How to Access Mobile Websites Using Desktop Browser

 

Many a times we got stuck in a situation where we find our-self helpless. Last night, I got stuck in such a same scenario, when i wanted to Pre-book a movie ticket of the upcoming Movie “Fast & Furious 6” from the well-know ticket booking site Bookmyshow, but in the mid way something struck me of having some coupons which i got couple of months back. But then comes the “Facepalm” moment as unfortunately my coupon says “Valid only on mobile version of website/ app” and my Smart phone was in another room. Well many of us would ask, what’s the problem then? Just get up and pick your Smart phone to proceed. Or even i could have used another method of Running Android apps on my Windows. But as i always say – “If you want to get your job done quickly and effectively, give that work to lazy person. Because lazy person will find most creative, effectual and craziest way to get the job done.” And hell yeah, that’s what i have done (Without leaving my seat) and using a new method/trick.
Many websites provides specific interface for Smart phones or Tablets. So whether you want to just know about how the mobile version will look in desktop browser or if you want to get lazy and do something creative, you can access them in desktop browser.

How to do it?

You can do this by changing your browser’s User-Agent. Browser User-Agent is nothing but line of text – identifying the browser and Operating System to the Web Server. User-Agent is included in HTTP header. When your browser connects to a website, it provides the information about your system to the Web-server. After getting information, web servers sends the required web page to the web browser. It will send mobile web pages to Mobile users, Full web pages to Desktop users and so on.
Well the simplest way to change the User Agent is by using some of the available extensions of User-Agent for different browser. You need to install them depending on the browser you use.
User-Agent Switcher for Chrome.
User-Agent Switcher for Firefox.
User-Agent Switcher for Internet Explorer.

Setting a Mobile User Agent

To change the User-Agent, locate the User Agent extension in your browser after installing it. Select any mobile OS like Android, iOS or Windows to get access to the respective mobile pages of the website.



After selecting your desired mobile platform, your page will re-load automatically in mobile version. However, some of the browser needs you to click on Refresh icon or press F5



And when you are done, select the default User Agent option to get back to Desktop view.



The above process is very much similar in other browsers also. However, you can also change your User-Agent browser manually, but is needs some line of code which you don’t want to write.
This is the User Agent for an iPad with safari and iOS 6.

So, no need to learn this code when you can do all things in some clicks !