View desktop version – Before smartphones became a household item, websites were designed to be viewed on desktops. In recent times, it is estimated that 70% of web traffic comes from mobile devices.
Web developers strive to design mobile-friendly and responsive websites. But, not all websites are suitable to be viewed on mobile devices as some features are disabled to accommodate its load time and speed. As a user, you can have a desktop view of a website on your mobile device. There are two (2) options of doing so with an iPhone.
The advent of Mobile Devices
Before the first Apple iPhone release in 2007, the first touchscreen smartphone came out in 1992. From 1992 to 2007, smartphones have continually evolved. From IBM to Motorola, Apple, Samsung, HTC, Lenovo, Huawei, LG, etc., mobile device companies are springing up with some replicating a strong brand or building a nameless brand.
Every year, new phones are released to replace the older versions. We are in 2019 and no one can afford to use the first iPhone.
There are several features which are not applicable or in vogue today. From smaller screen resolution, thick back cover to thinner and wider screen resolutions, IP67 or IP68, bezel/gorilla screens, 3D touch, Facial recognition, and fingerprint scanning.
These new features show the steps mobile companies take to improve on existing novelty.
Desktop View vs Mobile View of Website
Websites are easier to view on a Desktop mode. The mobile view does not display 100% of the features embedded in the desktop model of a website. Most times, third party services are disabled, offers single implementation and are usually responsive.
Websites are often designed to be mobile-friendly and responsive. But, what happens when a developer forgets to design a mobile version? Then, when you try to open the website through a mobile device, you will see a bunch of ineligible texts, scattered and irregular images.
While these features fight for space on your mobile device, as a user, you will be thrown off by the design. Often, developers design a mobile version and limit some of the features that are displayed.
Desktop view is available to devices such as Laptop, Desktop, etc. Any device within 12” and above. Mobile view is available to devices such as Phablets, Tablets, Smartphones, etc. But, Desktop view can be activated among the latter devices.
You can request for a desktop view through the settings of the web browser you are using on your phone irrespective of the operating system. Let’s focus on this setting on the iPhone device.
How to View Desktop Version of a Website on iPhone
There are two (2) options to view the desktop version of a website on your iPhone. Let’s use Safari as the Web browser for this article.
First Option – Refresh Option
- Open Safari on your iPhone
- Type the URL you intend to view, or you can search on the webpage. For instance, we will use https://leadwebpraxis.com/
- Once the website opens, click and hold on to the refresh icon on your screen. The refresh icon is located on the top of the website, directly beside the URL. If you cannot see it, try to scroll up or down to show it.
- After holding the refresh icon for 3 seconds, a pop-up will appear asking you to “Request Desktop Site” or “cancel”. There may be additional request but the focus is on “Request Desktop Site”.
- Click on “Request Desktop Site” and https://leadwebpraxis.com/ will automatically be viewed as a Desktop version.
- When you are done, you can close your browser or search for another web link. It will automatically revert to the mobile version.
Second Option – Sharing Menu
- Open Safari on your iPhone
- Type the URL you intend to view, or you can search on the webpage. For instance, we will use https://leadwebpraxis.com/
- Once the website opens, click on the share icon. It is a box with an arrow facing up. It is located on the lower end of your screen.
- Select “Request Desktop Site”. Safari will remember your request when next you visit the website.
Conclusion
These two options are the only available options on Safari. None is technical or requires special supervision. For the second option, you can move the “Request Desktop View” icon to frequently displayed icons on the Sharing Menu by using it regularly or by rearranging the menu icons.
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