Having web browsers with the address bar and browser controls located at the top of the screen is something that we are comfortable with on PC browsers. It makes sense there on PCs, but then smartphones came along and developers just carried over the practice to mobile. It isn’t so user friendly though, especially as smartphone screens have gotten bigger. One holds the mobile device in the bottom half of the device and address bars (and other controls) located at the top of the screen results in a lot of stretching and hand movements. It is a common mistake that is present in most mobile web browsers. Chrome browser for Android is one of the countless culprits. It is funny in a sad way that the only mobile browsers that got it right belong to platforms that are dying off – Edge for Windows Phone and BlackBerry 10 browser. Those two browsers have the address bar and all user controls and interactions are at the bottom of the screen, making them much more user friendly. Since I am stuck with Android OS till further notice, I needed a 3rd party browser that handled this issue well or a way to make Chrome switch the address bar or controls to the bottom of the screen. I found a way to make the latter happen, like this: In the sections below, I will show you how to move address bar and browser controls from the top to the bottom for a more convenient user experience. Important: Do note that Google says this is an experimental feature and warns as follows: “By enabling this feature, you could lose browser data or compromise your security or privacy. Enabled features applied to all users of this browser”. If you want to take the plunge, let’s go. If not, there are plenty of other useful articles on MobilityArena for you to go enjoy.
How to move browser controls to the bottom using Chrome Duet
The newest version of Chrome mobile browser implements what is called Chrome Duet, a feature that does not move the address bar but rather splits it and the browser controls, moving the latter to the bottom. If you are using the newest version of Chrome mobile browser, here are the steps to follow to enable Chrome Duet:
How to move browser controls to the bottom in Chrome for some newer Android devices
If you are using a slightly older version of Chrome mobile browser, here are the steps to follow to move effect the change: Don’t worry about the address bar still displayed at the top. You will not need to reach for the top to type a website address or search query any more. Just hit the Search icon located among the controls at the bottom and it will insert the cursor into the address bar automatically. Just type away.
How to move address bar to the bottom in Chrome for older Android devices
If you are using an older Android smartphone with an older version of Chrome for Android, here are the steps to follow to move the address bar and controls to the bottom: Web browsing on my smartphone has gotten much more pleasant since I effected this change. At some point in time, Google, Firefox and other mobile browser makers will have to make the bottom position default.
If You Do Want A Browser That Has It Already
If you would rather not mess with the technical process of having to tweak things to move address bar to the bottom in Chrome, but you do want a browser that has its address bar and controls located at the bottom by default, dash to Google Play and search for Habit Browser. Download and just start using it without needing to tweak stuff. Another mobile web browser that you should consider is Samsung Internet Browser. Actually, Samsung Internet has the address bar at the top of the page and controls at the bottom. It is one of the finest mobile web browsers I have used. It has extensive features, including Night Mode. Download it HERE. Using a mobile web browser with the address bar or controls at the bottom of the screen is such a pleasant and enjoyable experience that every browser should be that way. I am looking forward to when Chrome mobile browser and others will implement it as default.
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