If you wish to view the full desktop version of YouTube from the Safari for iOS browser on your Apple iPhone or iPad, you can by performing just a few steps. Follow this tutorial, and you’ll have access to all of the features the desktop version of the website offers in no time.
Enable JavaScript Before Proceeding
Before performing the below steps, ensure that JavaScript is enabled in Safari. Many of the features in YouTube won’t be available unless it’s enabled. You can do so by going to the Home screen and selecting “Settings” > “Safari” > “Advanced“. From there, switch “JavaScript” to “On“(Green).
These steps may also not work if the YouTube app is installed. So you may want to uninstall it.
Option 1 – Quick Shortcut
You can quickly access the desktop version of YouTube in Safari for iOS by opening the Safari app, and typing “www.youtube.com/?app=desktop” without quotes. From there, tap “Go” and you will be immediately taken to the desktop version of YouTube.
Option 2 – Desktop Menu
If you don’t want to type out the long URL, you can perform these steps instead:
- Open the Safari app, type “youtube.com“, then press “Go“.
- The mobile version of YouTube will be displayed. You can then tap the menu button located in the upper-left corner of the screen.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the menu, then tap “Desktop“.
Option 3 – Safari Setting
iOS 9 & Later
- Visit YouTube.com in the Safari web browser.
- Tap and hold the circle with arrows icon
in the upper-right corner. - Select “Request Desktop Site“.
You are done! The desktop version of YouTube is displayed.
iOS 8
- Open the Safari app, type “youtube.com“, then press “Go“.
- Tap the URL in the address bar to highlight it and bring up the Bookmarks menu.
- Starting from just below the address bar, swipe downward to reveal the “Request Desktop Site” option. Select it and you’re done.
There you have it! Three ways to access the desktop version of YouTube from your iPhone or iPad.
Bertrand says
Hey – finally I found the answer! Great job! Thanks a lot! :-)
Lightshow says
Also for people asking how to revert to mobile if you go my way it will give you a banner with a blue word saying mobile (click that)
Lightshow says
There is a way faster way; not to mention easyer way if you use the YouTube app. Enter the app then press the white arrow next to your name in the top right it will take you to the YouTube browser.
From there hit the three dots in the top right (settings symbol) very bottom option is desktop.
Then vuela you are on the desktop site with all the same functions, and you can follow your steps to loop it.
Zeeshan pakistan says
Thx man
Anon says
How do i change it back to mobile?
James says
How to I prevent it from opening YouTube links in the app?
Kim says
Thank you!! Finally a true answer!