1. Home
  2. Mobile
  3. Facebook desktop on mobile

How to Use Facebook on Mobile: Tips, Features, and Settings

It is possible to access the desktop version of Facebook on your mobile device and we’ll show you how. 

Person using Facebook on smartphone

Quickest trick: load Facebook and then “request desktop site” in your browser. You can also try a direct URL that sometimes forces the desktop layout.

  1. Launch your mobile browser and go to www.facebook.com/home.php.
  2. If you’re not signed in, log in first.
  3. Many users are taken straight to the desktop view after login. If you still see the mobile site, use your browser’s “Request Desktop Website/Site” option (steps below for each browser).
  4. Note: Facebook can still redirect to the mobile layout on smaller screens for certain pages. The per-site “always request desktop” setting helps.

Difference between desktop and mobile versions of Facebook

Owing to the fact that people have become dependent on their smartphones for work, travel, and recreation, websites have been built into two separate versions—one for mobile devices and the other for desktops.

However, the mobile version usually streamlines menus, navigation, and page elements for smaller screens. The desktop layout exposes more controls at once (sidebars, Creator tools, Page admin panels, Business settings, and multi-column views).

The main difference when using Facebook on a mobile device vs a desktop is screen size and interface density. Desktop fits more on screen at once; the mobile site tucks many options behind icons or overflow menus. On larger phones and tablets, requesting the desktop site can reveal extra panels you’re used to on a computer.

Comparatively, a tablet or an iPad offers a larger mobile version of the site, which is why browsers allow tablet users to opt to display sites in desktop mode.

Advantages of using Facebook on mobile vs desktop

Facebook app on smartphone with LED in background

To allow users to access content quickly, Facebook defaults to the mobile site on phones. People enjoy using mobile versions since they are easy to access without interruptions, and they are comparatively faster and more responsive.

When it comes to portability, web optimization ensures information loads efficiently. The mobile version also makes sharing easier and loads ads and media in a more bandwidth-friendly way. If you need the full control panel feel (Pages, groups, Ads Manager links, or creator tools), switching to the desktop view in your mobile browser is the workaround.

How to Use Facebook Desktop Version on Phone (iPhone and Android)

Two persons holding two smartphones

The Facebook app on iOS and Android provides most core features; the desktop layout mainly changes navigation and where tools live. If you prefer the desktop panel layout on your phone, use your browser’s “Request Desktop Website/Site.”

Mobile Browsers that Support Facebook Desktop

Logo of Google Chrome, Mozilla Forefox, Microsoft Edge and Safari

Good news: current versions of all major mobile browsers support “Request Desktop Site,” including Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. For best results, keep your browser updated to the latest version.

  1. Google Chrome
  2. Safari
  3. Mozilla Firefox
  4. Microsoft Edge

How to Open Facebook Desktop Version on iPhone

iPhone lets you switch between the Facebook mobile site and the desktop layout in Safari or Chrome. The desktop site includes the full-width interface you see on a computer.

How to Access Facebook Desktop Version on iPhone using Safari

Safari on iPhone/iPad can request the desktop site temporarily or remember it per-site.

  1. Open Safari and go to www.facebook.com.
  2. Tap the “aA” (or More) button in the address bar.
  3. Tap Request Desktop Website. The page reloads with the desktop layout.
  4. To make this stick for Facebook, tap Website Settings in the same menu and enable Request Desktop Website for this site. You can turn it off later the same way.
iPhone home screen buttons
IOS Safari browser address bar
Web Facebook version on Safari browser

Tip: If the banner offers to open the Facebook app, dismiss it to stay in the browser.

How to access Facebook Desktop Version on iPhone Using Chrome

  1. Open Chrome and go to facebook.com.
  2. Tap the ⋯ menu.
  3. Choose Request Desktop Site. Revert the same way when done.
  4. For better readability, rotate to landscape or pinch-zoom after the desktop view loads.
IOS Chrome app Homepage

How to access Facebook Desktop Version on Android Phones using Chrome

  1. Open Chrome on your Android phone and visit facebook.com.
  2. Tap the ⋮ menu > check Desktop site. The desktop layout will load.
  3. Optional (make it stick for Facebook): go to Settings > Site settings > Desktop site > Add site exception and add facebook.com. You can remove this exception anytime.
Android Google Chrome Search Results
Android Google Chrome Settings Menu

How to access Facebook Desktop Version in Mozilla Firefox on Android Phones

Firefox for Android makes switching easy and also supports a per-site default.

  1. Open Firefox and go to facebook.com.
  2. Tap the ⋮ menu > toggle Desktop site.
  3. Optional: To always request desktop for sites, go to Settings > Site settings > Request desktop view and configure your preference. Turn off later if you prefer mobile layouts.
Mozilla Firefox Main Homepage of Android

How to access Facebook Desktop Version in Microsoft Edge on Android Phones

Edge on Android supports desktop view and adds privacy features like tracking prevention and SmartScreen link checks.

  1. Open Edge and go to facebook.com.
  2. Tap the ⋯ menu.
  3. Tap View desktop site to reload Facebook with the desktop layout. Toggle it off to return to mobile.
Microsoft Edge Home on Android

How to set the default Desktop site option in Google Chrome on Android

You no longer need experimental flags. Use Chrome’s built-in site exceptions to keep desktop mode for Facebook.

  • In Chrome, go to ⋮ > Settings > Site settings > Desktop site.
  • Tap Add site exception and enter facebook.com.
  • Return here to remove the exception anytime.
Google Chrome Flags Menu Mobile Version

Note: Older advice suggesting chrome://flags is outdated for this purpose. Use the settings path above.

Google Chrome Setting on Android
Google Chrome Site Settings
  • Ensure Desktop site is enabled for Facebook under Site settings. Then reload to view the desktop layout.

How to Get the Mobile Version of Facebook on a Computer?

  1. Open Facebook on your computer and log in.
  2. Visit m.facebook.com to load Facebook’s mobile site in your desktop browser.

FAQs

Why do I still get redirected to the mobile site? Facebook adapts to screen size and may serve mobile views even when desktop is requested. Adding a site exception (Chrome/Android) or setting per-site desktop (Safari iPhone) usually resolves it for most pages.

Will everything look identical to a PC? Mostly, but some panels still reflow for touch screens. Pinch-zoom and landscape mode help. Very small screens may hide columns until you zoom out.

Is this safe? Use up-to-date browsers and avoid unknown links in messages or comments. Consider enabling a reputable VPN on public Wi-Fi.

What’s New in This Update

  • Corrected browser support: Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge on mobile all support “Request Desktop Site.”
  • Added iPhone Safari per-site method (Website Settings) to keep desktop view for Facebook.
  • Replaced outdated Chrome chrome://flags advice with the current Site settings > Desktop site > Add site exception path on Android.
  • Added Firefox for Android settings path for “Request desktop view.”
  • Clarified that Facebook may still redirect to mobile on small screens and how to mitigate it.
  • Added concise FAQs and safety tip.

Last updated: 2025-10-22

default avatar image
Read Full Bio
Ria Johnson
Latest from Author
How to Use Facebook on Mobile: Tips, Features, and Settings iPhone Goes Straight to Voicemail And Easy Ways To Fix It

Searching for something else?

Chances are, we can find what you're looking for: