Turn on Battery Percentage in Settings
To show your battery percentage on the iPhone screen, open Settings, then tap Battery, then turn on the toggle next to Battery Percentage. The percentage will appear in the top-right corner of your screen next to the battery icon, replacing the solid battery bar you see now.
This setting works on iPhone 11 and newer models. If you have an older iPhone with a notch or Face ID, you may not see this option in Settings — Apple added it in iOS 16. The percentage updates in real time as you use your phone, so you will always know how much charge remains.
Once you turn it on, the percentage stays visible on your lock screen, home screen, and in apps. You do not have to turn it on again unless you disable it later.
Key Takeaways
- Battery percentage appears in the top-right corner next to the battery icon once you enable it in Settings > Battery > Battery Percentage.
- This feature is available on iPhone 11 and newer models running iOS 16 or later.
- The percentage updates constantly and shows on your lock screen, home screen, and while using apps.
- You can turn the percentage off anytime by returning to Settings > Battery and toggling it off again.
What the Battery Percentage Shows You
The percentage tells you exactly how much charge your battery has left, from 0 to 100 percent. This is more precise than the battery icon alone, which only gives you a visual estimate. If your battery shows 23 percent, you know you have roughly 23 percent of a full charge remaining.
The percentage is especially useful when you are deciding whether to charge your phone now or wait. If you see 8 percent, you know you have only a few minutes of use left. If you see 67 percent, you have several hours depending on what you are doing.
Why the Battery Icon Alone Can Be Misleading
The battery icon in the top-right corner changes shape as your charge drops, but the changes are not always straightforward to judge at a glance. A battery that looks half-full might actually be at 40 percent or 60 percent — it is hard to tell. Adding the percentage number removes that guesswork.
Many people turn on battery percentage specifically because they want to know their exact charge without having to swipe down to the Control Center or open Settings. The percentage gives you that information when ready, right on your screen.
How to Turn Battery Percentage Off
If you change your mind and want to hide the percentage, go back to Settings > Battery and toggle Battery Percentage off. The number will disappear from the top-right corner, and you will see only the battery icon again.
Some people turn it off because they find the extra number clutters the status bar, or because they prefer not to think about their battery level constantly. There is no right choice — it is entirely up to what works for you.
Checking Battery Health Separately
The battery percentage shows your current charge, but Battery Health is different — it shows how much capacity your battery has lost over time. You can see this in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. A new iPhone shows 100 percent battery health; an older one might show 85 percent or lower.
Battery health affects how long your phone runs on a single charge. If your battery health is 60 percent, your phone will not last as long as it did when new, even if the current charge percentage is 100. Turning on battery percentage does not change or show your battery health — you have to check that separately in the Battery Health menu.
Troubleshooting: Battery Percentage Does Not Appear
If you turned on the toggle but the percentage still does not show, restart your iPhone. Hold down the side button and one volume button until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait a few seconds, then hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo.
If the percentage still does not appear after a restart, make sure you are running iOS 16 or newer. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check your iOS version. If your iPhone is older than an iPhone 11, this feature is not available on your model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does showing battery percentage drain my battery faster?
No. Displaying the percentage uses almost no power — it is just a number on your screen. Your battery drains at the same rate whether the percentage is visible or hidden.
Can I move the battery percentage to a different location on my screen?
No. The percentage always appears in the top-right corner next to the battery icon. You cannot move it to the left side or anywhere else.
Why does my battery percentage sometimes jump down suddenly?
Battery percentage can drop quickly when you use power-hungry apps like video recording, gaming, or navigation. It can also drop suddenly in cold weather, because batteries work less efficiently when cold. The percentage will stabilize once you stop using those apps or warm up your phone.
What if my battery percentage shows 1 percent but my phone does not shut off?
Your phone can run for a few more minutes at 1 percent before it shuts down. The exact time depends on what you are doing — using the camera drains it faster than just sitting idle. Charge your phone as soon as you see 1 percent to avoid losing unsaved work.