What you can change and what you cannot
iPhone lets you change the color of the battery icon that appears in Control Center and on your lock screen, but only within limits set by Apple. You can pick from a small set of preset colors — typically green, yellow, orange, red, and blue — depending on your iPhone model and iOS version. You cannot create a custom color or change the battery color everywhere on your phone; the change applies only to those two locations.
The battery percentage number itself stays white or black depending on your wallpaper. What changes is the outline and fill of the battery icon shape. This is a visual preference feature, not a functional one — it does not affect how your battery actually works or how fast it drains.
Key Takeaways
- Battery color changes are available on iPhone 14 and newer models running iOS 16 or later.
- You adjust the color through Settings > Display & Brightness > Lock Screen, not through Control Center itself.
- The color you choose appears on your lock screen battery indicator and in Control Center, but not in the status bar at the top of your home screen.
- If you do not see a color option in Lock Screen settings, your iPhone model or iOS version does not support this feature.
Where to find the battery color setting on iPhone 14 and newer
Open Settings and tap Display & Brightness. Scroll down and tap Lock Screen. You will see options for customizing your lock screen appearance, including font, time color, and accent color. The accent color controls the battery icon color in most cases.
Tap Accent Color (or Color, depending on your iOS version) and you will see a row of color swatches. Tap the color you want. The battery icon on your lock screen will update when ready. The same color will also explore to the battery icon in Control Center when you swipe down from the top right of your screen.
If you have set a custom lock screen with a specific design, the color options available may be limited to colors that match that design. Switching to a different lock screen style may give you access to more color choices.
Why older iPhones do not have this option
iPhone 13 and earlier models do not include a battery color customization feature in Settings. Apple introduced this option with iOS 16, which is available only on iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. If you own an older iPhone and want this feature, you would need to upgrade your device.
Some older iPhones running iOS 16 or later (such as iPhone 13) still do not have the battery color option because Apple limited the feature to newer hardware. This is a hardware and software combination requirement, not just a software one.
The battery icon color does not appear everywhere
The color change you make in Lock Screen settings affects only two places: the battery indicator on your lock screen and the battery icon in Control Center. The status bar at the top of your home screen — where the battery percentage normally appears when you are using an app — remains white or black and does not change color based on your Lock Screen settings.
This limitation exists because the status bar is designed to stay consistent across all apps and system screens. Changing its color would interfere with the visibility of other status icons like signal strength and Bluetooth connection. The lock screen and Control Center have more design flexibility, so Apple allows customization there.
Resetting the battery color to default
If you want to return the battery icon to its original color, go back to Settings > Display & Brightness > Lock Screen > Accent Color and select the default option. This is usually the first swatch in the color row, or it may be labeled Default. Tap it and the battery icon will return to the standard appearance.
You can change the color as many times as you want without any penalty or limit. There is no setting that locks you into a color choice, so experimenting is safe.
What to do if you cannot find the battery color option
If you have an iPhone 14 or newer but do not see color options in Lock Screen settings, check that you are running the latest iOS version. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available update. Apple sometimes adds or refines this feature in minor iOS releases.
If the option still does not appear after updating, restart your iPhone by holding down the power button and volume button together, then sliding to power off. Wait 10 seconds and turn it back on. This clears temporary glitches that sometimes hide settings.
If you own an iPhone 13 or earlier, this feature is not available on your device. The battery color customization is exclusive to iPhone 14 models and newer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the battery color in Control Center directly?
No. You must go through Settings > Display & Brightness > Lock Screen to change the color. Control Center itself has no color customization options. Once you change the color in Lock Screen settings, it automatically applies to the Control Center battery icon.
Does changing the battery color affect how fast my battery drains?
No. The battery color is purely visual and has no effect on battery performance, drain rate, or any other function. It is a cosmetic preference only.
Why does my battery icon color not match the accent color I selected?
Some lock screen designs have limited color palettes. If your lock screen template does not support the color you chose, the system may display the closest matching color instead. Try switching to a different lock screen design to see if more color options become available.
Can I set different battery colors for different lock screens?
No. The accent color you choose applies to all your lock screens. If you have multiple lock screens set up, they will all use the same battery color. You can only have one active accent color at a time.