Chrome’s Bottom Address Bar: A Long-Awaited Advancement for Android Users
Published: August 3, 2025 at 1:30 PM PDT
For years, Android users have requested a simple change to Chrome: move the address bar to the bottom of the screen.in July, Google delivered. But is this update a game-changer, or just a belated response to user feedback? As a long-time Android and Chrome user, I’ve been testing the bottom address bar extensively, and here’s my in-depth take.
A “Finally” Moment, Though Slightly Understated
It’s fair to say the arrival of the bottom Omnibox feels overdue. Google’s implementation, while functional, isn’t revolutionary. However, it’s a step in the right direction, especially considering Chrome’s generally clean and minimalist Android design.
You might find it’s a more intuitive experience than Safari’s two-line bottom bar or iOS 17‘s “compact” option,wich frustratingly hides the tab grid.Google wisely prioritized maintaining a familiar interface, a design Android users have grown accustomed to over the past decade.
Seamless Switching and Minor Annoyances
Google focused on seamless switching between the address bar and tab switching with a long-press gesture. Importantly, this hasn’t impacted the existing swipe gestures for navigating tabs.
Though, some areas could use refinement. Re-ordering the overflow menu to prioritize frequently used actions would significantly improve one-handed usability. Currently, a workaround exists – long-pressing the tab switcher button opens new tabs.
additionally, a recently introduced feature allowing quick link copying via long-press on the address bar was initially broken, but a fix is expected in the next release (version 139).
Optimizing the User Experience
Beyond the core address bar shift, further improvements would elevate the experience. Specifically, updating the tab switcher and New Tab Page, similar to the Incognito mode tweaks, would be beneficial.Consider how the current menu appears when you begin typing a URL or search query. Re-ordering this list to display the most likely results at the bottom would greatly enhance one-handed operation.
The Benefits Outweigh the Shortcomings
Despite these minor issues, the bottom address bar has genuinely improved my daily Chrome usage.You no longer need to contort your hand or shift your grip to reach the address bar.
The readily accessible tab switcher is another welcome addition. I’ve fully adopted the bottom address bar on my primary devices, and the convenience is noticeable.Ultimately, while it should have arrived years ago, the bottom address bar is a valuable addition to Chrome for Android, making a real difference in how you interact with your phone.
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