Where to find the battery percentage setting
The battery percentage appears in the top right corner of your iPhone screen, next to the battery icon. On most iPhones, you can turn this display on or off in Settings. The exact location depends on which iPhone model you own, because the notch or Dynamic Island at the top of the screen takes up space where the percentage normally sits.
Apple lets you choose whether to show just the battery icon or the icon plus a number. The number tells you exactly how much charge remains — 87%, 42%, 15% — rather than making you guess from the icon alone. Once enabled, the percentage updates in real time as your phone uses power.
Key Takeaways
- On iPhone 12 and newer, go to Settings > Battery, then turn on Battery Percentage to see the number next to the battery icon.
- On iPhone 11 and older, the percentage setting is in Settings > Battery, and the display works the same way.
- The percentage appears in the status bar at the top right of your screen whenever the setting is enabled.
- You can turn the percentage on or off at any time — the setting takes effect when ready.
- On newer iPhones, iOS may temporarily hide the percentage when the status bar is crowded with other icons like call indicators or location services.
Steps for iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and newer models
Open the Settings app on your home screen. Tap Battery near the top of the menu. Look for the toggle next to Battery Percentage and tap it to turn it on. The toggle will turn green when it is active.
Once you enable it, look at the top right corner of your screen. You should see the battery icon with a number next to it — for example, 78% or 45%. This number updates in real time as your phone uses power. The setting takes effect when ready after you toggle it on.
Steps for iPhone 11 and earlier models
Open Settings and scroll down to find Battery. Tap it. Look for Battery Percentage in the menu and tap the toggle to turn it on. The toggle turns green when enabled.
The percentage will appear in the status bar at the top right of your screen, next to the battery icon. On older iPhones without a notch, there is more room in the status bar, so the percentage displays more consistently throughout the day. You will see it whether you are using your phone or just checking the time.
Why the percentage might not show on newer iPhones
On iPhone 12 and later, the notch or Dynamic Island at the top of the screen takes up space. Even with Battery Percentage turned on, iOS sometimes hides the number when the status bar is crowded — for example, when you are on a call, using location services, or have multiple apps running in the background.
If you turn on Battery Percentage but do not see the number, check whether you have other status icons active. Close any apps you are not using, end any active calls, and disable location services temporarily. The percentage should reappear once the status bar has room. This is normal behavior and does not mean the setting is broken.
What the battery icon colors mean
The battery icon itself changes color to give you a quick visual signal. When your battery is above 20%, the icon appears in black or white depending on your wallpaper and theme. At 20% or below, the icon turns red or orange to warn you that your phone is running low.
If you see a red icon with a low battery percentage, your iPhone will enter Low Power Mode automatically at 20%, which slows performance to extend battery life. You can also turn on Low Power Mode manually in Settings > Battery to preserve charge before you reach that threshold. This gives you more time before your phone shuts down.
Turning the percentage off again
If you decide you do not want to see the battery percentage, the process is the same. Open Settings, tap Battery, and toggle Battery Percentage off. The number will disappear from your status bar when ready, and only the icon will remain.
You can switch this setting on and off as often as you want. Some people turn it on when their battery is low and turn it off when it is fully charged, though leaving it on all the time is also common. There is no penalty for changing it frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my battery percentage disappear sometimes even though I turned it on?
On iPhone 12 and newer, iOS hides the percentage when the status bar is full of other icons — during calls, when location is active, or when you have multiple alerts. This is normal behavior. The percentage reappears when space opens up in the status bar.
Can I see the battery percentage on my lock screen?
Yes, on iPhone 12.1 and newer, you can add a battery widget to your lock screen. Swipe up from the bottom of the lock screen, tap the plus button, search for Battery, and add the widget. It shows your iPhone battery and any connected device batteries like AirPods or Apple Watch.
Does showing the battery percentage drain my battery faster?
No. Displaying the percentage uses no meaningful amount of power. The setting only changes what appears on your screen — it does not change how your phone operates or consumes energy.
What if the battery percentage setting is grayed out?
This is rare, but if the toggle appears grayed out, restart your iPhone. Press and hold the power button and either volume button, slide to power off, wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. The setting should be available after the restart.