"Offering free computer help, hints, and tips to the Internet populace." Now with over 3,820 tips!

Safari for Windows

Fake Like You Are Running Another Browser

SUMMARY: Have Safari for Windows claim to be another browser when surfing the web.


 

Will some websites not open in Safari for Windows, claiming they must be opened in either Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer? Are you developing a website and want to test to ensure the stylesheet changes correctly based on the browser? Or are you just curious if webpage content changes depending on the browser accessing the site?

For these and other reasons you can fake Safari's user agent string so that when you visit websites they think you are using Mobile Safari for the iPhone, Internet Explorer, Opera, or any other browser if you know its User-Agent string.

Changing the User-Agent string may make some websites inoperable or appear incorrect in Safari as sites may employ 'hacks' to make themselves operate correctly for certain browsers.




First you must open the "Develop" menu in the Menu Bar if it is not already present:

1. Press the general Safari settings menu button near the top-right of the browser (it looks like a gear).

2. Select "Preferences" from the pop-up menu.

Or, press Ctrl + , to open the Preferences window.


3. The "Preferences" window appears. Select "Advanced".


4. Check "Show Develop menu in menu bar".


5. Click the "X" at the top-right of the "Preferences" window to close it.



Now to fake your User-Agent string:

1. Press the Alt key to open the Menu Bar if it is not already open.

2. Select the "Develop" menu.

3. Click "User Agent".

4. Select a User Agent from those provided, or click the "Other" option to enter a custom user agent string.


Safari for Windows pretending to be Internet Explorer 8 when browsing websites




Your user agent should remain in effect for all pages browsed with the current tab.

This tip was written for Safari 4.0 on a Windows XP machine. Information and screenshots may differ between versions / operating systems.




 

Got something to add? Post a comment!

Everyone is invited to submit comments. Registered users also receive their own visitor profile page with a summary of recent posts.
Register | Login

Your name:
 E-mail:
* Home/Blog Page:
Comment:
(Max chars: 5000)

* = optional field

 


Print This Tip

Get E-Mail When New Tips are Online

Return to the Safari for Windows page.

 


New in MalekTips:

RSS Feeds- Subscribe!

You want the latest tech tips and tricks in your e-mail Inbox - FREE? Type your e-mail address below and click 'Get Tips!'.
 


( sample / details )
( opt-out instructions )