How to Show Battery Percentage in iOS 16 Icon

With the release of iOS 16, Apple reintroduced the ability to view your exact battery percentage directly inside the battery icon in the iPhone status bar. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to enable the feature through your device settings, explains how the icon behaves in different power modes, and covers compatibility details for supported iPhone models.

How to Enable Battery Percentage Inside the Icon

To display the numeric battery level inside the battery icon, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and tap Battery.
  3. Locate the Battery Percentage option at the top of the menu.
  4. Toggle the switch to the On position (it will turn green).

Once enabled, the numerical percentage will immediately appear centered inside the battery icon in the top-right corner of your screen, eliminating the need to swipe down into the Control Center to check your remaining power.

Understanding the Icon Appearance

The inside-the-icon percentage display adapts dynamically based on your device's power state:

  • Standard Mode: When your iPhone is running normally, the icon shows white numbers inside a solid or depleting battery fill (depending on your iOS 16 sub-version).
  • Low Power Mode: When Low Power Mode is activated, the battery icon turns yellow, and the percentage remains visible inside.
  • Charging: When connected to power, the icon turns green, showing a small lightning bolt next to the percentage digits.

Compatibility Notes

If you do not see the option in your settings:

  • Update Your Software: While iOS 16.0 initially excluded certain devices (such as the iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 mini, and iPhone 13 mini), Apple expanded full support to all Face ID-capable iPhones with the release of iOS 16.1. Ensure your iPhone is updated to iOS 16.1 or later by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.
  • Home Button iPhones: Devices with a physical Home Button (such as the iPhone SE series) already display the percentage adjacent to the icon rather than inside it.