Where to find your headphone battery level on iPhone
Your iPhone shows wireless headphone battery in the Control Center or the Batteries widget. The quickest way is to swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (or up from the bottom on older iPhones) to open Control Center, then look for a battery icon with your headphone name next to it. If your headphones are connected, the percentage appears right there.
If you don't see your headphones listed, they may not be paired or connected. Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and check that your headphones appear in the "My Devices" list with a blue checkmark or "Connected" label next to the name.
Key Takeaways
- Control Center (swipe from top-right or bottom) shows your connected headphone battery percentage when ready.
- The Batteries widget on your home screen displays headphone battery alongside your iPhone and other device batteries.
- If your headphones don't appear, check Bluetooth settings to confirm they are paired and connected.
- Some headphone models show battery only when actively connected; disconnected headphones may not display a level.
- Low battery warnings appear as notifications when your headphones drop below 10 or 20 percent, depending on the model.
Using the Batteries widget for a quick glance
The Batteries widget is the easiest way to monitor your headphone battery without opening Control Center every time. On your home screen, press and hold an empty area, tap the plus button, search for "Batteries," and add the widget. The widget shows your iPhone battery, Apple Watch (if you have one), and any connected wireless headphones in one place.
The widget updates automatically when your headphones are in range and connected. If your headphones are off or out of range, the battery percentage may not update until they reconnect.
What to do when your headphones are not showing a battery level
If your headphones are paired but not showing a battery percentage, they may not be actively connected. Disconnect and reconnect them: go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to your headphone name, and select "Forget This Device." Then put your headphones in pairing mode and reconnect them from the Bluetooth list.
Some older or budget headphone models do not send battery information to your iPhone at all. Check your headphone manual or the manufacturer's app to see if your model supports battery reporting. If it does not, you may need to rely on the headphone's own LED indicator or companion app instead.
Using your headphone's companion app for detailed battery info
Many headphone brands—Apple, Sony, Bose, Jabra, and others—offer their own apps that show more detailed battery information than iOS does. read the app from the App Store, sign in if required, and open it while your headphones are connected. The app often displays the exact battery percentage, charging status, and sometimes individual battery levels for each earbud.
These apps can also send you notifications when battery is low, let you customize how often you get alerts, and sometimes show charging history. Check your headphone manufacturer's website to find the correct app for your model.
Understanding low battery notifications
When your headphone battery drops to around 10 or 20 percent (the exact threshold varies by model), your iPhone sends a notification to your lock screen and notification center. You may also hear a sound or feel a vibration, depending on your notification settings. These warnings give you time to charge before your headphones die.
If you miss the notification or ignore it, your headphones will power off when the battery is completely empty. Charge them using their case or charging cable—most wireless headphones take 1 to 3 hours to fully charge, though some fast-charging models are quicker.
Checking battery for AirPods and other Apple devices
AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max show battery in Control Center and the Batteries widget just like any other headphones. For AirPods in a case, you see two percentages: one for the earbuds and one for the case itself. This tells you whether you need to charge the case, the earbuds, or both.
You can also check AirPods battery by holding them near your iPhone—a notification pops up on your screen showing the current charge level. This works even if your AirPods are not actively connected, as long as they are in range and powered on.
Troubleshooting battery display problems
If Control Center or the Batteries widget shows incorrect battery levels—such as stuck at 100 percent or jumping between numbers—disconnect your headphones and reconnect them. Sometimes the connection needs to refresh for the battery reading to update.
If the problem continues, restart your iPhone by powering it off and back on. You can also try resetting your headphones to factory settings (the process varies by model; check your manual). If battery information still does not appear after these steps, contact the headphone manufacturer's support, as the issue may be a hardware problem with the headphones themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPhone show my headphone battery as 100 percent all the time?
Your headphones may not be fully paired or may have a connection issue. Disconnect them from Bluetooth, forget the device, and pair them again. If the battery still shows 100 percent after reconnecting, your headphones may not support battery reporting, or there may be a hardware issue with the battery sensor.
Can I see the battery of headphones that are not currently connected?
No. Your iPhone only displays battery for headphones that are actively connected via Bluetooth. Once you disconnect them, the battery percentage disappears from Control Center and the Batteries widget. Some companion apps may show the last known battery level, but it will not update until the headphones reconnect.
Do all wireless headphones show battery on iPhone?
Most modern wireless headphones do, but not all. Older models and some budget brands may not send battery data to your iPhone. Check your headphone manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm your model supports battery reporting. If it does not, use the headphone's LED indicator or companion app instead.
What does it mean if my headphone battery shows in Control Center but not in the Batteries widget?
The Batteries widget may not be added to your home screen yet. Press and hold an empty area on your home screen, tap the plus button, search for "Batteries," and add the widget. Once added, it should display your headphone battery alongside other device batteries.
How often does the battery percentage update on my iPhone?
Battery updates happen automatically whenever your headphones are connected and in range. The update frequency depends on your headphone model and iOS version, but typically happens every few seconds to every minute. If you notice the battery is not updating, try disconnecting and reconnecting your headphones.