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Next.js

Next.js SSR Device Detection in React

By Filip on 10/05/2024

Learn how to detect the device type (mobile, tablet, desktop) on React Server Side Rendering application with Next.js framework.

Next.js SSR Device Detection in React

Table of Contents

Introduction

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to detect device types in a Next.js application using the react-device-detect library and the browser's userAgent property.

Step-by-Step Guide

To detect device types in a Next.js application, you can use the react-device-detect library and the browser's userAgent property. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Install the library:

    npm i react-device-detect

  2. Import the necessary components:

    import { getSelectorsByUserAgent } from 'react-device-detect';

  3. Get the user agent on the server-side:

    function getDeviceSelectors(userAgent) {
  return getSelectorsByUserAgent(userAgent);
}

export async function getServerSideProps(context) {
  const userAgent = context.req.headers['user-agent'];
  const deviceSelectors = getDeviceSelectors(userAgent);

  return {
    props: {
      deviceSelectors,
    },
  };
}

  4. Use the device selectors in your component:

    function MyComponent({ deviceSelectors }) {
  return (
    <div>
      {deviceSelectors.isMobile && <p>You are on a mobile device</p>}
      {deviceSelectors.isDesktop && <p>You are on a desktop device</p>}
    </div>
  );
}

export default MyComponent;

Explanation:

  • The getSelectorsByUserAgent function from react-device-detect provides information about the device based on the user agent.
  • In getServerSideProps, we retrieve the user agent from the request headers and pass it to getDeviceSelectors.
  • The resulting deviceSelectors object contains boolean properties like isMobile, isDesktop, etc., indicating the device type.
  • We pass deviceSelectors as props to our component.
  • In the component, we conditionally render content based on the device type using the deviceSelectors properties.

Note:

  • This approach utilizes Server-Side Rendering (SSR) to detect the device type on the server and pass the information to the client.
  • You can customize the device detection logic and the content rendered based on your specific needs.
  • For client-side device detection, you can use the window.matchMedia API as an alternative.

Code Example

This code is a Next.js page component that uses the react-device-detect library to determine the user's device type (mobile or desktop) and display a corresponding message. It does this by fetching the user agent from the request headers on the server side and using the library to get device selectors. These selectors are then passed as props to the component, which uses them to conditionally render the appropriate message.

// pages/index.js

import { getSelectorsByUserAgent } from 'react-device-detect';

function getDeviceSelectors(userAgent) {
  return getSelectorsByUserAgent(userAgent);
}

export async function getServerSideProps(context) {
  const userAgent = context.req.headers['user-agent'];
  const deviceSelectors = getDeviceSelectors(userAgent);

  return {
    props: {
      deviceSelectors,
    },
  };
}

function MyComponent({ deviceSelectors }) {
  return (
    <div>
      {deviceSelectors.isMobile && <p>You are on a mobile device</p>}
      {deviceSelectors.isDesktop && <p>You are on a desktop device</p>}
    </div>
  );
}

export default MyComponent;

To use this code:

  1. Install the library:

    npm i react-device-detect

  2. Create a new Next.js application:

    npx create-next-app my-device-detect-app

  3. Replace the contents of pages/index.js with the code provided above.

  4. Start the development server:

    npm run dev

Now, when you access your Next.js application in a browser, it will display a message indicating whether you are on a mobile or desktop device.

Additional Notes

  • The react-device-detect library offers a wide range of device selectors, including isBrowser, isAndroid, isIOS, isTablet, and more. Refer to the library's documentation for a complete list.
  • For more complex scenarios, consider using a combination of server-side and client-side device detection. For example, you can use SSR to initially render the page based on the user agent and then use client-side detection to adjust the layout dynamically as the user interacts with the page.
  • Remember to test your application on different devices and browsers to ensure that the device detection logic works as expected.
  • Using device detection can enhance the user experience by tailoring the content and layout to the specific device being used. However, it's important to avoid relying solely on device detection for critical functionality, as user agents can be spoofed or modified.
  • Consider providing alternative ways for users to access content or features if device detection fails or is not accurate.
  • Device detection should be used responsibly and ethically. Avoid using it to discriminate against users based on their device type.
  • Keep in mind that device detection is not a foolproof method, and there will always be edge cases and exceptions.
  • Regularly update your device detection logic to keep up with the ever-evolving landscape of devices and user agents.
  • When using device detection for styling purposes, consider using CSS media queries as a primary mechanism and use device detection for more specific adjustments or enhancements.
  • If you need to support older browsers that do not provide accurate user agent information, you may need to explore alternative device detection techniques or rely on user input to determine the device type.
  • For applications with strict security requirements, consider implementing additional measures to validate the user agent information and prevent potential security vulnerabilities.
  • When using third-party libraries for device detection, ensure that they are reputable, well-maintained, and do not introduce any security risks or performance issues.
  • If your application requires highly accurate device detection, consider using a specialized device detection service that provides more comprehensive and reliable data.
  • Always prioritize user privacy and avoid collecting or storing unnecessary device information.
  • Stay informed about best practices and industry standards for device detection to ensure that your application is up-to-date and compliant with relevant guidelines.

Summary

Step Description Code
1. Install react-device-detect Install the library using npm. npm i react-device-detect
2. Import Components Import the getSelectorsByUserAgent function. import { getSelectorsByUserAgent } from 'react-device-detect';
3. Server-Side User Agent Detection Retrieve user agent from request headers and get device selectors. javascript function getDeviceSelectors(userAgent) { return getSelectorsByUserAgent(userAgent); } export async function getServerSideProps(context) { const userAgent = context.req.headers['user-agent']; const deviceSelectors = getDeviceSelectors(userAgent); return { props: { deviceSelectors, }, }; }
4. Utilize Device Selectors in Component Conditionally render content based on device type using deviceSelectors properties. javascript function MyComponent({ deviceSelectors }) { return ( <div> {deviceSelectors.isMobile && <p>You are on a mobile device</p>} {deviceSelectors.isDesktop && <p>You are on a desktop device</p>} </div> ); } export default MyComponent;

Key Points:

  • Uses Server-Side Rendering (SSR) for device detection.
  • getSelectorsByUserAgent function provides device information based on user agent.
  • deviceSelectors object contains boolean properties (e.g., isMobile, isDesktop) for device type.
  • Client-side detection can be achieved using window.matchMedia API.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide detailed how to implement device detection in Next.js applications using the react-device-detect library and server-side rendering. By leveraging the user agent, developers can tailor content and user experiences based on device type. The provided code snippets offer a practical starting point for incorporating device detection into your Next.js projects. Remember to consider the ethical implications, potential limitations, and best practices associated with device detection to ensure responsible and effective implementation.

References

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