How to Move the iPhone Safari Search Bar Back to the Top in iOS

Long-time iPhone users may not prefer Safari’s bottom address bar introduced in iOS 15, but Apple offers a quick and easy solution.

The Safari search bar used to be on the top of the screen for the longest time. But starting with iOS 15, Apple moved the search bar to the bottom of the screen so that it’s easily accessible on big iPhones. Plus, you can effortlessly swipe left or right on the search bar to switch tabs.

However, if you’re someone who doesn’t like this new bottom-position “Tab Bar” in Safari, you have the option to move it back to the top. Once you do that, Safari will look almost like it did in iOS 14 and earlier.

Two Ways to Get Back the Old Safari Search Bar on iPhone

iOS 15 and later offer two ways to move the Safari address bar to the top. The first is from inside the Safari app itself, and the second is using the iPhone Settings app. Have a look at both below.

1. Move the Safari Search Bar to the Top Directly in Safari

This is the more convenient method, as you can do it straight from the browser:

1. Visit any website in Safari on iOS 15 or later.
2. Tap AA located on the left of your address bar.
3. Now, choose Show Top Address Bar. Instantly, the search bar will move to the top and stay like this.

Even if you close Safari and relaunch it, the address bar will stay at the top, making this a quick and easy way to switch its position.

2. Move Safari’s Search Bar to the Top From Settings

This is the usual method to find all Safari-related settings in one place. You can also use the option here to move the Safari search bar back to the top:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Safari.
3. Under Tabs, select Single Tab.
4. Now, open Safari, and you’ll find the search bar at the top.

How to Switch Back to the Bottom Safari Search Bar

If you change your mind or wish to give Safari’s bottom address bar a try, here’s how to switch back and use the Tab Bar:

1. When you are inside Safari, tap AA from the top-left.
2. Tap on Show Bottom Tab Bar.
3. Alternatively, you may go to Settings > Safari and select Tab Bar.

Enjoy seamlessly switching between multiple tabs and better one-handed usage with Safari’s Tab Bar.

What Is the Landscape Tab Bar Option in Safari’s Settings?

Inside Safari Settings on iPhone running iOS 15 or later, you’ll see an option called Landscape Tab Bar, which is enabled by default. When you rotate the iPhone in landscape mode and use Safari, you will see all the open tabs on the top, just like you see on a computer browser.

When Landscape Tab Bar is off, this thin strip showing your open tabs is absent. Look at the image below to understand the difference. You may want to keep this enabled for better tab management.

Apple’s Safari Redesign for Bigger iPhones!

iPhone screens are increasing in size. As a result, most people have trouble reaching the top search bar when using the phone one-handed. But this redesign to move the search bar to the bottom of the screen aims to fix that problem. Plus, it introduces Tab Bar, which is quite handy.

However, it’s nice to see Apple give long-time iOS users the option to move the address bar back to the top in case they prefer the old-school look and feel of Safari on the iPhone.