I had hoped that it would be as simple as removing the hidden-mobile hidden-tablet from here https://github.com/joomla/joomla-cms/blob/staging/administrator/components/com_modules/layouts/joomla/searchtools/default/bar.php#L24

That works but doesnt look good

@brianteeman i'm working on it (among other things). Tomorrow i should have it done.
See staging...andrepereiradasilva:com_modules-modules-searchtools

But i have two doubts:

1. Is the modal view for modules still used? I didn't found any call to modules modal view in current Joomla staging.
2. Is the ordering (drag and drop) of the modules in current staging working properly? When draging it disabled a lot of options, but are the right ones disabled?

Sorry I missed this reply
1. i think it may be used only in the loadmodule editor button
2. not sure what you mean

1. ok thanks. I think there is no way yet to put searchtools JLayouts on modals.
2. is resolved now see #9120

The only thing I was referring to in this issue was that in mobile views the option to switch between site and admin is missing

in #9101 for langauges you resolved it

that also happens in menu items view.
When i have time i will try to do a PR for resolving that issue in all views.

Thanks - I will leave this open for now

PR #9151
Please test.