Google Play Store makes searching for apps harder on tablets

The handy search bar on the main screen has been retired.

Google Play Store makes searching for apps harder on tablets
Tab S9 and Pixel tablet displays
Credit: Damien Wilde / Android Authority
  • Google Play Store for Android tablets has retired the search bar on the main screen.
  • Tablet users must now head to the new Search tab to find apps, which requires an extra click.
  • You can tap the Search tab’s icon twice to bring up the keyboard and initiate a search quickly.

Back in August, Google’s Play Store introduced a new Search tab on Android phones, which features personalized suggestions and more. To unify the experience across its products, Google is now applying this change to the Play Store on Android tablets. While some may appreciate the dedicated section and its included search recommendations, it does make finding apps on the digital storefront more time-consuming.

Google Play Store Search tab on Android tablets