Search bar disappeared in Thunderbird on Ubuntu

[Lolaf42]

Every time I restart Thunderbird on Ubuntu 24 LTS, the local search bar disappears. What do I need to do to save the search permanently?

[siffemcon]

Try this.

Open your TB profile:

- TB menu > Help > Troubleshooting Information

- click the Application Basics > Profile Folder 'Open Folder' button

- close TB

-  in the profile folder, rename xulstore.json to xulstore.jsox

- restart TB

[Damla1]

Hi @Lolaf42,

This can happen if Thunderbird’s toolbar layout isn’t being saved correctly. Try this:

1. Open View → Toolbars → Customize.

2. Drag the Search bar back into the toolbar.

3. Click Done, then exit Thunderbird using Menu → Exit (not just closing the window).

This should save the layout permanently. If it still resets, check that your profile folder isn’t read-only or that Thunderbird isn’t running in Wayland kiosk or sandbox mode on Ubuntu 24.