How Do I Get Iphone To Show Battery Percentage

118-iphone-12-purple-2021 — Sarah Tew/CNET

Sometimes getting an estimate of your iPhone's battery life just isn't enough. If you have a recent model like theiPhone 11 or iPhone 12, you've probably noticed that Apple no longer displays the exact battery percentage alongside the battery icon in the top right corner of the screen. Luckily, there's an easy way to see the battery percentage on newer iPhones with a single gesture. Just swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone's screen. Seriously, that's it.

Older iPhones that still have the home button, such as the iPhone SE and iPhone 8, can display battery percentage in this area, which is known as the status bar. But if you have an iPhone X or later, you'll have to complete a couple of quick and easy steps to see exactly how much juice your iPhone has left.

How to see iPhone 11 or 12 battery percentage with one swipe

Put your finger on the status bar, which is the area where the cellular, Wi-Fi and battery icons are displayed. Then swipe your finger downward.

iphone-lock-screen-battery-screenshot — Drag down from the top right corner of the home screen to see the battery percentage on your iPhone 11 or iPhone 12.
Screenshot by Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

This gesture launches the Control Center, which is where iPhone models with Apple's more modern bezel-free design show battery percentage information. This works on the lock screen, the home screen and even while you're using an app.

iphone-control-center-battery-screenshot — You can view the battery percentage on an iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 in the Control Center.
Screenshot by Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

How to display iPhone 11 or 12 battery life on home screen with a widget

If you'd rather have your iPhone's battery life displayed on screen by default without having to swipe, there's a different way to make that happen on newer iPhones. While you won't be able to see it in the top right corner, you can pin a battery widget to your home screen that shows the percentage.

First, press and hold anywhere on your iPhone's home screen to go into edit mode and tap the plus (+) icon in the top left corner.

iphone-battery-widget-1 — Tap the plus symbol to add widgets to your iPhone's home screen.
Screenshot by Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

Then, type "Batteries" in the search box and tap the corresponding result.

iphone-battery-widget-2 — You can add a widget showing your iPhone's battery life to the home screen.
Screenshot by Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

Swipe until you see the widget that displays the battery percentage of your iPhone and connected devices.

iphone-battery-widget-3 — There are a few battery widgets available, some of which show the exact percentage.
Screenshot by Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

Press "Add Widget," and it will be added to your iPhone's home screen.

iphone-battery-widget-4 — Here's how the battery widget looks on the iPhone's home screen.
Screenshot by Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

While you're here, check out the stories below to learn more about how to get the most out of your iPhone. Whether you're looking to improve your iPhone photography skills, boost battery life, or free up storage space, you'll find some helpful tips.