Turn on battery percentage in Settings
To see your battery percentage on your iPhone, open Settings, then tap Battery, then turn on the toggle next to Battery Percentage. The percentage will appear in the top-right corner of your screen next to the battery icon, replacing the icon-only view.
This setting works on iPhone XS and newer models. If you have an older iPhone with a notch or home button, the battery percentage may not display in the status bar the same way, though you can still see it by swiping down from the top-right corner to open Control Center.
Once you turn on battery percentage, it stays on until you turn it off again. You do not need to repeat this step each time you use your phone.
Key Takeaways
- Battery percentage appears in the top-right corner of your screen next to the battery icon once you enable it in Settings.
- The setting is found under Settings > Battery > Battery Percentage and applies to iPhone XS models and newer.
- You can also see your battery percentage at any time by opening Control Center from the top-right corner.
- Turning on battery percentage does not drain your battery or affect phone performance.
Where the battery percentage appears
When you turn on battery percentage, the number replaces the solid battery icon in your status bar. Instead of seeing just a small battery shape, you will see something like "87%" or "42%" in that same spot at the top-right of your screen.
The percentage updates in real time as you use your phone. If you are charging, you will see the percentage climb. If you are using apps or streaming video, you will see it drop. This gives you a quick, exact view of how much power you have left without opening Settings or Control Center.
Check battery percentage without turning on the setting
If you do not want to keep the percentage visible at all times, you can still check it whenever you need to. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center. The battery percentage appears at the top of the Control Center panel.
This method is useful if you only want to check your battery occasionally. Many people use this approach when they are not sure whether they need to charge soon but do not want the percentage taking up space in their status bar.
Battery percentage on older iPhones
iPhones with a home button (iPhone 8 and earlier) do not show battery percentage in the status bar, even when you turn on the setting. On these models, you can only see the percentage by opening Control Center or Settings.
If you have an iPhone with a home button and want to check your battery, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center. The battery percentage will be displayed at the top of that panel. Alternatively, go to Settings > Battery to see the exact percentage and battery health information.
What battery percentage tells you
The percentage shows how much charge remains in your battery. At 100%, your phone is fully charged. At 0%, your phone will shut down. Most people find that their phone runs normally down to about 20%, though performance may slow slightly below that point.
Seeing the exact percentage helps you plan when to charge. If you know you will be away from a charger for several hours, you can charge to 100% before you leave. If you see the percentage drop to 10% during the day, you know you should find a charger soon.
Battery health versus battery percentage
Battery percentage is different from battery health. Percentage tells you how much charge is in your battery right now. Battery health tells you how much charge your battery can hold overall, compared to when it was new.
A phone at 100% charge but 80% health still has a full charge right now, but it will not hold that charge as long as it did when new. You can check battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. Seeing the percentage on your screen does not show you health — you have to go into Settings for that information.
Troubleshooting if battery percentage does not appear
If you turned on the battery percentage setting but the number does not show in your status bar, restart your phone. Hold down the power button and volume button together, then slide to power off. Wait a few seconds, then hold the power button again until you see the Apple logo.
If the percentage still does not appear after restarting, go back to Settings > Battery and check that the toggle is actually on. The toggle should be green or blue, not gray. If it is already on, turn it off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. This sometimes fixes display issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does showing battery percentage drain my battery faster?
No. Displaying the percentage in your status bar uses a negligible amount of power. The difference is so small that you will not notice any change in how long your phone lasts between charges.
Can I see battery percentage on the lock screen?
Yes, if you have iOS 16 or newer. You can add a battery widget to your lock screen by long-pressing the lock screen, tapping "Customize", and adding the battery widget. This shows your battery percentage even when your phone is locked.
What if my iPhone is too old to show battery percentage?
If you have an iPhone 8 or older, the status bar cannot display the percentage. Use Control Center instead: swipe up from the bottom of the screen to see the battery percentage at the top of the panel.
Why does my battery percentage jump from one number to another?
Battery percentage is an estimate based on voltage and usage patterns. Sometimes the estimate adjusts when you use your phone differently or charge it differently. This is normal and does not mean your battery is damaged.
Can I turn off battery percentage for specific apps?
No. The battery percentage setting applies to your entire phone. When it is on, it shows in the status bar all the time. You cannot hide it for certain apps or times of day.