How to Hide an HTML Element in Mobile View using jQuery?


Nowadays, creating websites that provide a seamless experience across different devices is very important. Responsive web design plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our websites adapt to various screen sizes and orientations. One common requirement in responsive design is the ability to hide certain HTML elements specifically in mobile views. This is where jQuery steps in.

In this article, we will explore how to hide an HTML element in mobile view using jQuery. We will learn how to detect viewport width using jQuery, and leverage this information to conditionally hide elements based on the device's screen size.

By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to understand how to use these techniques to effectively hide HTML elements in mobile views, enhancing the mobile-friendliness of your website.

Using JQuery to Detect Viewport Width

jQuery is a powerful JavaScript library that simplifies DOM manipulation and provides a wide range of functionalities. In our case, we can leverage jQuery to detect the viewport width and use that information to conditionally hide HTML elements in mobile view.

Retrieving the Viewport Width

After incorporating jQuery in your project, you can utilize the $(window).width() method to retrieve the current viewport width. This method is used to return the width of the viewport in pixels.

Example 

Here's an example of how to use the $(window).width() method −

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
   <title>Hide HTML Element in Mobile View using jQuery</title>
   <script src="https://code.jquery.com/jquery-3.6.0.min.js"></script>
   <script>
      $(document).ready(function() {
         // Retrieve the viewport width
         var viewportWidth = $(window).width();
         
         // Hide the element in mobile view
         if (viewportWidth < 768) {
         $('.element-to-hide').hide();
         }
      });
   </script>
   <style>
      .element-to-hide {
         display: block;
         width: 200px;
         height: 200px;
         background-color: lightblue;
         text-align: center;
         line-height: 200px;
         font-size: 18px;
      }
   </style>
</head>
<body>
   <div class="element-to-hide">
      This is the element to hide in mobile view.
   </div>
</body>
</html>

Let’s see what the above code is about. Here, we use the $(document).ready() function to ensure that the code executes after the document has finished loading. Within this function, we call $(window).width() to retrieve the viewport width and assign it to the viewportWidth variable. Finally, we log the viewport width to the browser console for demonstration purposes.

By using the $(window).width() method, we can dynamically obtain the viewport width and use it to conditionally hide HTML elements in mobile view.

Hiding an HTML Element with JQuery in Mobile View

Now that we understand how to detect the viewport width using jQuery, let's explore how to hide an HTML element specifically in mobile view.

Using the Hide() Method

jQuery provides an easy-to-use method called hide() that allows us to hide HTML elements. By applying this method to the targeted element, we can easily manipulate its visibility.

To hide an HTML element using jQuery, we select the element using a jQuery selector and call the hide() method on it. This method will set the display property of the element to none, effectively hiding it from view.

Example 

Here is an example for you −

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
   <title>Hide HTML Element in Mobile View using jQuery</title>
   <script src="https://code.jquery.com/jquery-3.6.0.min.js"></script>
   <style>
      .element-to-hide {
         display: block;
         width: 200px;
         height: 200px;
         background-color: lightblue;
         text-align: center;
         line-height: 200px;
         font-size: 18px;
      }
   </style>
</head>
<body>
   <div class="element-to-hide">
      This is the element to hide in mobile view.
   </div>
   
   <script>
      $(document).ready(function() {
      var viewportWidth = $(window).width();
      
      if (viewportWidth < 768) {
         $('.element-to-hide').hide();
      }
      });
   </script>
</body>
</html>

In the above code, we have an HTML <div> element with the class "element-to-hide". Inside the $(document).ready() function, we retrieve the viewport width using $(window).width() and store it in the viewportWidth variable.

We then use an if condition to check if the viewport width is less than 768 pixels. This is a common breakpoint for mobile devices. If the condition is true, we select the element with the class "element-to-hide" using the jQuery selector $('.element-to-hide') and apply the hide() method to hide it. Remember to adjust the viewport width threshold according to your specific design requirements.

Testing and Debugging

To validate the functionality of hiding an HTML element in mobile view using jQuery, it's crucial to test the solution on different devices and viewports. This ensures that the element is properly hidden across a range of mobile devices and screen sizes.

During testing, make sure to simulate mobile viewports using browser developer tools or test the page on actual mobile devices. By doing so, you can verify that the targeted element remains hidden when the viewport width falls within the mobile range.

Debugging Common Issues

While testing, you may encounter certain issues that prevent the expected behavior. Here are a few common problems and resolutions −

Element Not Hidden

If the targeted element is not being hidden in mobile view, check the following −

  • Ensure that the class or ID selector used in the jQuery code matches the HTML element you want to hide.

  • Double-check the viewport width condition to ensure it accurately represents the mobile range you are targeting.

Element Hidden in All Viewports

If the element is hidden in all viewports, including desktop, review the following:

  • Verify that the CSS or inline styles of the targeted element do not conflict with the jQuery hide() method. In some cases, existing styles may override the visibility changes made by jQuery.

  • Check if any other JavaScript code or libraries interfere with the hide() method. Conflicts between different JavaScript libraries can cause unexpected behavior.

Testing and debugging should be an iterative process. Make adjustments to your code based on test results and user feedback. Continuously refine your solution to ensure consistent and reliable behavior across different mobile devices and viewports.

Conclusion

Using jQuery to hide an HTML element in mobile view provides a simple and effective way to enhance the responsiveness of your web page. By detecting the viewport width and applying the hide() method, you can selectively hide elements on smaller screens, improving the user experience on mobile devices. Throughout this article, we discussed the steps involved in achieving this functionality, including viewport width detection, element selection, and applying the hide() method. We also emphasized the importance of thorough testing and debugging to ensure the desired behavior across different devices and viewports.

Updated on: 07-Aug-2023

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