Force Desktop Version of YouTube in Safari for iPhone & iPad

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:

1. Open the Safari app, type “youtube.com“, then press “Go“.
2. The mobile version of YouTube will be displayed. You can then tap the menu button located in the upper-left corner of the screen.
3.  Scroll down to the bottom of the menu, then tap “Desktop“.
   

Option 3 – Safari Setting

iOS 9 & Later

1. Visit YouTube.com in the Safari web browser.
2. Tap and hold the circle with arrows icon  in the upper-left corner.
3. Select “Request Desktop Site“.
   

You are done! The desktop version of YouTube is displayed.

iOS 8

1. Open the Safari app, type “youtube.com“, then press “Go“.
2. Tap the URL in the address bar to highlight it and bring up the Bookmarks menu.
   
3. 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.