How to View the Mobile Version of WordPress Sites from Desktop

With so many users switching from desktop computers to mobile phones, every website owner should see the importance behind making your website mobile-friendly. So let’s say that you are in the developmental stage. You want to preview the layout of your website and see what it will look like on mobile devices. Being able to view the mobile version of WordPress sites from your desktop will allow you to make quick changes, as well as witness their effects.

Luckily, there are two very simple ways to preview the layout of your website on mobile devices and, no, it will not require you to switch to different devices. Let our WP Full Care team of experts show you just how simple and effective previewing the mobile version of your site can be.

First things first – why is it important to preview the mobile version of your WordPress website?

Did you know that more than 50% of users will be using their mobiles as opposed to computers to access your website? In fact, mobile-friendliness has become such an important feature that Google now uses a ‘mobile-first’ index for ranking algorithms. That’s why it is very important to ensure your website looks representative when accessed through a mobile device.

A woman trying to view the mobile version of WordPress sites on her laptop.
Some things are worth the effort – and making a mobile-friendly website is certainly one of them.

Sometimes, going the extra mile and putting a bit more effort is needed in ensuring your website is mobile-friendly. You might need to create different versions of your most impactful landing pages that will be optimized for mobile users’ needs. Hey, it will all be done for a good cause – not to mention the benefits it will have for your website.

The next two ways through which you can view the mobile version of your WP website will be a very good way to preview the layout – but they are far from perfect. There are simply too many variables to take into account, such as different browsers and screen sizes. So once your website goes live, you should always perform a final test by accessing your website from an actual mobile device.

The two ways to view the mobile version of WordPress sites from desktop

Whichever of these two you choose will be completely up to you. If one looks simpler than the other, then you have a clear winner. There is no reason to complicate the matters when they can be as simple as ABC.

1. WordPress Theme Customizer

Quite possibly the simplest way to preview the layout of your mobile website is by using WordPress’s theme customizer. All you have to do is to log in to your Admin dashboard and find Appearance > Customize screen. This will automatically open the WordPress theme customizer that you are using. Now, which options you will have at the left-hand menu directly depends on the theme that you are using. But no matter what, you will still see a mobile icon at the bottom of the screen. By clicking on it, you will see a preview of how your WordPress website will look on mobile devices.

A notebook, a cup of coffee, and a phone next to a laptop.
Write down the process of previewing the layout of your website and get to work.

The reason why people choose this method is because it’s especially useful if your website is not live yet. Whether your website is not finished yet or it’s under maintenance mode, the WordPress theme customizer will give you a chance to see the finished product, which will then allow you to make any necessary changes.

2. Google Chrome’s Dev Tools

For those not familiar with it, Google Chrome has a set of developer tools that allow you to perform a variety of checks and tests on your website. Among other checks, it also lets you view the mobile version of your WordPress website from a desktop computer. And the start of the process could not be any simpler. All you have to do is open the page you want to preview – in Google Chrome, of course. Now, right-click on the page and select the ‘Inspect’ option. Once you do this, you will see a new panel being opened up where you will be able to see your site’s HTML source code in the developer’s view.

This is where it gets slightly more exciting. What you need to do next is click the ‘Toggle Device Toolbar’ in order to switch to the mobile view. As soon as you do this, you will notice your site has shrunk to the mobile screen size. You will also be able to notice many more changes than just the size, as your entire website will switch to the mobile version.

Those with a keen eye will also notice some additional options above the mobile view screen. These options will allow you to perform several extra functions, such as checking how your site looks on different smartphones and simulating your site’s performance on slow or fast connections. Going through these functions might be tedious for some. But no one said that WordPress website maintenance was easy. However, if you want to have any success as a website owner, it’s definitely something that can be compared to a necessary evil.

Three different-sized smartphones next to each other.
It’s always good to go the extra mile and check how your website looks on screens of different sizes.

Make it your job to always preview the layout of your website on mobile devices

With mobile-friendliness being a mandatory feature nowadays, it’s very important to make your website representative for those viewing it from their phones. No matter how busy you are, you should always make some time for testing your website before it goes live. Hours of personal care you put into your website are an important factor that will decide how successful it will be. Besides, considering how easy it is to view the mobile version of WordPress sites and prevent any glitches and faults in design, we don’t see a valid reason for you to skip this step. Your only job is to choose the right method!

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