menu is that it will remember your preferences for that specific website and apply it automatically the next time content is loaded from the same parent URL.

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How to Switch to Desktop Mode on iPhone

3 ways to request a desktop site on your phone

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• Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Request a Desktop Site
• Always Open the Desktop Version of Site
• Always Open a Desktop Version for All Sites
• Request Desktop Sites in Other Browsers
• Frequently Asked Questions

What to Know

• For a single website, open the page, and then go to Options (aA) > Request Desktop Website .
• To always use the desktop version: Options (aA) > Website Settings and turn Request Desktop Website on.
• To use desktop version for every site: Settings app > Safari > Request Desktop Website > turn All Websites on.

This article shows how to request a desktop version of a website in Safari and other browsers on an iPhone, including how to automatically open desktop sites for every site you go to. Instructions apply to devices running iOS 13 and later.

How Do I Request a Desktop Site on My iPhone?

The mobile versions of websites are generally streamlined to make them easier to use on the smaller screen, but you may lose some functionality. Here's how to open the full version in Safari for iPhone.

With the site open, select the Options menu in the address bar. It looks like two capital letter A's.

You may need to scroll up or down to reveal the address bar.

Tap Request Desktop Website .

The page will reload with the desktop version.

How Do I Always Open the Desktop Version of a Website?

You can use the same menu to automatically open a desktop version every time you go to a certain site.

With the site open, tap the Options menu next to the address bar.

Choose Website Options .

Tap the switch next to Request Desktop Website to on/green .

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?

You can use the Settings app to tell Safari to always request a desktop version for every site you visit. Here's what to do.

Open Settings .

Select Safari .

Scroll down and tap Request Desktop Website .

Set the switch next to All Websites to on/green .

How to Request Desktop Websites in Other Browsers

If you don't use Safari, you can still request desktop websites in other browsers, although you may have to do it for each site you visit.

In Chrome, navigate to the site, and then go to More (three horizontal dots) > Request Desktop Site .

In Firefox, open a page and then go to More (three horizontal lines) > Request Desktop Site .

In Microsoft Edge, tap More (three horizontal dots), and then select View desktop site .

In Opera, go to More (three horizontal lines), and then turn the switch next to Desktop Site on.

Yes. The steps for iPadOS are the same as using desktop mode on an iPhone.

To switch back to the mobile version of a website in Safari, tap Options (aA) > Request Mobile Website .

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Safari 101 : How to Request Desktop Sites on Your iPhone

Having websites coded for mobile browsing is great for small screens, but if you have a Plus model iPhone or even the iPhone X , desktop versions of websites might show you more of what you want. Plus, there's the case of poorly designed mobile websites, where the desktop view is clearly the better option with more functionality and features. Luckily, asking for desktop sites in Safari is simple.

In older versions of Safari for iPhone ( iOS 7 and 8 ), you would have to tap in the URL bar, pull the webpage down to view some hidden options, then tap on "Request Desktop Site" to exit the mobile version and see the whole shebang.

• Don't Miss: 200+ Exciting New iOS 13 Features for iPhone

When iOS 9 first came out in 2015, Apple streamlined this process to make it just a tad bit more convenient, and it still works this way in newer versions of iOS. Plus, there are two different ways to request desktop sites now, so use whichever one is more convenient or easiest for you.

Method 1: Use the Refresh Icon

Start by pulling up a mobile website on Safari; I'll be using Wikipedia for this example. Once it's loaded, tap and hold the refresh icon in the URL bar and you'll see the option to "Request Desktop Site" at the bottom. Tap on that option and you're browsing like you have a regular computer now. (Note: if you don't see the refresh button, either scroll up on the webpage or tap the top bar to make the options appear.)

To go back to the mobile version of the website, just repeat the process. However, instead of seeing something like "Request Mobile Site," you'll just see "Request Desktop Site" again. Hopefully, Apple fixes this one day, but it doesn't seem to be high on their priority list. Tap on it and it should still take you back to the mobile version, regardless of what it says.

However, note that not all websites work the same. While some will return you back to the mobile version if asked, some will keep you locked into the desktop site. In order to return desktop sites back to mobile websites when the request button isn't working, you'll need to force-close Safari , then reopen it. When you go back to the open tabs, they should all automatically convert back to the mobile editions.

Method 2: Use the Share Sheet

While using the refresh button is fairly fast, some of you might be used to sharing websites so much that you might rather use the share sheet option instead. On the webpage, either scroll up or tap the top bar to make the options appear, then tap on the share sheet icon (square with an up arrow). Next, on the bottom row of activities, swipe across until you see "Request Desktop Site," then select it.

Just like the above method, to get back to the mobile version of the site, repeat this process. Again, not all websites can go back to the mobile versions easily, so in the case that the one you're trying to get back to mobile doesn't, force-close Safari , then reopen it and everything should be back to normal.

Tip: If you use this share sheet option a lot, you can make it appear toward the front of the activities row for easier access. To do this, tap-and-hold on the "Request Desktop Site" icon, then drag and drop it to where you want. Alternatively, you can select "More" at the end of the activities list, tap-and-hold on the three lines next to "Request Desktop Site," then drag and drop it up on the list.

Want even more out of your mobile Safari browser? You can do all sorts of things, including making your iPhone read web articles to you and using reader mode to make webpages easier to view . See our Safari tips collection for even more tricks.

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How to Request a Desktop Website in Safari For iPhone

Safari and other browsers on your iphone allow your to view mobile websites in a desktop version. follow this guide....

When you open a website on your iPhone, your browser will automatically display the mobile version (obviously) of websites that are generally streamlined, however, you are likely to lose some functionality hence why you might prefer to opt for the full version.

But it is possible to go fully desktop on mobile. In this article, we are going to provide you with simple instructions on how you can request a desktop version of a website in Safari and other browsers on an iPhone, including how to automatically open desktop sites for every site you visit.

Note: The Instructions we share below only apply to devices running iOS 13 and later.

Here’s how to request a desktop version in Safari for iPhone:

Step 1: Open the Safari browser and navigate to the website you’d like to use the desktop version of.

Step 2: With the site open, select the Options menu in the address bar. It looks like two capital letter A’s.

Step 3: From the pop-up menu, tap the ‘Request Desktop Website’ option from the available options.

Step 4: The page will reload with the desktop version of the site.

Note: While all sites will let you request a desktop version, not all sites will actually give you one — some will just refresh the page but keep displaying the mobile site.

Always Open the Desktop Version of a Website

Step 1: With the site open, tap the Options menu next to the address bar.

Step 2: Choose Website Options.

Step 3: Tap the switch next to Request Desktop Website to on/green.

Step 4: Now, even if you navigate away, your iPhone will automatically open the desktop version every time you open a page in this domain.

Always Open a Desktop Version of Every Website

With the help of the Settings app, you can instruct Safari to always request a desktop version for every site you visit. Here’s how to.

Step 1: Go to Settings.

Step 2: Select Safari.

Step 3: Scroll down and Click Request Desktop Website.

Step 4: Set the switch next to All Websites to on/green.

Request Desktop Websites in Other Browsers

You can still request desktop websites in other browsers, however, you will have to do it for each site you go to.

In Chrome, navigate to the site, and then head to More (three horizontal dots) > Request Desktop Site.

In Firefox, open a page and then head to More (three horizontal lines) > Request Desktop Site.

In Opera, go to More (three horizontal lines), and then turn the switch next to Desktop Site on.

In Microsoft Edge, tap More (three horizontal dots), and then select View desktop site.

In case you wish to turn off desktop mode on your iPhone and switch back to the mobile version of a website in Safari, just tap Options (aA) > Request Mobile Website.

Winnie Nantongo

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How To Request Desktop Site in Safari iOS 15

• How To , iPhone , Phones
• November 12, 2021

Using a website on Safari browser is the easy way to access the net. However, sometimes, some features are available only when we access the site with our desktop . So if you are missing those features and want to force your Safari browser to show you the desktop version even when you are using iPhone or iPad you can still do it.

Table of Contents

Forcing Desktop View of the site in Safari on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod.

• For those using iPadOS, Safari defaults to desktop versions, so you don’t have to change anything.
• Those with iPhone or iPod running on iOS 13+, can change the view by going to AA icon next to the website address and choosing Request Desktop Site .
• If you want to change sites to desktop mode permanently in iOS 15+ , tap the AA icon and choose Website Settings–toggle on Request Desktop Site.
• To change all sites by default to show desktop mode, go to Settings > Safari > Request Desktop Website .
• For those with iOS 12 or below, you can change desktop mode by going to the refresh symbol next to the web address and choosing Request Desktop Website or tap the share button and choose the Request Desktop Website from the sheet.

How do I request a desktop site in Safari iOS 15?

Step 1: Open Safari browser

Step 2: Locate a site that you want to view in desktop mode

Step 4: Now choose Request Desktop Website from the Quick Action menu. The site will now switch to the desktop version if available.

Step 5: Tap the AA icon again to return to the mobile version or you can simply close the tab.

Step 1: Open Safari

Step 2: Find the site you want to view in desktop mode

Step 4: Then choose Website Settings from the Quick Action menu .

Step 5: Now toggle on Request Desktop Website .

Step 7: You can also use this opportunity to set other preferences for this particular site for access to the camera, microphone, and location or set the website to always show up in reader mode.

Step 8: This site now will always show up on the desktop version only.

Step 10: Finally, tap Done to save your preference.

Review Site Set On Desktop View in Safari

Step 1: On your device, open Settings > Safari .

Step 3: Tap Request Desktop Website .

Step 4: Now review the list of sites.

Step 6: To go back to default for multiple sites, Select the sites and delete the site from the list.

Step 7: To remove all sites from showing desktop mode, choose Clear All Settings and confirm.

Change Safari’s default to desktop versions for all sites

Step 2: Scroll down and look for Settings for Websites.

Step 3: From there, choose Request Desktop Website

How To Force desktop site in Safari with iOS 12 and lower.

If you can’t update your device to iOS 13, here is the option to view the desktop version of the site on your device.

Step 3: Now press and hold the refresh button and choose Request Desktop Site .

Step 4: Or tap the Share button, scroll the bottom row, and choose the Request Desktop Site button from the Share.

Desktop View On iPadOS

Features Of iOS 15 Safari Browser

Apart from the easy accessibility of the desktop site version on iOS safari, Apple has also equipped the browser with new features that you will love to have. They are as follows…

2. Jump to open tab from Smart Search field: When you type an address on a site, Safari will direct you to that site without opening a new tab.

3. Photo upload resizes: Before you upload any photo, Safari gives you the option to resize your photos to small, medium, large, or actual size.

5. Bookmarks: It’s now easy on the go. You can save a particular tab on your bookmark and open them later even on other devices using iCloud. (features found on Google Chrome).

6. Email sharing options: You can share a webpage as a link, PDF of a reader view through email via your Safari share sheet.

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How-To Geek

How to view a desktop site on mobile safari.

Your iPhone or iPad running mobile Safari can access desktop versions of websites as well. Next time you're stuck with a stubborn mobile site, remember this feature.

Quick Links

How to view desktop site in safari.

Safari is fast and optimized for mobile devices. That's usually a good thing. But there are still a few websites that refuse to adapt to mobile Safari or provide an inferior experience on their mobile site. In times like these, you can switch to the desktop version of the website.

Like many iOS features, especially ones for Safari, the Request Desktop Site feature is hidden. With iOS 13, Apple has changed the placement of this option, which makes it a bit easier to find. As iPadOS 13 automatically loads desktop websites, iPad users won't need to look for this feature after updating.

Here's how this feature works on devices running iOS 12 and iOS 13.

Related: iPadOS Will Almost Make Your iPad a Real Computer

iOS 12 and Below

Open the Safari app on your iPhone or iPad and load a website. Now, tap and hold on the "Refresh" button next to the URL bar.

You'll see a popup at the bottom of the screen. From here, select "Request Desktop Site."

The website will reload, and you'll now see the desktop version of the site . To go back to the mobile version, tap and hold on the "Refresh" button again and select "Request Mobile Site."

iOS 13 and Above

With the iOS 13 update, Apple has improved the Safari browser in a couple of important ways. While most improvements are seen on the iPad version, iPhone users get access to the new Safari Download Manager as well as a new customization menu for websites.

Tap on the "Aa" icon to see a couple of new menu options. From here, select the "Request Desktop Website" button to open the desktop version of the website.

Come back to the same menu to switch back to the mobile version.

And that's it. You now know how to access desktop websites on your iPhone and iPad using mobile Safari.

How to Request Desktop Site on iPhone 13

Mobile website browsing has increased at an incredible rate since smartphones become popular. Whether you have an iPhone or an Android device you will typically have a way (often multiple ways) to visit Web pages from your mobile device.

Mobile browsing is the preferred method of browsing for many Internet users, so website owners need to ensure that their content looks good on those smaller screens.

But some websites aren’t able to work the same way on an iPhone because of the smaller screen, which can make it difficult for a user to perform a task that they need to accomplish.

For example, I was recently trying to edit a document in Word online without using the app version and found that I wasn’t able to while Safari had the site in the mobile display mode.

But mobile browser developers are aware of this fact, and typically include a way for you to request the version of a Web page that you would see on your desktop or laptop computer instead of the mobile version that is displayed by default.

Our guide below will show you how to use the “Request Desktop Site” tool in the default Safari Web browser on your iPhone 13 if you need to view the desktop version of a page instead of the mobile one that is being shown to you.

How to Request the Desktop Version in Safari on an iPhone 13

• Open Safari.
• Browse to the Web page.
• Touc the Aa button in the address bar.
• Choose the Request Desktop Site option.

Our article continues below with additional information on requesting desktop sites on an iPhone, including pictures of these steps

How to Get Desktop Instead of Mobile Version of Web Page in iOS 15 (Guide with Pictures)

The steps in this article were performed on an iPhone 13 in iOS 15.0.2. However, these steps will work on most iPhone models in most newer versions of iOS.

Step 1: Open the Safari Web browser app.

Step 2: Navigate to the Web page or open tab for which you would like to display the page as it would look on a desktop or laptop computer.

Step 3: touch the aa button at the left side of the address bar..

The address bar is the one at the top or bottom of the page (depending on your current tab setting) that displays the URL or address of the Web page.

Step 4: Choose the Request Desktop Site option from this menu.

Note that if the look of a page doesn’t change, then you can try turning the iPhone to landscape mode and requesting the desktop version again to see if that changes things.

After you request the desktop version of the site, Safari will attempt to reload the page’s desktop version.

You can continue reading below for more information on getting desktop versions of sites in Safari, including information on how to make that the default option.

Can I Request the Desktop Version of a Site By Default on My iPhone 13?

Your iPhone Web browsers are always going to request mobile site versions of websites because they typically display better on those screens. But if you don’t want to request mobile website versions when you visit pages, then you can change this setting in Safari on iPhone.

If you find that you are often using the option to display the desktop version of a site, then you may be looking for a way to make that the default setting on the device. Fortunately, this is possible.

If you go to Settings > Safari > Request Desktop Site you will find a “Request Desktop Website On” option. If you enable the setting for “All Websites” then your iPhone will always attempt to display that version of the site.

This option is in the “Settings for Websites” section at the bottom of the Safari menu. After you have made this change on iPhone or iPad mobile devices then Safari should request a desktop site rather than a mobile view. Getting a desktop view mode won’t always be possible, but if you prefer to see a desktop site in Safari then changing the website settings in the Safari browser on your iOS device could be the right choice for you.

Alternatively, if you find that your iPhone seems to be requesting and displaying the desktop version of a site rather than the mobile version then you would navigate to this same settings menu to turn the option off.

More Information on How to Request Desktop Site on iPhone 13

Not every Web page that you attempt this on will work. Some sites determine the version of the site that they display in different ways, so your iPhone may not be able to show the same version of that page that you would see when you are browsing on your laptop or desktop computer.

Most of the other popular Web browsers that you might use on your iPhone, such as Chrome or Firefox, will also have a way for you to display the desktop version of a site.

In Firefox you would browse to the page that you want to view, then tap the three dots at the top-right of the screen. There you can select the “Request Desktop Site” version.

In Chrome you would visit the page that you wish to view as a desktop version, then tap the three dots at the bottom-right of the screen and choose the Request Desktop Site option. Note that this menu is quite large, so you are probably going to need to scroll down a bit as the desktop request option is near the bottom of the menu.

You may have more luck getting the desktop version of a site if you tilt your iPhone so that it is in landscape mode instead of portrait. This allows for more pixels to be displayed on the width of the screen, which might make it possible for the site you are visiting to show the desktop version. If you aren’t able to rotate your screen into landscape mode then the Portrait Orientation Lock might be enabled. You can turn this on or off by swiping down from the top-right of the screen to open the Control Center, then you can touch the lock icon (Portrait Orientation Lock) to enable or disable it.

In the screenshots above you may have noticed that my address bar is at the top of the screen. The iOS version of the operating system that comes on your iPhone 13 by default moved the address bar to the bottom of the screen. If you would like to have it at the top then you can go to Settings > Safari > and choose the Single Tab option in the Tabs section of the menu.

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

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How to Request Desktop Site on iPhone 13: A Step-by-Step Guide

Requesting a desktop site on an iPhone 13 is simple. Open Safari, tap the AA icon in the search bar, then choose ‘Request Desktop Site’ from the dropdown menu. This quick action will reload the page and display the desktop version of the site you’re visiting.

After completing this action, the website will reload and the full desktop version will appear on your iPhone 13 screen. This version is usually more feature-rich than the mobile site, giving you access to additional tools and options not available on the mobile version.

Introduction

You’ve probably been there: squinting at your iPhone 13, trying to navigate a website that’s clearly not optimized for mobile. Maybe the text is too small, or the buttons are too close together, making it hard to click the right one. Or perhaps you need to access a feature that’s only available on the desktop site. Whatever the reason, there’s an easy solution—requesting the desktop site right from your iPhone 13.

This function is not only useful but sometimes necessary for a better browsing experience or to complete certain tasks that are not supported by the mobile version of a website. This feature is especially important for professionals who need access to full site functionalities while on the go, or for anyone who prefers the layout and features of desktop sites. With the increase in mobile browsing, knowing how to navigate this feature is becoming increasingly relevant. Ready to learn how to do it? Let’s dive right in!

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Request Desktop Site on iPhone 13

Before we get into the steps, know that by following these instructions, you’ll be able to view websites as if you were on a computer, rather than the mobile-optimized versions you’re typically presented with on your iPhone.

Step 1: Open Safari

Launch the Safari app on your iPhone 13.

Safari is the default web browser on all Apple devices, and it’s where you’ll need to be to request a desktop site. Make sure you’re on the website that you’d like to view in desktop mode before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Tap the AA Icon

In the search bar at the top of the screen, tap on the AA icon on the left side.

This AA icon may be small, but it’s your gateway to a bunch of quick options and settings for the webpage you’re on, including the switch to desktop mode.

Step 3: Select ‘Request Desktop Site’

From the dropdown menu that appears, choose ‘Request Desktop Site.’

Doing this will prompt Safari to reload the page. The website should now display as it would on a desktop browser, giving you access to all the features and functionalities of the full version.

Additional Information

The ability to request a desktop site on your iPhone 13 can be a game-changer. But remember, not all websites offer a desktop version that’s optimized for mobile devices, which could lead to a less than perfect viewing experience. You might encounter formatting issues or find that some features still don’t work as well as they would with a mouse and keyboard.

Also, keep in mind that some sites automatically redirect you back to the mobile version, especially if you’re using a cellular connection. If you find yourself constantly switching to desktop mode for certain sites, it may be worth exploring whether those sites have an app that could provide a better experience than either version of their website.

One last tip: If you’re using a site in desktop mode and want to switch back to the mobile version, simply follow the same steps and select ‘Request Mobile Site’ from the dropdown menu.

• Open Safari on your iPhone 13.
• Tap the AA icon in the search bar.
• Choose ‘Request Desktop Site’ from the dropdown menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will requesting a desktop site save my preference for that website.

No, requesting a desktop site is a one-time action. If you leave the site or close Safari, you’ll need to request the desktop site again the next time you visit.

Can I request a desktop site in browsers other than Safari?

Yes, most mobile browsers, like Chrome or Firefox, have a similar feature to request a desktop site.

What if a website doesn’t have a desktop version?

If a website doesn’t have a desktop version, your iPhone 13 will simply load the mobile site as usual.

Do all features of a desktop site work on an iPhone 13?

While most features should work, some may not function as intended due to the differences in hardware between a desktop computer and an iPhone.

Can I switch back to the mobile site after requesting the desktop version?

Yes, you can switch back to the mobile site by tapping the AA icon again and selecting ‘Request Mobile Site.’

Mastering the ability to request a desktop site on your iPhone 13 opens up a new level of internet browsing. It’s a handy skill that enables you to access full website functionalities that may not be available on the mobile site.

While it may not always provide the perfect experience due to screen size constraints and potential formatting issues, it can be incredibly useful in a pinch. Whether you need it for work or personal browsing, now you know how to navigate the web on your own terms. Happy browsing!

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.

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How to Request Desktop Site in Safari for iOS 15 on iPhone [Tutorial]

Here's how you can request desktop site in Safari for the latest iOS 15 update for the iPhone. Yes, Apple has changed things up, again.

Learn to Request and Access Full Desktop Site on iPhone Running iOS 15 and Safari

Many iPhone users rely on Safari for all their web browsing needs. While it's great for viewing mobile websites, you can actually request the desktop version of the site as well, if the need arises.

Related Story Apple Gains A Small Foothold In The PC Market As It Ships 4.8 Million Macs In Q1 2024, M3 Models Likely Helped Increase Market Share

In fact, Safari has had this feature for a long time now. But for some reason, it keeps on moving around with every couple of new iOS updates, which can prove to be frustrating at times. Don't worry though, we will show you how you can request the desktop version of a site in a few easy steps, especially if you're running iOS 15 on your iPhone.

Step 1. Launch Safari .

Step 2. Type in the URL which you want to open.

Step 3. By default, the mobile version of the website will open up.

Step 4. Tap on aA button in the URL bar.

Step 5. Now simply tap on Require Desktop Website .

Step 6. The desktop version of the site will now load up in a couple of seconds.

That's all, now you know how to request the desktop version of a site. But keep one thing in mind, some websites are made to function dynamically according to screen size and the type of browser you're using therefore hitting the request button might not do anything at all for some websites. Keep that in mind before reaching the conclusion that the feature is broken although it's not.

If, for some reason, Safari is not your cup of tea, then you will be pleased to learn that you can actually change the default browser in iOS 15. This means you can actually set Chrome as your default browser .

Why would you want to do this? It's simple, actually. You are more invested in the Google ecosystem of apps and services therefore it makes sense that you use a browser that better fits in with your lifestyle. And the fact that you can also set it as default is nothing but icing on the cake.

But that's not all, you can actually set some other app as your default email client as well such as Gmail, and again, for reason which we have outlined above.

For more guides and tutorials, head over to this section .

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How to Switch to the Desktop Versions of Your Favorite Mobile Sites

Reading articles on a phone in the 2020s is almost impossible—mobile designers seem intent on hiding the article you want to read. First there's the banner at the top of the site, which follows you as you scroll. That's bad enough, but some sites add another banner that follows you at the bottom of the screen, generally with an ad, a newsletter signup form, and a reminder that the app "works better" than the website. Keep scrolling and the text of the article will be interrupted several times between the top and bottom bars.

It's a mess. And there's a workaround, of sorts: requesting the desktop version of a site.

It's hard to remember now, but in the early days of smartphones most websites were built with desktop computers in mind. Browsing the web on an iPhone in 2009 meant doing a lot of scrolling, panning, and zooming to see the section of the page you were interested in. It was annoying, granted, but far less annoying than browsing a typical mobile page in 2023. Desktop sites, meanwhile, have gotten a lot better about rescaling themselves. This is called “ responsive design .” Go ahead, if you're on a computer: Make this window more narrow and watch as the site changes on the fly to fit the space you give it.

This has all been true for a long time. The main difference between the "mobile" version of a site and the "desktop" one are the annoyances that follow you as you scroll. That means that, generally, all you have to lose by requesting the desktop version of a site are the mobile-specific annoyances. It's not a trick that will work on every site, granted, but it works on many.

Requesting the desktop version of a site isn't hard. On the iPhone and iPad's Safari browser you need to tap the " aA " icon in the bottom-right corner, then click Request Desktop Website .

This will request the desktop version of the site for this session. You can also change the settings to automatically ask for the desktop version—just tap Website Settings in the same menu and you'll see the option to request the desktop website automatically for that domain.

On an Android device running the Chrome browser you need to tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, then tap the Desktop Site checkmark.

In either Android or iOS the website you're reading should refresh, after which you will get the desktop version of the site. The page may not even look different, and in some cases won't behave differently, but in my testing most websites are at least a little easier to use this way. In particular, requesting the desktop website tends to reduce the number of bars of nonsense that follow you as you scroll.

Requesting the desktop version of a site removes some annoyances, but it's not perfect. If you want to see the article you're currently reading, and only that article, you'll have to go one stop further: reading mode. This is a feature offered on all major smartphones that can extract the text of an article from any website and show you only that.

Safari has this feature built-in: just tap the " aA " button in the left-side of the address bar and tap Show Reader . You will then see only the article text. You can optionally set any domain to automatically load articles with reading mode, if you like—I recommend doing this if you notice a particular website is consistently annoying.

Android doesn't come with reading mode, sadly, but you can add one by installing Reading Mode , an official Google tool you can download from the Google Play Store . This application adds a systemwide button that you can use in any app, including the Chrome browser. It will extract all text and show it to you alone. It can also read the text to you out loud, if you like.

The web is only getting more and more cluttered, but at least you can fight back. It's just a matter of using the right tools.

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Tips & Tricks

Troubleshooting, how to force safari to load desktop sites on iphone.

Mobile websites are great, but they are very limited when it comes to how much content can be displayed on the small screen. Apple’s iPhones have gotten bigger in size over the years and thanks to HTML5, viewing desktop sites on your phone isn’t nearly as bad as you think. Plus sometimes you may need to use the full desktop version of a site, so you may come into a situation where forcing Safari to load the desktop site onto iPhone is necessary.

By default, when you visit a website using Safari or any web browser on an iPhone, you’re shown the mobile version of the site. Although it’s pretty easy to request the desktop site manually from the address bar, some people may want to access desktop websites at all times. No one would be okay with having to request the desktop version every time they visit a new website. It’s honestly far from convenient. If you’re one of those iOS users who’re frustrated by this, you’ve come to the right place, so let’s cover how to force Safari to load desktop sites on iPhone and iPad.

Safari is fully capable of always loading desktop versions of websites, as long as you set it up properly. Just follow the steps below to get started.

There you go. Now you’ve learned how to force Safari to always load desktop websites on your iPhone and iPad.

Keep in mind that Safari can only display the desktop version of the website whenever available. For example, when you try to visit the official Apple website, you’ll be shown the mobile version instead of the full desktop site.

If your iPad is running iPadOS 13 or later, you don’t have to follow this procedure. This is because iPadOS 13 brings desktop-class Safari to the iPad, and defaults to loading the desktop sites on iPad. However, this method is still applicable to iPads running older versions of iOS.

More often than not, mobile websites may still perform better on your iPhone as they’re more optimized for mobile devices. Therefore, if you ever change your mind, you can follow these steps to disable desktop websites on your iOS device.

Do you use third-party web browsers like Chrome on your iOS device? Unfortunately, there’s not currently a similar feature that allows you to always load desktop versions of websites for those web browsers, but it may be coming soon to them too. Instead, you’ll have to request the desktop site manually for the time being.

We hope you were able to permanently access desktop websites while browsing with Safari. What are your overall thoughts on this feature? Is this something that you’ll be using in the long run? Do share your valuable opinions and experiences in the comments section down below.

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Related articles:

• How to View a Full Desktop Website in Safari for iPhone
• 7 Ways to Force Quit Mac Applications
• How to Request Mobile Site After Requesting Desktop Site in Safari on iPhone
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You still may get a site’s web page that has been altered for the small screen of the phone. If you want the page as displayed on a PC, a substitute browser like Zoomable (which also has a permanent ‘desktop’ setting) has a screen-size slider; when set to the appropriate size (up to about 3/4 of full size on some sites), the full regular desktop site is displayed. You can then pinch-zoom to view the page in detail.

This no longer works on the NYT website.

Please tell me a new way; can’t believe even the NYT is caught in today’s “feed” trap, not allowing me to choose what to read.

To tell the truth, so many times I was in the situation where it was necessary for me to load the desktop site onto an iPhone. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do it properly because I wasn’t able to cope with my safari settings and the description in a lot of sites was really intricate. Now it is like a relief that I stumbled across your article and have finally understood how this system works and how much it is a simple process. From my point of view, it is really convenient to have permanent access to websites on the desktop while browsing using Safari because you don’t need to face such a huddle like a request for the desktop version every time you visit a new website. I think that your guide will be useful for any holder of an IPhone because it can make their work with sites and with the use of Safari much easier, helping them to get rid of unnecessary hassle.

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How to request a desktop site in Safari on your iPhone running iOS 13

• To request a desktop site on the iOS 13 Safari app, you'll need to use a menu hidden in the search bar.
• Not all webpages will allow you to load a desktop site in Safari.
• Once you request a desktop site, Safari will automatically default to that setup whenever you load the page.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

Back before mobile phones were all tiny computers, trying to see a website on your phone was difficult, and sometimes even impossible.

Today, that's not an issue. Most people browse the internet via their phones, and as a result, almost every website has two separate versions: a mobile version and a desktop version.

When you open a website on your iPhone , the site knows this, and will automatically show you the mobile site. This is usually convenient — until you find a website that has a bad mobile version.

Maybe it doesn't have all the features that the desktop site does, or is just ugly. Because of this, it's occasionally still necessary to view a desktop site on your phone.

On an iPhone running iOS 13 , you can still request and load the desktop version of any site. Here's how to do it.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Iphone 11 (from $699.99 at apple), how to request a desktop site on ios 13 in safari.

1. On your iPhone running iOS 13, open Safari and head to the website you'd like to see the desktop version of.

2. Wait a few moments for the page to fully load. Once it's loaded, scroll up so that you can see the search bar, and then tap the "Aa" button.

3. From the pop-up menu that appears, select "Request Desktop Site."

Note that while all sites will let you request a desktop site, not all sites will actually give you one — some will just refresh the page but keep displaying the mobile site.

You should also note that when you do this, Safari will remember your preferences, so the next time you go to this site, it will display the desktop version. 

If at any point you want to switch back to the mobile version, just repeat this process — the button in step three will have changed to "Request Mobile Site" instead.

Related coverage from  How To Do Everything: Tech :

How to turn off auto brightness in ios 13 to stop your iphone from changing its brightness on its own, how to use do not disturb on an iphone to silence notifications and limit distractions, ios 13 lets you automatically close tabs in the safari browser on an iphone after a set period of time — here's how to do it, ios 13 has a new feature that limits the data usage on your iphone — here's how to use low data mode, how to copy and paste using gestures on an iphone with ios 13, and edit text in an instant.

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• Check battery usage
• Use Low Power Mode to save battery life
• Read and bookmark the user guide
• Learn basic gestures
• Learn advanced gestures
• Adjust the volume
• Find your apps in App Library
• Switch between apps
• Zoom an app to fill the screen
• Quit and reopen an app
• Drag and drop
• Open two items in Split View
• Switch an app window to Slide Over
• View an app’s windows and workspaces
• Multitask with Picture in Picture
• Move, resize, and organize windows
• Access features from the Lock Screen
• Perform quick actions
• Search on iPad
• Get information about your iPad
• View or change cellular data settings
• Travel with iPad
• Change or turn off sounds
• Create a custom Lock Screen
• Change the wallpaper
• Adjust the screen brightness and color balance
• Customize the text size and zoom setting
• Change the name of your iPad
• Change the date and time
• Change the language and region
• Organize your apps in folders
• Add, edit, and remove widgets
• Move apps and widgets on the Home Screen
• Remove apps
• Use and customize Control Center
• Change or lock the screen orientation
• View and respond to notifications
• Change notification settings
• Set up a focus
• Allow or silence notifications for a Focus
• Turn a Focus on or off
• Customize sharing options
• Type with the onscreen keyboard
• Dictate text
• Move the onscreen keyboard
• Select and edit text
• Use predictive text
• Use text replacements
• Add or change keyboards
• Add emoji and stickers
• Take a screenshot
• Take a screen recording
• Write and draw in documents
• Add text, shapes, signatures, and more
• Fill out forms and sign documents
• Use Live Text to interact with content in a photo or video
• Use Visual Look Up to identify objects in your photos and videos
• Lift a subject from the photo background
• Subscribe to Apple Arcade
• Play with friends in Game Center
• Connect a game controller
• Use App Clips
• Update apps
• View or cancel subscriptions
• Manage purchases, settings, and restrictions
• Install and manage fonts
• Buy books and audiobooks
• Annotate books
• Access books on other Apple devices
• Listen to audiobooks
• Set reading goals
• Organize books
• Create and edit events in Calendar
• Send invitations
• Reply to invitations
• Change how you view events
• Search for events
• Change calendar and event settings
• Schedule or display events in a different time zone
• Keep track of events
• Use multiple calendars
• Use the Holidays calendar
• Share iCloud calendars
• Take photos
• Take a selfie
• Take a Portrait mode selfie
• Take videos
• Change advanced camera settings
• Adjust HDR camera settings
• View, share, and print photos
• Use Live Text
• Scan a QR code
• See the world clock
• Set an alarm
• Use the stopwatch
• Use multiple timers
• Add and use contact information
• Edit contacts
• Add your contact info
• Send Contacts on iPad
• Use other contact accounts
• Hide duplicate contacts
• Export contacts
• Get started with FaceTime
• Make FaceTime calls
• Receive FaceTime calls
• Create a FaceTime link
• Take a Live Photo
• Turn on Live Captions
• Use other apps during a call
• Make a Group FaceTime call
• View participants in a grid
• Use SharePlay to watch, listen, and play together
• Share your screen in a FaceTime call
• Collaborate on a document in a FaceTime call
• Use video conferencing features
• Hand off a FaceTime call to another Apple device
• Change the FaceTime video settings
• Change the FaceTime audio settings
• Change your appearance
• Leave a call or switch to Messages
• Block unwanted callers
• Report a call as spam
• Connect external devices or servers
• Modify files, folders, and downloads
• Search for files and folders
• Organize files and folders
• Set up iCloud Drive
• Share files and folders in iCloud Drive
• Share your location
• Add or remove a friend
• Locate a friend
• Get notified when friends change their location
• Notify a friend when your location changes
• Add your iPad
• Get notified if you leave a device behind
• Locate a device
• Mark a device as lost
• Erase a device
• Remove a device
• Add an AirTag
• Share an AirTag or other item in Find My on iPad
• Add a third-party item
• Get notified if you leave an item behind
• Locate an item
• Mark an item as lost
• Remove an item
• Adjust map settings
• Get started with Freeform
• Create a Freeform board
• Draw or handwrite
• Apply consistent styles
• Position items on a board
• Search Freeform boards
• Share and collaborate
• Delete and recover boards
• Get started with Health
• Fill out your Health Details
• Intro to Health data
• View your health data
• Share your health data
• View health data shared by others
• Download health records
• View health records
• Log menstrual cycle information
• View menstrual cycle predictions and history
• Track your medications
• Learn more about your medications
• Log your state of mind
• Take a mental health assessment
• Customize your Sleep Focus
• Turn Sleep Focus on or off
• View your sleep history
• Check your headphone audio levels
• Use audiogram data
• Back up your Health data
• Intro to Home
• Upgrade to the new Home architecture
• Set up accessories
• Control accessories
• Control your home using Siri
• Use Grid Forecast to plan your energy usage
• Set up HomePod
• Control your home remotely
• Create and use scenes
• Use automations
• Set up security cameras
• Use Face Recognition
• Configure a router
• Invite others to control accessories
• Add more homes
• Get music, movies, and TV shows
• Get ringtones
• Manage purchases and settings
• Magnify nearby objects
• Change settings
• Detect people around you
• Detect doors around you
• Receive image descriptions of your surroundings
• Read aloud text and labels around you
• Set up shortcuts for Detection Mode
• Add and remove email accounts
• Set up a custom email domain
• Check your email
• Unsend email with Undo send
• Reply to and forward emails
• Save an email draft
• Add email attachments
• Download email attachments
• Annotate email attachments
• Set email notifications
• Search for email
• Organize your email in mailboxes
• Flag or block emails
• Filter emails
• Use Hide My Email
• Use Mail Privacy Protection
• Change email settings
• Delete and recover emails
• Add a Mail widget to your Home Screen
• Print emails

Use keyboard shortcuts

• Get travel directions
• Select other route options
• Find stops along your route
• View a route overview or a list of turns
• Change settings for spoken directions
• Get driving directions
• Report traffic incidents
• Get cycling directions
• Get walking directions
• Get transit directions
• Delete recent directions
• Get traffic and weather info
• Predict travel time and ETA
• Download offline maps
• Search for places
• Find nearby attractions, restaurants, and services
• Get information about places
• Mark places
• Share places
• Rate places
• Save favorite places
• Explore new places with Guides
• Organize places in My Guides
• Delete significant locations
• Look around places
• Take Flyover tours
• Find your Maps settings
• Measure dimensions
• View and save measurements
• Measure a person’s height
• Set up Messages
• About iMessage
• Send and reply to messages
• Unsend and edit messages
• Keep track of messages
• Forward and share messages
• Group conversations
• Watch, listen, or play together using SharePlay
• Collaborate on projects
• Use iMessage apps
• Take and edit photos or videos
• Share photos, links, and more
• Send stickers
• Request, send, and receive payments
• Send and receive audio messages
• Animate messages
• Change notifications
• Block, filter, and report messages
• Delete messages and attachments
• Recover deleted messages
• View albums, playlists, and more
• Show song credits and lyrics
• Queue up your music
• Listen to broadcast radio
• Subscribe to Apple Music
• Listen to lossless music
• Listen to Dolby Atmos music
• Apple Music Sing
• Find new music
• Add music and listen offline
• Get personalized recommendations
• Listen to radio
• Search for music
• Create playlists
• See what your friends are listening to
• Use Siri to play music
• Change the way music sounds
• Get started with News
• Use News widgets
• See news stories chosen just for you
• Read stories
• Follow your favorite teams with My Sports
• Subscribe to Apple News+
• Browse and read Apple News+ stories and issues
• Download Apple News+ issues
• Solve crossword puzzles
• Search for news stories
• Save stories in News for later
• Subscribe to individual news channels
• Get started with Notes
• Add or remove accounts
• Create and format notes
• Draw or write
• Add photos, videos, and more
• Scan text and documents
• Work with PDFs
• Create Quick Notes
• Search notes
• Organize in folders
• Organize with tags
• Use Smart Folders
• Export or print notes
• Change Notes settings
• Delete, share, or copy a photo
• View and edit Photo Booth photos in the Photos app
• View photos and videos
• Play videos and slideshows
• Delete or hide photos and videos
• Edit photos and videos
• Trim video length and adjust slow motion
• Edit Live Photos
• Edit Cinematic videos
• Edit portraits
• Use photo albums
• Edit, share, and organize albums
• Filter and sort photos and videos in albums
• Make stickers from your photos
• Duplicate and copy photos and videos
• Merge duplicate photos
• Search for photos
• Identify people and pets
• Browse photos by location
• Share photos and videos
• Share long videos
• View photos and videos shared with you
• Watch memories
• Personalize your memories
• Manage memories and featured photos
• Use iCloud Photos
• Create shared albums
• Add and remove people in a shared album
• Add and delete photos and videos in a shared album
• Set up or join an iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Add content to an iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Use iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Import and export photos and videos
• Print photos
• Find podcasts
• Listen to podcasts
• Follow your favorite podcasts
• Use the Podcasts widget
• Organize your podcast library
• Download, save, and share podcasts
• Subscribe to podcasts
• Listen to subscriber-only content
• Change download settings
• Make a grocery list
• Add items to a list
• Edit and manage a list
• Search and organize lists
• Work with templates
• Use Smart Lists
• Print reminders
• Use the Reminders widget
• Change Reminders settings
• Browse the web
• Search for websites
• Customize your Safari settings
• Change the layout
• Use Safari profiles
• Open and close tabs
• Organize your tabs with Tab Groups
• View your tabs from another device
• Share Tab Groups
• Use Siri to listen to a webpage
• Bookmark a website
• Bookmark a website as a favorite
• Save pages to a Reading List
• Find links shared with you
• Annotate and save a webpage as a PDF
• Automatically fill in forms
• Get extensions
• Hide ads and distractions
• Clear your cache
• Browse the web privately
• Use passkeys in Safari
• Check stocks
• Manage multiple watchlists
• Read business news
• Add earnings reports to your calendar
• Use a Stocks widget
• Translate text, voice, and conversations
• Translate text in apps
• Translate with the camera view
• Subscribe to Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass, or an Apple TV channel
• Add your TV provider
• Get shows, movies, and more
• Watch sports
• Watch Major League Soccer with MLS Season Pass
• Watch multiple live sports streams
• Control playback
• Manage your library
• Change the settings
• Make a recording
• Play it back
• Edit or delete a recording
• Keep recordings up to date
• Organize recordings
• Search for or rename a recording
• Share a recording
• Duplicate a recording
• Check the weather
• Check the weather in other locations
• View weather maps
• Manage weather notifications
• Use Weather widgets
• Learn the weather icons
• Find out what Siri can do
• Tell Siri about yourself
• Have Siri announce calls and notifications
• Add Siri Shortcuts
• About Siri Suggestions
• Change Siri settings
• Set up Family Sharing
• Add Family Sharing members
• Remove Family Sharing members
• Share subscriptions
• Share purchases
• Share locations with family and locate lost devices
• Set up Apple Cash Family and Apple Card Family
• Set up parental controls
• Set up a child’s device
• Get started with Screen Time
• Protect your vision health with Screen Distance
• Set up Screen Time for yourself
• Set communication and safety limits and block inappropriate content
• Set up Screen Time for a family member
• Set up Apple Pay
• Use Apple Pay in apps and on the web
• Track your orders
• Use Apple Cash
• Use Apple Card
• Use Savings
• Manage payment cards and activity
• Power adapter and charge cable
• Use AirPods
• Use EarPods
• Use headphone audio-level features
• Apple Pencil compatibility
• Pair and charge Apple Pencil (1st generation)
• Pair and charge Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
• Pair and charge Apple Pencil (USB-C)
• Enter text with Scribble
• Draw with Apple Pencil
• Take and mark up a screenshot with Apple Pencil
• Quickly write notes
• Preview tools and controls with Apple Pencil hover
• Wirelessly stream videos and photos to Apple TV or a smart TV
• Connect to a display with a cable
• HomePod and other wireless speakers
• iPad keyboards
• Switch between keyboards
• Enter characters with diacritical marks
• Use shortcuts
• Choose an alternative keyboard layout
• Change typing assistance options
• Connect Magic Trackpad
• Trackpad gestures
• Change trackpad settings
• Connect a mouse
• Mouse actions and gestures
• Change mouse settings
• External storage devices
• Bluetooth accessories
• Apple Watch with Fitness+
• Share your internet connection
• Make and receive phone calls
• Use iPad as a second display for Mac
• Use iPad as a webcam
• Use a keyboard and mouse or trackpad across your Mac and iPad
• Hand off tasks between devices
• Cut, copy, and paste between iPad and other devices
• Stream video or mirror the screen of your iPad
• Use AirDrop to send items
• Connect iPad and your computer with a cable
• Transfer files between devices
• Transfer files with email, messages, or AirDrop
• Transfer files or sync content with the Finder or iTunes
• Automatically keep files up to date with iCloud
• Use an external storage device, a file server, or a cloud storage service
• Get started with accessibility features
• Turn on accessibility features for setup
• Change Siri accessibility settings
• Open features with Accessibility Shortcut
• Enlarge text by hovering
• Change color and brightness
• Make text easier to read
• Reduce onscreen motion
• Customize per-app visual settings
• Hear what’s on the screen or typed
• Hear audio descriptions
• Turn on and practice VoiceOver
• Change your VoiceOver settings
• Use VoiceOver gestures
• Operate iPad when VoiceOver is on
• Control VoiceOver using the rotor
• Use the onscreen keyboard
• Write with your finger
• Use VoiceOver with an Apple external keyboard
• Use a braille display
• Type braille on the screen
• Customize gestures and keyboard shortcuts
• Use VoiceOver with a pointer device
• Use VoiceOver for images and videos
• Use VoiceOver in apps
• Use AssistiveTouch
• Use an eye-tracking device
• Adjust how iPad responds to your touch
• Auto-answer calls
• Change Face ID and attention settings
• Use Voice Control
• Adjust the top or Home button
• Use Apple TV Remote buttons
• Adjust pointer settings
• Adjust keyboard settings
• Adjust AirPods settings
• Adjust Apple Pencil settings
• Control a nearby Apple device
• Intro to Switch Control
• Set up and turn on Switch Control
• Select items, perform actions, and more
• Control several devices with one switch
• Use hearing devices
• Use Live Listen
• Use sound recognition
• Set up and use RTT
• Flash the LED for alerts
• Adjust audio settings
• Play background sounds
• Display subtitles and captions
• Show transcriptions for Intercom messages
• Get Live Captions (beta)
• Type to speak
• Record a Personal Voice
• Use Guided Access
• Use built-in privacy and security protections
• Set a passcode
• Set up Face ID
• Set up Touch ID
• Control access to information on the Lock Screen
• Keep your Apple ID secure
• Use passkeys to sign in to apps and websites
• Sign in with Apple
• Share passwords
• Automatically fill in strong passwords
• Change weak or compromised passwords
• View your passwords and related information
• Share passkeys and passwords securely with AirDrop
• Make your passkeys and passwords available on all your devices
• Automatically fill in verification codes
• Sign in with fewer CAPTCHA challenges
• Two-factor authentication
• Use security keys
• Control app tracking permissions
• Control the location information you share
• Control access to information in apps
• Control how Apple delivers advertising to you
• Control access to hardware features
• Create and manage Hide My Email addresses
• Protect your web browsing with iCloud Private Relay
• Use a private network address
• Use Advanced Data Protection
• Use Lockdown Mode
• Receive warnings about sensitive content
• Use Contact Key Verification
• Turn iPad on or off
• Force restart iPad
• Update iPadOS
• Back up iPad
• Return iPad settings to their defaults
• Restore all content from a backup
• Restore purchased and deleted items
• Sell, give away, or trade in your iPad
• Install or remove configuration profiles
• Important safety information
• Important handling information
• Find more resources for software and service
• FCC compliance statement
• ISED Canada compliance statement
• Apple and the environment
• Class 1 Laser information
• Disposal and recycling information
• Unauthorized modification of iPadOS
• ENERGY STAR compliance statement

Customize your Safari settings on iPad

Customize your start page

Every time you open a new tab, you begin on your start page. You can customize your start page with new background images and options.

Scroll to the bottom of the page, then tap Edit.

Choose options for your start page.

Favorites: Display shortcuts to your favorite bookmarked websites. See Add a website to Favorites .

Frequently Visited: Go straight to the websites you visit most.

Shared with You: See links shared with you in Messages. See Find links shared with you .

Privacy Report: Stay updated on how many trackers and websites Safari blocked from tracking you. See View the Privacy Report .

Siri Suggestions: As you search, allow websites shared in Calendar and other apps to appear.

Reading List: Show webpages currently in your Reading List. See Add the current webpage to your Reading List .

Recently Closed Tabs: Go back to tabs you previously closed.

iCloud Tabs: Show open tabs from other Apple devices where you’re signed in with the same Apple ID and Safari is turned on in iCloud settings or preferences. See Organize your tabs with Tab Groups .

Note: Your custom start page settings are updated on all your Apple devices where you have Use Start Page on All Devices turned on, and you’re signed in with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication .

Change the text size for a website on Safari

Tap the large A to increase the font size or the small A to decrease it.

Change the display controls for a website on Safari

You can hide the search field, switch to Reader, and more.

Hide the search field: Tap Hide Toolbar (tap the top of the screen to get it back).

See a streamlined view of the webpage: Tap Show Reader (if available).

To return to the normal view, tap Hide Reader.

See what the webpage looks like on a desktop computer: Tap Request Desktop Website (if available).

You can also adjust Safari settings in Accessibility settings. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Per-App Settings. Tap Add App, choose Safari, then tap Safari to adjust the settings.

Choose where to save downloads

When you download a file in Safari, you can choose whether to save it to iCloud or on your iPad.

iCloud Drive: Select this option to save downloads to the Downloads folder in iCloud Drive. This allows you to access the downloaded file on any iPhone, iPad, or Mac where you’re signed in with the same Apple ID .

On My iPad: Select this option to save downloads to the Downloads folder on your iPad.

Share website passwords with a group

You can create a group of trusted contacts and share a set of passwords. Passwords stay up to date for everyone in the group, and you can remove someone at any time.

See Create shared password groups .

Adjust privacy settings for Safari

You can choose what privacy settings you want across Safari, and create individual exceptions for websites. See Browse privately .

You can navigate in Safari using keyboard shortcuts if you have an Apple external keyboard connected to your iPad.

To view available keyboard shortcuts, connect your keyboard, then press and hold the Command key.

How to customize and share website settings in Safari on iPhone

Apple already implemented some enhanced website settings on the Safari browser a while ago. With the new iOS 16, Apple offers an option to share Safari settings across your devices. I will take you through each feature and help you access, edit, manage, and share website setting in Safari, so let’s get going.   

How to access website settings in Safari

• What are the different website settings on iPhone?
• How to change Safari settings for a specific website on iPhone
• How to share Website settings in iOS 16
• Open iPhone Settings and tap Safari . 

What Safari settings can you change on the iPhone?  

• Page Zoom : If you have difficulty seeing standard webpage text and images, you can set the zoom level for all the websites.  Note: If you had individually set the zoom for a page, it would be listed here. You may tap Edit to clear that and set a page zoom level for all websites you visit. 
• Request Desktop Website : This lets you access the computer version of a website. You may have to pinch out with two fingers to see the content.  Note: Several websites do not let you access the desktop version even if you use this feature. 
• Reader : Websites are full of ads and distractions like email popups, offer banners, and more. Reader Mode removes all these and lets you focus on the meaningful text and images on a website. From here, you can enable it for all websites. 
• Camera , Microphone , Location : From here, you can allow, deny, or force all websites to ask your permission before accessing the iPhone camera, microphone, or your current location.

You can either customize the Safari settings from iPhone Settings or do it directly from Safari.

How to change Safari settings for each website on iPhone

Many times, there have been cases where not all sites require all the settings to be changed. If you want to give some extra privilege to your favorite site, follow these simple steps:

• Launch the Safari app and visit the website. 
• Tap Website Settings . 

Notably, this will set the default for the active website. If you want to change or set the default page zoom for the current website, tap the ‘A’ from the bottom of the options menu.

How to share website settings in iOS 16  

Now that we have set all the settings you need for websites, you can also ensure that it’s shared across all your devices.

• Open Settings and go to Safari settings. 
• Scroll down to Settings For Websites .

And just like that, your website settings are now shared across all devices synced via iCloud. 

Conclusion  

Now that you’ve learned how to set custom Safari settings for all or individual websites, share a note of thanks in the comment section below. It would be an amazing reward for my team and me.

You might like :  

• How to translate web pages in Safari on iPhone and iPad
• How to delete frequently visited sites from Safari on iPhone
• How to prevent websites from tracking you in Safari on iPhone
• Safari tips and tricks for iPhone

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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.

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

• Open Safari and visit any website that has both a mobile and a desktop version.
• Once the site loads, tap on the A A symbol located at the leftmost side of Safari’s URL box.
• 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.
• You can go back to the mobile site anytime using the same action and selecting Request Mobile Website .

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 A A in the Safari URL bar and select Request Mobile Website .

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:

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

Other Safari tips:

• 10+ tips to customize and personalize Safari on iPhone and iPad
• How to create and use profiles in Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
• How to lock and unlock private Safari tabs with Face ID, Touch ID or password