Google Chrome finally lets you move the address bar to the bottom again
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Summary
- Google Chrome for Android is beginning to roll out the option for a bottom-aligned address bar to stable channel users.
- The new bottom address bar aims to improve one-handed usage by placing navigation controls within easier reach, though key overflow menu options remain at the top for now.
- The update also includes a minor reorganization of the Chrome Settings menu, notably moving password and autofill related settings into their own dedicated section.
Google Chrome users on Android can now finally opt for the good ‘ol bottom-aligned address bar.
For reference, as far back as 2016, users had the option to experiment with the bottom-aligned address bar layout simply by enabling certain flags. Fast-forward to Chrome 84 in 2020, Google decided to discontinue the experimental feature, only to bring it back in 2023, this time in stable — but only for iOS users.
Fans of the easier-to-reach bottom address bar layout on Android breathed a sigh of relief when Google was spotted re-testing the feature on Android back in October last year, and it looks like the layout is finally starting to appear for some users.
We’re seeing the option to relocate the address bar live in Chrome 135.0.7049.80 for Android (stable), and as pointed out by 9to5Google, Google is pushing a toast prompt to let users know that they can “touch and hold to move the address bar to the bottom.”
A bottom-aligned bottom bar does make one-handed Chrome usage much easier than before, bringing often-used tools like the home, tab, and overflow menu buttons within reach.
The bottom address bar placement is here to stay
It’s worth noting, though, that Google can still make the redesign better by also simultaneously relocating some overflow menu options.
For reference, key actions like Bookmarks, Downloads, Refresh, Page Info, History, and more are still located near the top, identical to their placement when the address bar is top-aligned. Ideally, the placement of said buttons should also dynamically change when the address bar is relocated, and we’re hoping that’s likely next on Google’s agenda.
Old (left), new (right)
Elsewhere, the update also brings some minor changes to the Chrome Settings menu. Instead of grouping several settings under the Basics menu, Google has shifted some settings to a new Passwords and Autofill section.
For reference, Basics now only houses settings for Search engine, Address bar, Privacy and security, and Safety check. Settings for Google Password Manager, Payment methods, Addresses and more, and Autofill services now sit within the new menu.
