Knowing exactly how much battery life remains on your MacBook is essential for managing your workflow, especially if you are working away from a power outlet. However, depending on which version of macOS you are running, Apple often hides the exact battery percentage by default, opting instead for a simple, unlabelled battery icon that gives you a vague estimate.
Fortunately, restoring the exact percentage number to your top menu bar only takes a few clicks in the System Settings.
How to Show Battery Percentage in macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia
Apple completely redesigned the system preferences in macOS Ventura to look more like the iPhone’s settings menu. If you have a modern Mac running macOS 13 or newer, follow these steps:
- Click the Apple logo () in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select System Settings… from the dropdown menu.
- In the left-hand sidebar, scroll down and click on Control Centre. (Do not click on “Battery,” as the percentage setting is no longer located there).
- Scroll down the right side of the window until you find the Battery section.
- Toggle the switch next to Show Percentage so that it turns green.
You will immediately see the exact percentage number appear next to the battery icon in your top menu bar.
How to Show Battery Percentage in macOS Monterey and Big Sur
If you are using an older Mac running macOS 11 or 12, the interface is slightly different.
- Click the Apple logo () in the top-left corner.
- Select System Preferences…
- Click on the Dock & Menu Bar icon.
- Scroll down the left sidebar until you find the “Other Modules” section, and click on Battery.
- Check the box next to Show Percentage.
How to Check Battery Health on a Mac
If your battery percentage is dropping incredibly fast, turning the number on won’t fix the underlying issue. Your MacBook’s battery degrades over time and holds less charge as it ages. You should periodically check your battery’s health status.
- Open System Settings (or System Preferences).
- Click on Battery in the sidebar.
- Look for the Battery Health section (usually near the top or bottom, depending on your macOS version).
- Click the “i” (information) icon next to it.
Here, you will see your battery’s Maximum Capacity. A brand new Mac will show 100%. If your capacity drops below 80%, macOS will usually display a “Service Recommended” warning, indicating that it is time to have the physical battery replaced by Apple.
Why Does My Battery Say “Not Charging”?
Occasionally, you might look at your percentage and see a “Not Charging” message even when plugged in. This is usually caused by Apple’s Optimised Battery Charging feature. To preserve the long-term lifespan of your battery, macOS learns your daily routine and intentionally stops charging at 80%, only topping it up to 100% just before it thinks you will unplug it. This is a normal, protective feature and not a hardware failure.
