You can keep Safari’s search field at the top of the screen by choosing the Top tab layout. On current iOS versions, the persistent layout setting is under Settings > Apps > Safari rather than the older in-Safari address-bar movement instructions found in some guides.
Move the Safari search field to the top
Open Settings, tap Apps, then tap Safari. Scroll to the Tabs section and choose Top. Open Safari again and the search/address field will use the top layout.
Understand the other Safari layouts
Current Safari can offer Compact, Bottom, and Top layouts. Bottom keeps the search field near the bottom edge, while Top uses the more traditional location above the webpage. Compact changes the way tab and search controls are presented. Choose the layout that is easiest for you to reach and read.
If Safari still looks different
Make sure you changed the setting for Safari rather than a different browser. Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and other browsers have their own interface settings. Also remember that screenshots from older iOS releases can show buttons and menus that no longer match the current Safari interface.
The search field is also the address field
Safari uses the same field for website addresses and search queries. Moving it does not change your default search engine or erase browsing data. It only changes the browser layout.
Switch back whenever you want
Return to Settings > Apps > Safari and choose another Tabs layout. The change is reversible and does not affect your bookmarks, history, tab groups, or saved passwords.
This setting affects Safari, not every browser
If you use more than one browser, changing Safari’s Tabs layout will not move the search field in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or another app. Open that browser’s own settings to look for a comparable option. This also explains why a Safari setting can appear to have no effect when a link opens in your chosen default browser instead.
Matthew Roberts created this site to help his friends and family with questions that they might have about how to change the settings on their iPhones. It now serves as an archive of iPhone how-to guides to help anyone that stumbles upon this website.