Turn on battery percentage in Settings

To see your battery percentage on your iPhone, open Settings, then tap Battery, then turn on Battery Percentage. The toggle switch will turn green when it is on. Your battery percentage will then appear next to the battery icon in the top right corner of your screen.

This setting works on iPhone XS and newer models. If you have an older iPhone with a notch or a home button, the battery percentage may not display in the status bar, though you can still see it by swiping down from the top right to open Control Center.

The battery percentage updates in real time as you use your phone. It shows the exact number — for example, 87% or 34% — rather than just a visual battery icon.

Key Takeaways

  • Battery percentage appears in the top right corner of your screen once you enable it in Settings > Battery > Battery Percentage.
  • This feature is available on iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and all newer models.
  • Older iPhones with a home button do not support battery percentage in the status bar, but you can see it in Control Center instead.
  • The percentage updates continuously as you use your phone and drains the battery.

Where to find the Battery Percentage setting

Open the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap the word Battery — it is not inside another folder. You will see a section called Battery Health & Charging at the top of the screen.

Below that section, look for Battery Percentage. It appears as a toggle switch. Tap the switch to turn it on. The switch will change color to green and move to the right when it is active.

Close Settings by swiping up from the bottom of the screen or tapping the home button. The battery percentage will now show in your status bar at the top right.

What the battery percentage looks like on your screen

Once enabled, the battery percentage appears as a number directly to the left of the battery icon in the top right corner. For example, you might see "76%" followed by a small battery symbol. The number changes as your battery drains or charges.

The percentage is visible on your lock screen, home screen, and in most apps. It disappears only when you are in full-screen video or games that hide the status bar. When you swipe down from the top right to open Control Center, you will also see a larger battery icon with the percentage displayed inside it.

Why you might want to see your battery percentage

Knowing your exact battery level helps you decide when to charge your phone. Without the percentage, you can only see the battery icon, which gives a rough estimate. The exact number lets you know if you have 20% left or 5% left — a significant difference if you are away from a charger.

Some people turn on battery percentage to track how fast their battery drains during the day. If your battery drops 10% in an hour, you know you need to charge soon or close some apps. Others use it to monitor battery health over time — if your phone used to last all day at 100% and now it does not, the percentage display makes that change obvious.

Turn off battery percentage if you prefer the icon only

If you change your mind and want to hide the percentage again, return to Settings > Battery and tap the Battery Percentage toggle to turn it off. The switch will turn gray and move to the left. Your status bar will show only the battery icon without the number.

You can turn this setting on and off as many times as you want. There is no limit to how often you can change it, and it does not affect your phone's performance or battery life.

Check battery percentage in Control Center if your iPhone is older

If you have an iPhone with a home button — such as iPhone 8, iPhone 7, or earlier — the battery percentage setting does not appear in your Settings app. These older models do not support displaying the percentage in the status bar.

However, you can still see your battery percentage by opening Control Center. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center, and you will see a battery icon with the percentage displayed inside it. This method works on all iPhones, even older ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does turning on battery percentage drain my battery faster?

No. Displaying the battery percentage uses almost no power. The number is straightforward a different way of showing information your phone already tracks. Turning it on or off will not affect how long your battery lasts.

Why does my battery percentage not show up after I turn it on?

Make sure you have an iPhone XS or newer. Older models do not support this feature in the status bar. Also check that the toggle switch is green and moved to the right. If it is, close and reopen Settings, or restart your phone.

Can I see battery percentage on the lock screen?

Yes. Once you enable battery percentage in Settings, it appears in the top right corner of your lock screen along with the time and other status information. You do not need to unlock your phone to see it.

What does the battery percentage mean exactly?

The percentage shows how much charge is left in your battery compared to a full charge. For example, 50% means your battery is half full. At 0%, your phone will shut down until you charge it.