Google Chrome on Android gets desktop-style bookmarks bar

The latest Chrome update introduces a desktop-like bookmarks bar for Android tablets and foldables, allowing quicker access to saved websites and enhancing usability as Google continues aligning mobile browsing with desktop experiences.

Google has rolled out a new update to Google Chrome on Android, introducing a desktop-style bookmarks bar aimed at improving the browsing experience on larger devices such as tablets and foldable smartphones.

The update allows users to access their saved websites directly beneath the address bar, reducing the need to navigate through multiple menus. This move reflects Google’s ongoing effort to bring a more desktop-like interface to mobile platforms, particularly for devices with larger screens.

Desktop-like browsing experience

The newly added bookmarks bar functions similarly to its desktop counterpart, appearing just below Chrome’s combined address and search field, known as the Omnibox. It displays bookmarked websites along with their icons and names, offering quick visual access.

Users who organise their bookmarks into folders will find these folders accessible directly from the bar, allowing them to explore saved links without leaving the current page. For situations where the number of bookmarks exceeds the available space, a side arrow provides access to additional entries.

The design focuses on improving convenience and reducing friction in everyday browsing, particularly for users who frequently switch between websites.

Features, availability and access

In addition to the bookmarks bar, Chrome continues to offer a full-screen “All bookmarks” section for more detailed management of saved links. Users can also long-press any bookmark in the bar to view its complete web address.

The feature is primarily tailored for larger Android screens, and it remains hidden by default on smaller smartphones to maintain a cleaner interface.

The bookmarks bar is being introduced with version 146 of Chrome for Android. Users can enable it by navigating to the Appearance settings within the browser and selecting the option to display the bookmarks bar.

With this update, Google aims to further refine the Android browsing experience by bridging the gap between mobile and desktop usability, particularly as tablet and foldable adoption continues to grow.