By default, iPadOS displays a graphical battery icon in the top-right corner of the status bar. While this icon gives a quick visual impression of your charge level, it does not reveal the exact remaining percentage unless you swipe down to access the Control Centre. For tasks like digital illustration, intensive study sessions, or travel, having an exact numerical readout visible at all times helps you plan your usage and avoid sudden power cut-offs.
Conversely, some users prefer hiding the percentage number to reduce battery anxiety and maintain a minimalist status bar. Here is how to toggle the battery percentage indicator in iPadOS and how to monitor the battery levels of connected accessories like the Apple Pencil and AirPods.
How to Turn On the Battery Percentage in iPad Settings
Enabling the numeric battery display on an iPad is straightforward and takes effect immediately across all apps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- In the left-hand navigation pane, scroll down and tap Battery.
- At the top of the Battery screen, locate the toggle labelled Battery Percentage.
- Tap the switch to turn it ON (green).
Immediately, a distinct numerical percentage (such as 84%) will appear directly alongside the battery icon in the top-right corner of your iPad screen. The number remains visible whether you are on the Home Screen, browsing Safari, or multitasking in Split View.
How to Hide the Battery Percentage
If you prefer a cleaner look without constant numerical reminders:
- Navigate to Settings > Battery.
- Toggle the Battery Percentage switch to OFF.
Even with the status bar percentage hidden, you can check your exact charge level at any moment by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen to reveal the Control Centre, where the full battery percentage is always displayed.
Adding the Batteries Widget to Your iPad Home Screen
While the status bar displays the charge level of the iPad itself, you often need to monitor external accessories such as an Apple Pencil, Bluetooth keyboard, or connected AirPods. Adding a dedicated Batteries widget to your Home Screen provides a comprehensive overview of all connected Apple hardware:
- Touch and hold any empty area on your iPad Home Screen until the app icons begin to jiggle.
- Tap the Add (+) button in the top-left corner of the screen to open the Widget Gallery.
- Scroll through the left column or use the search bar to select Batteries.
- Swipe horizontally to choose your preferred widget size:
- Small: Displays circular rings for up to 4 devices.
- Medium / Large: Displays both device icons, hardware names, and exact percentages in a detailed list.
- Tap Add Widget and drag it to your desired Home Screen position.
- Tap Done in the top-right corner to exit editing mode.
Managing Battery Drain with Low Power Mode on iPad
Directly beneath the Battery Percentage toggle in Settings, iPadOS includes a Low Power Mode switch. Enabling Low Power Mode temporarily reduces background app refresh, dims the display slightly, limits automatic mail fetching, and optimises processor performance to extend battery life when your charge drops below 20%.
When Low Power Mode is active, the battery icon in the status bar turns yellow, and the numerical percentage is automatically displayed regardless of your status bar preferences until the iPad is recharged above 80%.
Toggling the status bar battery percentage gives you complete control over your iPad’s visual interface and power management awareness.