Query: Check if you're employing the address bar at the bottom on the Chrome for Android application? (Poll)
Google's Bottom Address Bar in Chrome for Android Gains Popularity
User adoption of Google's bottom address bar in Chrome for Android appears to be increasing as the feature is being widely rolled out to all Android users with Chrome version 138, as of mid-2025 [1]. This ergonomic change improves the browsing experience, particularly for one-handed use on large phones, by placing the URL bar much closer to the user's thumb near the gesture navigation bar [1].
The design of the feature addresses muscle memory concerns by preserving the order of options in the three-dot menu, which moves down to accompany the bottom bar [1]. This strategy helps users to retain their learned behaviours and minimises friction during the transition.
While adoption is becoming widespread through automatic updates and prompts, user willingness to switch may still be mixed depending on how ingrained top-bar interaction is for long-term users. The rollout method, which prompts users and allows easy toggling via long press or settings, suggests Google is seeking a gradual, user-driven move rather than forcing a sudden change [1].
In terms of convenience, this bottom address bar aligns with design trends in competing browsers that also prioritise reachability and thumb comfort on large smartphones, such as Microsoft Edge's bottom nav bar [3]. Chrome’s rich address bar features (quick math, currency conversion, site-specific tab-to-search shortcuts) remain accessible and are enhanced by this ergonomic repositioning, maintaining efficiency without sacrificing versatility [3].
The user, who has made the switch to the bottom address bar on their primary devices, appreciates the tab switcher being right there in the new design and finds the core change of letting you access the address bar with one hand beneficial, as it saves them from having to use their other hand or move their grip [2]. However, the user has noticed that the long-press on the address bar to copy a link is currently broken and will be fixed in the next release (139) [2].
In summary:
- Adoption is growing as Google widely enables the option on Android Chrome 138+ [1].
- The bottom bar offers increased ergonomic convenience, especially for single-handed use on tall phones [1].
- Muscle memory considerations are addressed by preserving menu order and offering an opt-in experience rather than forcing the change [1].
- The design aligns Chrome with competing browsers prioritising bottom navigation for usability on mobile [3].
- Long-term muscle memory adjustment likely depends on individual usage patterns, but Google mitigates disruption by retaining familiar UI patterns when moved [1].
References:
[1] Android Central. (2025). Google Chrome for Android switches to a bottom address bar and here's why it's a good thing. [online] Available at: https://www.androidcentral.com/google-chromes-bottom-address-bar-android-switches-top-bar
[2] Wile_e8. (2025). Personal communication.
[3] Microsoft Edge. (2021). Introducing the new Microsoft Edge for Android. [online] Available at: https://blogs.windows.com/msedgedev/2021/03/02/introducing-the-new-microsoft-edge-for-android/
- As Google continues to roll out the bottom address bar on Chrome for Android to more users, the design keeps in step with other popular browsers like Microsoft Edge, emphasizing ease of use and thumb comfort on smartphones.
- The ergonomic repositioning of the address bar in Chrome doesn't compromise the user's efficiency, as it maintains popular features like quick math and site-specific tab-to-search shortcuts, making it a practical choice for users.
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