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How to request desktop version of a Web site in Chrome for Android

Google released an update to Chrome for Android, adding some key new features, one of which is the ability to request the desktop version of any Web site. Here's how it works!

Jason Cipriani
Jason Cipriani
Jason Cipriani Contributing Writer, ZDNet
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering mobile technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets for the last six years. His work can also be found on sister site CNET in the How To section, as well as across several more online publications.
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Jason Cipriani
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Earlier this week Google released an update to Chrome for Android. The update added some great new features, including the ability to request the desktop version of a Web site that just isn't looking that great in its mobile form.

Requesting the desktop version of a Web site can be done in just a couple of steps.

    Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

  1. When viewing the mobile version of a site, open the menu and check the box located next to Request Desktop site. The Web page will automatically begin to reload in the background.

    2. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

  2. With the box checked, you will see the desktop version of the site loaded for only that tab. As you can see in the background of the screenshot above, the desktop version of Google has loaded.

To change back to the mobile version of a site, simply uncheck the same box. The page will again automatically refresh for you.

There's nothing fancy to this method, but it's one that is sure to come in handy. Some mobile sites are less than user-friendly, and getting to the desktop version of the site can be cumbersome at best. This new feature is a welcome addition to Chrome for Android.