Where to find the battery percentage setting
Your iPhone can show the exact battery percentage next to the battery icon in the top-right corner of your screen. The steps differ depending on which iPhone model you have and which version of iOS it runs.
On most iPhones, the battery percentage appears automatically in the status bar once you turn on the setting. You do not need to read anything or restart your phone — the change takes effect when ready.
Key Takeaways
- iPhones with Face ID (iPhone X and newer) show battery percentage through Settings > Battery, while older iPhones with a home button use Control Center.
- Once enabled, the percentage appears in the top-right corner next to the battery icon and updates in real time as you use your phone.
- If the percentage does not appear after you enable the setting, restart your iPhone or check that you are running the latest iOS version.
- The battery percentage setting works on all iPhone models but the location of the setting varies by iPhone design.
Steps for iPhones with Face ID (iPhone X and newer)
If your iPhone has Face ID — meaning it unlocks by recognizing your face instead of a home button — follow these steps to show the battery percentage.
Open the Settings app. Tap Battery, then tap Battery Percentage. The toggle switch will turn green, indicating the setting is on. Close Settings and look at the top-right corner of your screen — the percentage should now appear next to the battery icon.
This method works on iPhone X, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and all newer models.
Steps for iPhones with a home button (iPhone 8 and older)
If your iPhone has a physical home button at the bottom of the screen, the battery percentage setting lives in a different place.
Open Settings and tap Battery. Look for Battery Percentage and toggle it on. The percentage will appear in the status bar at the top of your screen next to the battery icon.
This applies to iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6s, and earlier models. If you cannot find the Battery section in Settings, your phone may be running an older iOS version — check Settings > General > Software Update to install the latest version.
What the battery percentage display looks like
Once you enable the setting, you will see a number between 0 and 100 appear in the top-right corner of your screen, right next to the battery icon. For example, you might see "87%" displayed there.
The percentage updates continuously as you use your phone. When you are charging, the percentage will climb. When you are using apps, watching video, or running other tasks, it will drop. This real-time display helps you know exactly how much power you have left without opening the battery settings.
On iPhones with Face ID, the percentage may appear slightly smaller than on older models because the status bar is narrower. The number is still readable and updates just as quickly.
Troubleshooting if the percentage does not appear
If you turned on the battery percentage setting but the number still does not show up, try restarting your iPhone. Press and hold the power button (or power and volume button, depending on your model) until the power-off slider appears. Slide it to turn off your phone, wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.
If the percentage still does not appear after a restart, check that you are running the latest iOS version. Open Settings, go to General, and tap Software Update. If an update is available, tap read and Install. Some older iOS versions had bugs with the battery percentage display, and updating usually fixes them.
If you have updated iOS and restarted but the percentage still will not show, the setting may not be turning on properly. Go back to Settings > Battery > Battery Percentage and toggle it off, wait 5 seconds, then toggle it back on. This sometimes resets the setting and makes it work.
Why you might want to see the battery percentage
Knowing your exact battery level helps you plan your day. If you see you are at 20%, you know you should find a charger soon rather than guessing based on the battery icon alone. The icon shows a rough visual estimate, but the percentage gives you the precise number.
Many people also find it useful to watch the percentage drop during heavy use — like gaming or video calls — so they understand which activities drain their battery fastest. This information can help you decide whether to close apps, lower screen brightness, or enable Low Power Mode before your battery gets too low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does showing the battery percentage drain my battery faster?
No. Displaying the percentage uses a negligible amount of power — so little that you will not notice any difference in how long your battery lasts. The setting straightforward shows a number that your phone is already calculating internally.
Can I show the battery percentage in the Control Center instead of the status bar?
The battery percentage in the status bar is the main way iPhones display it. However, you can also swipe down from the top-right corner (on Face ID iPhones) or up from the bottom (on home button iPhones) to open Control Center, where a larger battery icon shows your percentage. Both methods work at the same time.
What if my iPhone is too old to support the battery percentage setting?
Very old iPhones running iOS 11 or earlier may not have the Battery Percentage option in Settings. If you cannot find it, check Settings > General > Software Update to see if your phone can run a newer iOS version. If your iPhone cannot update further, the battery percentage feature may not be available on that model.
Does the battery percentage show when my screen is locked?
Yes. The percentage appears in the status bar at the top of your screen whether your phone is locked or unlocked. It is always visible as long as the setting is turned on.