Where to find your battery percentage on iPhone
The quickest way to see how much battery you have left is to look at the battery icon in the top-right corner of your screen. On newer iPhones without a notch or Dynamic Island, this icon shows a percentage number next to it. On older models, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center — the battery percentage appears there as well.
If you want the percentage to always show on your home screen, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Percentage and toggle it on. This adds the number next to the battery icon at all times, so you do not have to open Control Center to check.
Key Takeaways
- Your current battery percentage appears in the top-right corner of your screen, or in Control Center if you swipe down from the top-right.
- Turn on Battery Percentage in Settings > Battery > Battery Percentage to see the number at all times instead of just the icon.
- Battery Health shows how much capacity your battery has lost over time and appears in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
- Low Power Mode extends battery life by slowing performance and reducing background activity, and you can turn it on in Control Center or Settings.
- If your battery health drops below 80 percent, Apple may recommend a replacement, though the battery will still work.
Checking your battery health in Settings
Battery Health is different from your current charge — it tells you whether your battery is degrading. Every iPhone battery loses capacity over time, and Apple lets you see exactly how much. Open Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to find the Maximum Capacity percentage.
If your Maximum Capacity shows 100 percent, your battery is new or nearly new. At 80 percent, your battery has aged normally for a phone that is a few years old. Below 80 percent, Apple considers the battery degraded and may suggest a replacement, though your phone will still work. You will also see Peak Performance Capability on this same screen, which tells you whether your phone is running at full speed or if it has slowed itself down to protect an aging battery.
Using Low Power Mode to extend battery life
When your battery is running low, Low Power Mode reduces how much power your phone uses. Turn it on by opening Control Center (swipe down from the top-right on newer iPhones, or up from the bottom on older ones) and tapping the battery icon. You can also turn it on in Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode.
Low Power Mode slows down your processor, reduces screen brightness, limits background app refresh, and turns off some visual effects. Your phone will still work normally for calls, texts, and most apps, but demanding tasks like gaming or video editing will be noticeably slower. Most people leave it on until they can charge, and it typically adds several hours to your battery life.
What the Battery Health screen tells you
The Battery Health & Charging screen shows two main pieces of information. Maximum Capacity is the percentage of charge your battery can now hold compared to when it was brand new. Peak Performance Capability tells you whether your phone is running at full speed or whether iOS has throttled it to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
If you see a message saying "This iPhone has experienced an unexpected shutdown because the battery was unable to deliver the necessary peak power," it means your battery is too worn to handle demanding tasks safely. Apple will have already slowed your phone down automatically. If you see "Battery Health Management is on," that is a newer feature that learns your charging habits and slows down charging speed at night to reduce battery wear — you can turn it off if you prefer, but leaving it on extends your battery's lifespan.
Monitoring battery usage by app
If your battery drains faster than it should, you can see which apps are using the most power. Go to Settings > Battery and scroll down to Battery Usage by App. This list shows what percentage of your total battery each app has consumed over the last 24 hours or the last 10 days — tap the toggle at the top to switch between the two.
Apps at the top of the list are using the most battery. If an app you rarely use is near the top, you can uninstall it or turn off its background app refresh. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh, find the app, and toggle it off. This stops the app from running in the background and checking for updates when you are not using it.
Understanding battery drain and when to replace
All lithium batteries lose capacity over time — this is normal chemistry, not a defect. Apple rates iPhone batteries to retain at least 80 percent of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles. A charge cycle is one full drain from 100 to 0 percent, or the equivalent spread across multiple days. Most people hit 500 cycles after two to three years of normal use.
If your Maximum Capacity is below 80 percent and your phone is slowing down or shutting down unexpectedly, a battery replacement is worth considering. Apple charges a flat fee for out-of-warranty battery replacement, which is usually less than buying a new phone. If your phone is still under warranty or AppleCare+, the replacement may be covered. Check your coverage in Settings > General > About and look for your coverage status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my battery percentage jump from 20 to 0 suddenly?
This usually means your battery health is poor and cannot deliver power consistently. The percentage reading becomes inaccurate as the battery ages. Try calibrating your battery by letting it drain completely, then charging it to 100 percent without interruption. If the problem continues, your battery likely needs replacement.
Does Low Power Mode damage my battery?
No. Low Power Mode actually helps your battery last longer by reducing the strain on it. It slows down your phone temporarily but does not harm the battery itself. You can use it whenever you want without worry.
What is the difference between battery percentage and battery health?
Battery percentage is how much charge you have right now — like a fuel gauge. Battery health is how much total capacity your battery has lost over its lifetime. You can have 100 percent charge but only 75 percent health, meaning your battery is degraded but currently full.
Can I see battery health on my Apple Watch or AirPods?
Yes. For AirPods, open the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone and tap the information icon next to your AirPods to see their battery health. For Apple Watch, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health on the watch itself, or check it in the Watch app on your iPhone under Battery.
Is 85 percent battery health bad?
No. At 85 percent, your battery is aging normally and has plenty of life left. Most people do not need to replace a battery until it drops below 80 percent or starts causing problems like unexpected shutdowns. You can continue using your phone without concern.