Turn on battery percentage in Settings
To see your battery percentage on the iPhone screen, open Settings, tap Battery, then turn on Battery Percentage. The toggle switch will turn green when it is active. Your battery percentage will then appear in the top-right corner of your screen next to the battery icon, updating in real time as you use your phone.
This setting works on iPhone 12 and newer models. If you have an older iPhone with a notch at the top of the screen, you may not see the percentage display in the status bar, though you can still check your battery level by swiping down from the top-right corner to open Control Center.
The battery percentage shows as a number from 1 to 100 and updates every few seconds. Once you turn it on, it stays on until you manually turn it off again in the same Settings menu.
Key Takeaways
- Battery percentage appears in the top-right corner of your screen next to the battery icon once you enable it in Settings.
- The feature is available on iPhone 12 and newer models with the Dynamic Island or flat-edge design.
- You can turn the percentage on or off at any time by returning to Settings > Battery > Battery Percentage.
- If your iPhone is older, you can still see your battery level by opening Control Center from the top-right corner.
Where to find the Battery Percentage toggle
Open the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap the word Battery — it appears below "Privacy" in most cases. On the Battery settings page, you will see Battery Percentage listed near the top. Tap the toggle switch next to it to turn it on.
The switch will turn green when battery percentage is active. You do not need to restart your phone or close any apps — the percentage will appear in your status bar when ready.
What the battery percentage display looks like
Once enabled, the percentage appears as a white number in the top-right corner of your screen, positioned directly to the left of the battery icon. For example, you might see "87%" next to a small battery outline. The number updates every few seconds as your phone uses power.
The percentage is visible on your home screen, lock screen, and inside any app you are using. It disappears only if you turn off the toggle in Settings or if you are in an app that uses full-screen mode, such as a video player or game.
Older iPhones and battery percentage
If you own an iPhone 11 or earlier, the battery percentage toggle does not appear in Settings. Apple removed the option to display percentage in the status bar on these models because the notch at the top of the screen takes up space. However, you can still check your battery level without enabling a percentage display.
Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center. A large battery icon will appear in the top-right area of Control Center, showing your current percentage. This method works on all iPhone models and gives you a quick view of your battery without needing to open Settings.
Why you might want to see battery percentage
Displaying the percentage helps you know exactly how much power you have left instead of guessing from the battery icon alone. A full battery icon can look the same whether you have 100% or 80% charge, so the number gives you more precise information for planning your day.
Many people turn on battery percentage before a long trip, during heavy phone use, or when they know they will not have access to a charger for several hours. Once you get used to seeing the number, you can decide whether to keep it on permanently or turn it off if you prefer a cleaner status bar.
Turn battery percentage off if you change your mind
If you decide you do not want to see the percentage anymore, return to Settings > Battery > Battery Percentage and tap the toggle switch to turn it off. The switch will turn gray, and the percentage will disappear from your status bar within seconds.
You can turn the percentage on and off as many times as you want without affecting your phone's performance or battery life. The setting is purely visual and does not change how your iPhone uses or reports power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does showing battery percentage drain my battery faster?
No. Displaying the percentage in your status bar does not use extra power. It is straightforward a visual display of information your phone already tracks. Your battery life will be the same whether the percentage is shown or hidden.
Why does my battery percentage not appear after I turn it on?
Make sure you are using iPhone 12 or newer. If you have an older model, the toggle will not appear in Settings. Also check that you tapped the toggle switch and it turned green. If the switch is green but the percentage still does not show, restart your phone by turning it off and back on.
Can I see battery percentage on my lock screen?
Yes. Once you enable battery percentage in Settings, it appears on your lock screen in the top-right corner along with the time and other status information. The percentage updates in real time even when your phone is locked.
What if the battery percentage toggle is grayed out?
A grayed-out toggle means your iPhone model does not support this feature. You have an iPhone 11 or earlier. Use Control Center instead by swiping down from the top-right corner to see your battery percentage.