How to Use Chrome Desktop Mode on Android
To see the desktop version of a website in Chrome on Android, open the site, tap More (the three dots) and tap Desktop site. To make it stick, Chrome can also request desktop sites for every site, or only for the sites you choose, from Settings > Site settings > Desktop site. Steps for each are below, based on Google’s desktop mode help.
Requesting Desktop Site in Chrome on Android
To view a website in desktop mode on your Android device, follow these steps:
- Open the Chrome app on your Android device.
- Navigate to the website you wish to view in desktop mode.
- Tap the three dots menu icon to the right of the address bar.
- Tap Desktop site.
The page will reload, and you should see the desktop version of the site. Google notes that choosing Desktop site from the menu can also add the site to your list of exceptions, so it keeps opening in desktop mode. To switch back, tap More and turn Desktop site off.
Setting Permanent Desktop Mode Per Site
Chrome for Android can remember your choice for every site or for specific sites:
- Tap More > Settings.
- Under “Advanced,” tap Site settings > Desktop site.
- Choose Default view (Chrome picks mobile or desktop based on screen size and memory), Mobile site or Desktop site for all sites.
- To set just one site, tap Add site exception and enter the site’s address.
Desktop Mode vs Mobile Mode Differences
Understanding the differences between desktop and mobile modes can help determine when to use each:
- Desktop Mode: Shows the full version of the website, with the layout and options designed for computers. Useful for accessing functions that are not present in the mobile version.
- Mobile Mode: Optimized for smaller screens, focusing on ease of navigation and touch-friendly interactions.
When to Use Desktop Mode
- When a site’s mobile version lacks specific features you need.
- If you need to access a site’s full features for complex tasks.
- When the mobile view is not displaying content correctly.
Troubleshooting Desktop Mode Issues
Common Problems and Solutions
- Website Still Displays in Mobile Mode: Tap More and make sure Desktop site is turned on, then refresh the page. Some websites have their own desktop view link, which can override Chrome’s setting; tap it on the site if you see one.
- Desktop sites don’t open automatically: In Default view, Chrome only chooses desktop sites on its own on devices with 8 GB of RAM or more. On other devices, choose Desktop site in Site settings instead.
- Pages look broken: Delete cached images and files: tap More > Delete browsing data, tap More options, and select “Cached images and files.”
Using a Large Screen
Google says that when you connect an Android device to a large screen, Chrome can switch to a desktop browser layout with a full toolbar and tab strip. On devices with 8 GB of RAM or more it shows the full desktop version of websites by default.