By Jenefey Aaron

Updated on 2025-09-25

100 % Helpful

How to Move Search Bar to Top on iOS 26: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

By Jenefey Aaron

2025-09-25 / iOS 26

The new iOS 26 update brings many exciting features. But one change has confused many users: the search bar has moved to the bottom of the screen in Safari and other apps.

Many people prefer the classic look with the search bar at the top, and find it easier to reach with one hand. The good news is that Apple gives you a simple choice. This guide will show you how to move the search bar back to the top on iOS 26 in just a few taps.

Part 1. What’s New in iOS 26: Search Bar Changes

Part 2. Which Apps Let You Move the Search Bar Back to the Top on iOS 26

Part 3. How to Move the Search Bar to the Top iOS 26 Step-by-Step

Part 4. Troubleshooting: What If the Settings Don't Work?

Part 1. What’s New in iOS 26: Search Bar Changes

Apple has introduced a design system called Liquid Glass. Among other things, this changes how many search/address bars are placed in apps.

One of the big shifts: many search bars (especially in Apple’s built-in apps like Settings, Messages, Mail) are now placed at the bottom of the screen by default. This is to make them easier to reach with one hand.

But Apple does provide options in some apps for users who prefer the old layout (search bar at the top).

Why This Change Happened: The Design Reason

From a professional / usability point of view:

Putting active or frequently used controls near the bottom of the screen helps with one-handed use on larger devices. Your thumb can reach the lower area more easily.

Apple uses research (touch zones, ergonomics) to decide interface layouts. So this isn’t accidental; it’s by design. That said, many long-time users found the change disruptive, hence the option to revert in some apps.

Part 2. Which Apps Let You Move the Search Bar Back to the Top on iOS 26

Please swipe to view

App

Can Move the Search/Address Bar to Top?

>How / Limitations

Safari

Yes

You can choose the “Top” or “Single Tab” layout in Settings → Safari → Tabs.

Phone (Calls / Contacts view)

Yes

Switch from the new “Unified” layout back to “Classic” layout via the Phone app (or sometimes in Settings). That restores the search field at top.

Settings, Messages, Mail, Notes, Apple Music, etc.

No (for now)

These apps have their search located at the bottom in iOS 26, and Apple does not currently offer a setting to move them back to the top.

Part 3. How to Move the Search Bar to the Top iOS 26 Step-by-Step

Here are the steps for those apps that do allow you to relocate the bar. If you follow these, you should see the change immediately or after you open the app again.

For Safari

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap Apps (or directly Safari, depending on your version).
Inside Safari, find the section called Tabs.
You’ll see layout options like Compact, Bottom, and Top. Select Top. That moves the address/search bar back to the top of the screen.

For the Phone (Calls or Contacts)

Open the Phone app and go to Calls (or Contacts).
Look for a “menu” or “More” option in the upper-right corner.
Tap that, then choose Classic layout (or “Phone → Classic layout”) instead of the newer Unified layout.
Confirm: the search field or search bar should now appear at the top in Calls or Contacts.

Tips & Alternatives If You Don’t Like the Bottom Search Bar

Use Spotlight Search: From the Home Screen, swipe down in the middle. That gives you a global search field.
Use accessibility settings to make text, contrast, and display adjustments so UI elements (including search area) are easier to see. For example: Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size.
Give feedback to Apple (via Settings → Feedback) if you want more control over search bar placement in more apps. Features sometimes get added in minor updates.

Part 4. Troubleshooting: What If the Settings Don't Work?

Most of the time, the steps above work perfectly. But sometimes, you might face a problem. For example, the "top" icon might not appear, or the option might be grayed out.

First, try these simple fixes:

Restart the App: Close Safari completely and reopen it.
Restart Your iPhone: Turn your iPhone off and on again. This fixes many small issues.

If the problem continues, it might be a minor system glitch in iOS 26. These glitches can stop settings from working correctly. When simple restarts don't help, you need a safe and professional tool to fix the system without losing your data.

Expert Recommendation: Fix iOS System Issues with ReiBoot

When you suspect a system glitch is causing problems like this, using a dedicated repair tool is the best solution. We recommend Tenorshare ReiBoot.

Tenorshare ReiBoot is a professional software for Mac and PC that can solve over 150 iOS system issues. It's very safe and easy to use, even for beginners.

Why ReiBoot is a Great Choice:

Fixes Search Bar Issues: It can repair the underlying iOS system glitch that might be preventing the search bar from moving.
Safe and Non-Destructive: ReiBoot has a "Standard Repair" mode that fixes system problems without deleting any of your photos, messages, or apps.
Solves Many Other Problems: It can also help with an iPhone that is stuck on the Apple logo, won't turn on, or is in recovery mode.
User-Friendly: The interface is simple. You just click a button to start the repair process.

How to Use ReiBoot to Fix System Glitches:

Download and install Tenorshare ReiBoot on your computer, then open the program. Connect your iPhone using a USB cable. Click "Start Repair" after ReiBoot detects your device.
On the next screen, click the "Standard Repair" option. This will fix iOS issues without erasing data.
ReiBoot will now show you the firmware file it needs to download for repairing your specific iPhone model. Choose "Download" to get this firmware file.
Once the firmware download completes, click "Start Standard Repair".
ReiBoot will display a "Done" information when completed. Your iPhone will then restart and issues fixed.

After your iPhone restarts, the system glitch should be gone. You can then go back to the steps above to move your search bar to the top on iOS 26. It should work perfectly now.

Conclusion

You don't have to get used to the new bottom search bar if you don't like it. With iOS 26, Apple puts you in control. In just a few seconds, you can move the search bar back to the top in Safari and other apps.

If you encounter any problems, remember that a simple restart often helps. For more stubborn system glitches, a professional tool like Tenorshare ReiBoot offers a safe and effective solution.

Enjoy your personalized and glitch-free iOS experience!

downloads :

Tenorshare ReiBoot - Fix iOS Issues

rated on Trustpilot >

Repair iPhone system issues like boot loops, black screens or apple logo effortlessly.
Easily upgrade or downgrade your iOS without data loss – no tech skills needed.