To add the Google search bar on Android, touch and hold an empty spot on your home screen, tap Widgets, find Google, then drag the search bar onto the screen. On an iPhone, touch and hold the home screen, tap Edit, then Add Widget, search for Google, and add a Search widget.
The steps are a little different on each phone, so jump to the section for your device below. These steps follow Google’s own Search widget help page.
How to Add the Google Search Bar on Android
Most Android phones come with the Google app installed. The search bar is a widget that belongs to that app.
- Touch and hold an empty spot on your home screen.
- Tap Widgets.
- Scroll to Google and tap it if it has a list of widgets.
- Touch and hold the Search widget.
- Drag it to the spot you want, then lift your finger.
You can also add it from inside the Google app. Open the app, tap your profile picture, then go to Settings > Customize Search widget and tap Add.
To make room for it, you may need to move some icons first. See how to move apps on Android. If you removed an app by mistake while doing this, here is how to get apps back on your Android home screen.
How to Add the Google Search Bar on iPhone or iPad
You need the free Google app from the App Store. Open it once after you install it, or the widget may not show up in the list.
- Touch and hold an empty spot on your home screen until the apps jiggle.
- Tap Edit in the top corner, then tap Add Widget.
- Type Google in the search box and tap the Google app.
- Swipe to pick a Search widget size.
- Tap Add Widget, then tap Done.
On an iPad, Google says the Search widget is only available in landscape mode. If the screen is stuck in portrait, turn off rotation lock on your iPad first. See Google’s iPhone and iPad steps for details.
How to Change the Look of the Search Bar
On Android, open the Google app, tap your profile picture, and go to Settings > Customize Search widget. You can change the shortcuts, the color, and how see-through the bar is. Tap Reset to go back to the default style.
On an iPhone, open the Google app and go to Settings > Widgets to change the theme and shortcuts.
What If the Search Bar Won’t Go Away or Won’t Show Up?
On some older Android phones, the search bar is built into the home screen and can’t be removed. On others, touch and hold the bar and drag it to Remove.
If you can’t find the widget, update the Google app from the Play Store or App Store, then try again. Google also notes that some newer versions of the Discover feed no longer include a search bar at the top, so the widget is the way to add one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add the Google search bar widget on Android?
Touch and hold your home screen, tap Widgets, find Google, and drag the Search widget where you want it. You can also add it in the Google app under Settings > Customize Search widget.
Is the Google search bar free?
Yes. The widget is part of the free Google app. You don’t need to pay to use it.
Can I use this on a computer?
The widget is for phones and tablets. On a Windows PC, you can make Google your search engine in your browser instead. Here is how to set Google as the default in Microsoft Edge.
For more Google tips, see our Google Search and YouTube guides.
You can also add any website to your home screen with Chrome.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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