Understanding how to use the Facebook desktop version for mobile can make it easier to access all of Facebook’s features on the go. While the mobile app is nice, it’s missing some of the desktop features.
Many users find the mobile site limited, with smaller screens making it hard to see content.
By going to the Facebook site on your mobile browser you can have a fuller experience, like using a desktop computer. In this guide, we’ll show you how to open Facebook desktop site on your mobile.
Key Takeaways
- Access Desktop Version on Mobile: Use the "Request Desktop Site" option in browsers like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.
- Desktop Benefits: Offers advanced features, better customization, and content control compared to mobile.
- Browser Steps: Safari uses "Aa" for desktop requests, Chrome uses "Desktop Site" in the menu, and Firefox has a similar option.
- Desktop vs. Mobile: Mobile is faster; desktop provides more tools like games and ad management.
- Switch Back to Mobile: Uncheck "Request Desktop Site" or refresh the page to return to mobile view.
Facebook’s Mobile Version
Facebook has the same features on its mobile app that it does with its desktop version. However, people don’t tend to prefer it because they can just access it on their computer. There are several reasons for this.
The first is that the Facebook app is going to take up too much memory and battery on your phone, and this is going to affect the loading speed as well.
You are going to have to deal with slow load times, and if you don’t have a lot of time to browse Facebook, this is going to quickly get frustrating.
The other reason is that Facebook doesn’t allow users to make the most of some of the features that are available on mobile browser versions, like Messenger.
This means that you’re going to have to access everything when you get home through your desktop, which might not be that convenient.
Let’s take a look at how to use the Facebook desktop version for mobile.
How to Use the Facebook Desktop Version for Mobile
There are a couple of ways that you can use the mobile version on the desktop and vice versa, but they differ between Android and iOS.
As a result, you will need to make sure that you find the one that suits your device the best.
Mozilla Firefox for Facebook Desktop Site
Firefox is one of the easiest browsers to use when you are switching from the Facebook mobile version to the desktop.
Let’s take a look at how to do this:
-
Visit Facebook in your web browser by typing Facebook into the search engine
-
Typically, Facebook is going to force you to change to the app. This means that if you are directed to the app, go back to the browser, and refresh your page. Sometimes a smartphone is going to ask if you want to stay in the browser or not. You need to stay in your browser for this method to be successful.
-
Select the three dots that you will see at the top of the page to the right
-
On the menu that appears, you are going to see a switch for ‘Facebook desktop site’. Select this.
-
Now you are going to be able to see Facebook as the desktop version but on your mobile
Android Desktop Version Google Chrome
The first method that we have run you through above is going to work with Mozilla Firefox.
Now, we are going to run you through another method if you don’t happen to use Firefox as your main browser.
If you are using Android, then you will want to visit your browser and load the mobile version for Facebook.
At this point, Facebook is most likely going to try and direct you to the app.
If this happens, then go to your browser again, and reload the page.
You need to log in to your Facebook account and locate Chrome’s menu which you will see at the top of the page to the right.
-
You are going to see a list of options. One is going to be called ‘desktop site’. Select this, and make sure that it’s on. The page is going to reload.
-
Now, you are going to be able to use the desktop version as you would like.
Desktop Version for iOS on Safari
-
Go to Facebook, and log into your account
-
Select the ‘Aa’ button that you will see at the bottom menu. Once you have done this, you are going to see a few more options. You will be able to find a ‘request desktop site’ option.
-
Select this option and then wait for the page to reload. When it has been reloaded successfully, you are going to be able to visit Facebook using the desktop features.
What’s the Difference Between Desktop and Mobile for Facebook?
-
The desktop version offers a lot more content than the mobile version
-
The mobile app is a lot quicker when it comes to response time
-
Facebook is going to display ads differently on the mobile Facebook app and the desktop site
-
If you like to play games on Facebook, you are not going to be able to do so on the mobile version
-
You are going to see a lot more ads on the desktop version
-
You have a lot more control over your content on the desktop version
Conclusion
Mastering how to use the Facebook desktop version for mobile can greatly improve your experience, especially when you need advanced features not available on the Facebook mobile app.
While the mobile device version is faster and more user-friendly, the desktop version of Facebook offers additional tools and customization options.
Using the “Request Desktop Site” feature on your browser allows you to access Facebook's desktop version and enjoy the full desktop version of the Facebook website.
Ultimately, whether you choose the desktop or mobile view depends on your preferences and what works best for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I force Facebook to open in desktop mode?
To force Facebook to open in desktop mode, use your mobile browser and visit Facebook's desktop site by entering the URL in the address bar.
Once there, access your browser’s menu (e.g., the three dots in Google Chrome or settings in Safari) and select Request Desktop Site. This will reload Facebook in its desktop version.
How to switch to desktop mode on iPhone Facebook?
To switch to desktop mode on an iPhone, open Facebook through Safari, log into your Facebook account, and tap the "Aa" icon in the address bar.
From the dropdown, select Request Desktop Site, and the page will reload in the desktop version of Facebook.
How can I use the desktop version on mobile?
To use the desktop version of Facebook on your mobile device, open Facebook in your preferred browser (e.g., Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge).
Log in, then access the browser menu and select Request Desktop or similar options. This works across both Android devices and iPhones.
How do I switch from desktop to mobile view?
If Facebook is displaying in desktop mode and you want to return to the mobile version, refresh the page or clear the desktop request from your browser settings.
On most mobile browsers, you can toggle back to the mobile website by unchecking Request Desktop Site in the menu.
By following these simple steps, you can easily switch between Facebook’s desktop and mobile views to suit your needs.