Mobile websites often streamline layouts for touchscreens, sometimes omitting key features found on desktop versions. For full access, enable desktop mode in Safari on iOS 13.
Contents:
1. Enable desktop mode for a tab temporarily
2. Enable desktop mode for a site permanently
3. Enable desktop mode for all sites at all times
With iOS 13, Apple relocated Safari's desktop mode option, enhancing flexibility. Now, you can set specific sites—or all sites—to load desktop versions by default, a welcome upgrade for power users.
Here's how, starting with the new location of this essential feature.
Note: On iPadOS, Safari loads desktop sites by default for all websites.
Tap the aA icon in the top-left corner—no need for the share sheet or long-pressing refresh.
Select Request Desktop Website from the menu. Safari reloads the page instantly. This applies only to the current tab, but new tabs from links within it will also use desktop mode.
The tab stays in desktop mode until closed or manually switched back.
Tip: Revert to mobile by tapping aA, then Request Mobile Website.
For frequent sites, set desktop mode to load automatically.
Visit the site, tap the aA icon, then Website Settings. Toggle on Request Desktop Website.
Tap Done. The site now defaults to desktop across tabs. Disable via the same menu if needed.
Safari on iOS 13 lets you default all sites to desktop mode via Settings—no third-party apps required.
Note: iOS 13 public beta was unstable; proceed cautiously with betas.
Step 1: Open Settings > Safari.
Step 2: Scroll to Request Desktop Website, toggle on All Websites.
Exit Settings and open Safari—desktop mode is now universal. Exclude sites via aA > Website Settings.
These options give precise control in Safari. While desktop sites may challenge smaller screens, target them for your go-to sites. Great strides by Apple.
Next: Explore Brave, the privacy-centric browser tempting Safari users on iPhone.
