Personalizing your mobile browser is more than just a design choice—it enhances productivity, speeds up everyday tasks, and reflects your unique browsing habits. With the recent Google Chrome 125 stable update for iOS, users can now enjoy greater flexibility in shaping their mobile browsing experience.
Google has rolled out fresh customization features that were previously unavailable on iPhones. From editing menu layouts to tweaking tab settings, these new options bring the power of personalization right to your fingertips. Let’s explore six easy-to-follow ways you can tailor Chrome on your iPhone to better match your workflow and preferences.
Customize the Menu Layout in Chrome
Easily Arrange Shortcuts with the Carousel
With the latest Chrome 125 update, iOS users can now customize the browser’s menu—something previously exclusive to Android and desktop versions. This new feature allows you to select which shortcuts appear in your menu carousel.
Follow these steps:
- Tap the three-dot icon in the lower-right corner.
- Scroll down and tap “Customise Menu.”
- Add or remove shortcuts by tapping icons and checking or unchecking them.
- Reorder shortcuts by dragging them into their desired positions.
- Tap Done to save your new layout.
You can now also disable the Smart Sort Menu Bar. This prevents Chrome from automatically arranging your menu based on recent usage patterns, giving you complete control over your layout.
Rearrange the Action List
Create a Menu That Matches Your Workflow
The Actions List provides quick access to options such as bookmarking, downloading, and sharing. Chrome now lets you customize this list so your favorite tools are always within easy reach.
Here’s how to edit your Action List:
- Head into Customise Menu from the three-dot menu.
- Scroll to view the Smart Sort Menu Bar section.
- Use drag-and-drop to arrange items based on your preference.
- To remove items, simply uncheck the corresponding boxes.
- Tap Done when your menu feels just right.
Items you remove won’t appear again in the three-dot menu unless you re-enable them through customization.
Adjust the Address Bar Position
Match Your Navigation Style
Not everyone likes the address bar in the same spot. Whether you prefer it at the top, like classic browsers, or at the bottom for one-handed use, Chrome now gives you that choice.
To change the address bar placement:
- Open the three-dot menu.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Address Bar.
- Select either Top or Bottom.
- Tap Done to apply your change.
This simple tweak can significantly improve comfort and navigation, especially on larger screens.
Manage Your Discover Feed
Control What Content Appears on Your Start Page
The Discover Feed suggests news and articles based on your browsing behavior. If you want a cleaner, more focused browser experience, you can turn it off.
To turn off the Discover Feed:
- Open Chrome on your iPhone.
- Scroll down to the Discover section on the homepage.
- Tap the gear icon in the corner.
- Select Turn Off from the menu.
Once disabled, your start page will feel more minimal, with fewer distractions from your browsing goals.
Configure Tab Inactivity Settings
Keep Your Tabs Active or Let Chrome Auto-Organize
Chrome now lets you control how long tabs stay active before moving to the Inactive Tabs section. This is helpful if you keep multiple tabs open and want to reduce clutter without losing pages.
To customize inactive tab timing:
- Open Chrome and tap Settings.
- Go to the Tabs section.
- Tap on Inactive.
- Choose a time window (e.g., one week, two weeks, or never).
- Tap Done to confirm your choice.
This automation helps you focus on the pages that matter without manually closing all the others.
Set a Default Email App
Open Mail Links in the App You Use Most
If you’re tired of Chrome opening mail links in Apple Mail by default, there’s now a way to switch to your favorite email app like Gmail or Outlook.
Follow these steps to set your default mail app:
- Open Chrome and go to Settings.
- Tap on Content Settings.
- Select Default Apps.
- Tap Mail App.
- Choose your preferred app from the list.
From now on, tapping an email link will launch your selected mail app instead of the default iOS mail client.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the latest version of Chrome to access these features?
Yes, features like menu customization and address bar placement are part of the Chrome 125 update, so updating is necessary.
Will turning off the Discover Feed affect my search results?
No, turning off the Discover Feed only removes suggested articles on the homepage. Your search functionality remains unchanged.
Can I revert to the default Chrome settings later?
Yes, you can always return to Customise Menu or Settings and reset changes at any time.
Are these features also available on Android?
Some of them, like address bar placement and menu customization, have been available on Android. This update brings parity to iOS users.
Does changing the address bar location affect any other settings?
No, changing the bar’s location is purely visual and doesn’t interfere with other Chrome settings or functions.
Conclusion
Personalizing Google Chrome on your iPhone enhances your browsing experience by making it more efficient and tailored to your specific needs. With the latest update, you can easily manage menus, rearrange tabs, and adjust tool placements. These features enable you to customize the browser to match your habits, enhancing both convenience and productivity. Whether it’s repositioning the address bar or setting a default email app, the new options offer greater control and flexibility. Take advantage of these updates to make Chrome work your way.