How to view desktop websites on Android
Drop the stripped-down mobile versions of websites on your Android browser
By Martyn Casserly, Contributor| 06 Jul 2020
Some websites have different versions that appear depending on the type of device youre using. On a phone, the interface is usually streamlined to fit the smaller screens. You tend to see the full-blown version on your PC, laptop or even tablet if the resolution is high enough.
While this is fine if the mobile site is well designed but, it isnt always ideal if it lacks features or some of them don't work properly, which is just plain annoying when compared to the 'proper' version on the desktop. This can be a particular problem when using an Android tablet, as you might end up seeing the mobile version, leaving you with acres of empty space on your screen.
Well, all is not lost, as its actually very easy to force websites to default to the desktop version rather than the mobile equivalent.
How to view desktop versions of websites in Chrome
Changing the default view to that of a desktop website takes only a few seconds. On your Android device, open Chrome and navigate to a website. Once there, tap the three dots icon in the top right corner of the screen to open up the main menu.
Look down the list and youll see an option for Desktop site. Tap this and you should see the site automatically revert to the desktop version. This will now apply to all websites you open, but you can return to the mobile version once more by opening the menu again and disabling the Desktop site setting.
Obviously, desktop versions are not designed for small screens so you might find it hard to read text and may have to zoom in to be able to precisely tap buttons or enter text in forms. But you can switch back to the mobile site when you've done whatever you needed to do that couldn't be done on the mobile version of the site.
How to view desktop versions of websites in Firefox
The method for viewing desktop sites on Firefox is very similar to Chrome. Open the app and find your way to the website in question. Then, tap the three dots in the top right corner and select Request Desktop Site from the menu. Again, this is now the default, so to turn it off youll need to reverse the steps above.
Top Cyber Monday Deals
Only the best deals on the best products handpicked by our expert editors
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 [i5, 8GB, 128GB]
From: Currys
Was: £999
Now: £899.10 [10% off with code SURFACE10]
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
From: Samsung
Was: £1,599
Now: £1,279.20 [£318.80 off]
View Deal
Fitbit Charge 5
From: Amazon
Was: £169.99
Now: £139 [£30.99 off]
View Deal
Audible 3 months' membership
From: Audible
Was: £23.97
Now: 99p [£22.98 off]
View Deal
Apple iPhone 13 mini with iPad [2021]
From: Virgin
Now: From £40 per month, no upfront cost
View Deal
Xiaomi 11T Pro + Mi Scooter 1S
From: Vodafone
Now: From £33 per month [£29 upfront]
View Deal
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 [13.5in, Ryzen 5, 8GB, 256GB]
From: Amazon
Was: £999
Now: £779 [£220 off + £26 off Adobe CC Photography plan]
View Deal
Nintendo Switch
From: ShopTo via eBay
Was: £259.99
Now: £239.99 [£20 off]
View Deal
Dell XPS 13 [late 2020]
From: Dell
Was: £849
Now: £721 [£128 off with code]
View Deal
Samsung The Frame 32in Smart QLED TV
From: Amazon
Was: £399
Now: £341.10 [£57 off]
View Deal
Top Cyber Monday Deals
Only the best deals on the best products handpicked by our expert editors
Asus Vivobook 15
From: Staples
Was: $449.99
Now: $279.99 [$170 off]
View Deal
Ring Video Doorbell & Echo Dot 3
From: Amazon
Was: $99.98
Now: $41.99 [$57.99 off]
View Deal
Fitbit Charge 5
From: Amazon US
Was: $179.95
Now: $129.95 [$50 off]
View Deal
Disney+ Up to 6 months
From: Amazon Music
Was: $47.94
Now: Free with Amazon Music Unlimited [$9.99 per month/$7.99 for Prime Members]
View Deal
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 [Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage]
From: Best Buy
Was: $899.99
Now: $699.99 [$200 off]
View Deal
Fitbit Luxe
From: Amazon US
Was: $149.95
Now: $99.95 [$50 off]
View Deal
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
From: Amazon US
Was: $49.99
Now: $24.99 [$25 off]
View Deal
Theragun: Cyber Monday Sale US
From: Theragun
Now: From $174 [Up to $300 off]
View Deal
Samsung Galaxy Buds+
From: Walmart
Was: $149.99
Now: $79.99 [$70 off]
View Deal
Fitbit Inspire 2
From: Amazon US
Was: $99.95
Now: $59.95 [$40 off]
View Deal
How to view desktop versions of websites in Opera
Unsurprisingly, as Opera is based on the same engine as Chrome, the steps all almost identical on this browser. So, youll need to open the app, find the site you want to view, tap the three dots in the upper right corner, then tap the Desktop site option.
How to view desktop versions of websites in Brave
Brave is a browser thats growing in popularity and is another that offers quick access to desktop sites. Open Brave and go to the website you want to view. Next, tap the three dots in the bottom right corner to open the menu. Finally, tap the Desktop site option.
As you can see theres a good range of options on how you access sites from your Android phone. If you want one that protects surfing sessions from potential snoopers, then a privacy focused browser should be on your list, along with a decent VPN.