Chrome for Android now lets you move the address bar to the bottom, too

Google Chrome’s web browser for Android devices is finally embracing a significant design shift, allowing users to reposition the address bar to the bottom of the screen. This highly anticipated update brings Chrome for Android in line with a notable change introduced by Safari with iOS 15 in 2021, and a feature already present in Chrome for iOS.

The company announced this week that the latest version of its Chrome for Android browser will now offer users the flexibility to choose their preferred address bar location. This modernized experience is designed to enhance usability on mobile devices, making one-handed browsing more comfortable and intuitive.

Crucially, Google has learned from past industry challenges, particularly Apple’s initial rollout of a similar change. Unlike the controversial mandatory shift by Safari, Google is not forcing this design update on its entire user base. Instead, it is introducing a new, optional feature that empowers users to configure the address bar’s position according to their liking, emphasizing user control and preference.

To move the address bar to the bottom of your Android device, users can simply long-press on the address bar itself and select the option to relocate it. Alternatively, this setting can also be adjusted and managed within Chrome’s comprehensive Settings menu, offering a straightforward customization process.

This ergonomic improvement is a direct response to user demand, as placing the address bar closer to the bottom of the screen aligns with how most users naturally hold their smartphones. This proximity allows for more comfortable typing and interaction, especially on larger modern devices, reducing the need for awkward stretches or two-handed operation.

When Apple initially rolled out its Safari design update, it faced considerable backlash, with users complaining that the floating address bar obscured website content and made navigation problematic. In response to this widespread feedback, Apple eventually repositioned the bar to the bottom, below the page content, and made it an optional choice rather than the default. Google’s approach mirrors this user-centric correction, ensuring a smoother transition for its vast Android user base.

The new feature for Chrome on Android devices is beginning its rollout today and is expected to become available to all users progressively over the coming weeks. This update underscores Google’s commitment to improving the mobile browsing experience through thoughtful design and responsive feature implementation.