LinkedIn is a popular professional networking platform used by millions of people around the world. The LinkedIn website has both a mobile and desktop version, with slight differences in layout and features between the two. Many LinkedIn users prefer using the desktop version because it provides a bigger screen real estate, easier navigation and more options compared to the mobile site. If you are used to accessing LinkedIn on your phone or tablet and want to switch to the desktop site, there are a couple of easy ways to do it.
Ways to Access the LinkedIn Desktop Site
Here are the main methods you can use to access the desktop version of LinkedIn:
Use a Computer or Laptop
The most straightforward way to get the LinkedIn desktop site is to use a laptop or desktop computer. When you visit LinkedIn.com on a computer browser like Chrome, Firefox or Safari, you will automatically be directed to the desktop version of the site. This offers the full range of LinkedIn features designed specifically for larger screens. The desktop site has a horizontal navigation bar at the top, more real estate to display content, and additional options not found on mobile.
Change Browser Settings
If you want to access the desktop site of LinkedIn on your mobile device, you can change your mobile browser settings to display the desktop version of websites. In Chrome for Android, tap the 3-dot menu button, go to Settings > Site settings > Desktop site and toggle it on. On iOS, open Chrome, tap the AA icon on the address bar and select Desktop site. similarly, most other mobile browsers like Safari, Firefox, Opera and Edge have a Request desktop site option that will load the desktop version of LinkedIn.
Use LinkedIn’s Desktop Mode
LinkedIn has its own built-in feature that lets you easily switch between the mobile and desktop sites on any device. When browsing LinkedIn on mobile, tap the More icon and select Request Desktop Site. This will reload LinkedIn and display the desktop version. To return to the mobile site, tap the Back to Mobile button at the bottom of the page. The LinkedIn desktop mode is handy because you don’t have to change any complex browser settings.
Benefits of LinkedIn’s Desktop Site
Here are some of the advantages of using LinkedIn on a desktop:
Larger Display
The most obvious benefit is the much larger screen space on a desktop compared to a smartphone. You can see a lot more content and menus at once without excessive scrolling and zooming in. Desktop displays range from 1280×1024 resolution on a laptop to 1920×1080 and higher on larger monitors. This additional real estate allows you to truly take advantage of LinkedIn’s features.
Better Multitasking
With multiple windows and tabs, desktop browsers make multitasking much easier. You can have your LinkedIn feed open side-by-side with other sites or documents for efficient working. On desktop, you can also have multiple LinkedIn tabs open to quickly switch between pages.
More Profile Customization
The desktop site offers greater profile customization options that let you showcase your skills and experience in detail. You can feature media, documents, presentations, portfolios and recommendations. The desktop mode also makes managing your larger network of connections easier.
Easier Communication
Messaging and communicating with your connections is simpler on desktop. You can seamlessly continue conversations while browsing LinkedIn thanks to tabbed browsing. The desktop version also makes posting long-form articles, status updates and content far easier.
Access to Exclusive Tools
Certain tools like LinkedIn’s salary comparison, interview preparation and skill assessments are only available on the desktop site. The additional computing power of desktops and larger screens enhances your experience of these tools.
Drawbacks of the Mobile LinkedIn Site
In contrast, here are some limitations of accessing LinkedIn primarily through the mobile app or site:
Smaller Screen Size
Phone and tablet screens seriously restrict the amount of information you can see at once in LinkedIn. You can only view a small portion of your feed’s content, messages and profile sections without excessive scrolling. This fragmented view reduces efficiency.
No Tabbed Browsing
Mobile browsers often only allow one website to be open at a time. There is no tabbed browsing to easily switch between pages or multitask between sites. On mobile, you have to completely close the LinkedIn app or mobile site to view other content.
Difficulty With Data Entry
Entering large amounts of text for long-form posts and messages can be annoying on small touchscreen keyboards. Data entry heavy tasks like updating your profile, writing articles or sending connection requests are tougher on mobile.
Lack of Customization Options
The LinkedIn mobile app provides limited ability to customize your profile with media and documents compared to desktop. Showcasing your rich experience is constrained by smartphone limitations.
Missing Out on Tools
Many LinkedIn tools are unavailable on mobile. Exclusive desktop-only features like salary insights, interview preparation and skills assessments cannot be accessed via mobile.
Step-by-Step Guide to Get the Desktop Site on Mobile
Follow these simple steps to access the desktop version of LinkedIn on your iPhone, Android or any mobile device:
On iOS Devices
1. Open the Safari browser on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Navigate to LinkedIn.com. This will open the mobile site.
3. Tap the ‘AA’ icon in the address bar at the top.
4. Select ‘Request Desktop Website’ from the menu.
5. The desktop version of LinkedIn will now load.
6. To return to the mobile site later, tap the ‘Back to Mobile Site’ link at the bottom.
On Android Devices
1. Launch the Chrome app on your Android phone or tablet.
2. Go to LinkedIn.com, which opens the mobile site.
3. Tap the 3-dot menu button in the top right.
4. Choose ‘Desktop site’ from the menu.
5. Chrome will reload LinkedIn in desktop mode.
6. To revert to mobile, tap ‘Mobile site’ in the bottom toolbar.
On Any Mobile Browser
1. Open your preferred mobile web browser and access LinkedIn.
2. Look for the ‘Desktop site’ or ‘Request desktop site’ option in the browser’s menu.
3. Enable the desktop site toggle or choose the desktop site request option.
4. The browser will refresh and display the desktop version of LinkedIn.
5. To return to mobile mode later, choose the ‘Mobile site’ or ‘Disable desktop site’ option.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are unable to load LinkedIn desktop mode on your mobile browser, try these troubleshooting suggestions:
– Clear your browser’s cookies and cache to eliminate possible conflicts.
– Force close and restart your mobile browser app completely.
– Check for browser updates and upgrade to the latest available version.
– Try requesting the desktop site from LinkedIn’s mobile menu first before using your browser settings.
– Temporarily disable any ad blockers or VPN services that may interfere with desktop mode.
– For Safari iOS, enable the Request Desktop Website option in Safari’s Advanced Settings.
– As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall your mobile browser app to see if that resolves problems loading the desktop site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about accessing LinkedIn on desktop:
Is the desktop site the same worldwide?
Yes, the core desktop version of LinkedIn is identical around the world. However, the content shown may be customized based on your profile location and language settings.
Can I message connections on mobile and desktop?
You can seamlessly message your LinkedIn connections on both mobile and desktop. Your conversations will sync across devices.
Is the desktop site supported on tablets too?
Yes, tablets like iPads and Android tablets have screen sizes large enough to display the full desktop site interface. Just use desktop mode on your tablet browser.
Where can I find the desktop site option?
On mobile web, tap the More icon and select Request Desktop Site. On mobile browsers, enable desktop site mode in the settings or menu.
Is LinkedIn Lite different from the mobile site?
Yes, LinkedIn Lite is a simplified low-bandwidth mobile site for regions with limited connectivity. The regular mobile site provides the full experience.
Conclusion
The LinkedIn desktop site unlocks richer features, customization and productivity compared to mobile. By using desktop mode on your mobile browser or computer, you can access the full-fledged experience. Follow the handy tips outlined above to easily switch between desktop and mobile. The desktop version helps you get the most out of LinkedIn for your professional networking and career growth needs.
