How to Show iPhone 11 Battery Percentage: Easy Steps and Tips

For many iPhone 11 users, knowing precisely how much battery is left can be crucial—whether planning a busy day, heading into travel, or simply avoiding unexpected shutdowns. Unlike some earlier iPhone models, the iPhone 11 doesn’t show the exact battery percentage in the status bar by default. This design choice reflects Apple’s focus on aesthetics and maximizing on-screen space for notifications and essential icons. However, being able to see the battery percentage remains a highly requested feature.

Consumer studies and support queries consistently show that battery anxiety—a user’s concern over device battery life—is a genuine issue for smartphone owners. A visible battery percentage helps users make smarter decisions on charging and usage, ultimately enhancing device experience.

Quick Ways to View iPhone 11 Battery Percentage

Despite the absence of a persistent percentage in the top corner, Apple provides several built-in methods to check this stat at a glance.

Using Control Center

The most direct way to view battery percentage on iPhone 11 is by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen to open the Control Center. Here, the remaining battery percentage pops up next to the battery icon.

Steps:

1. Unlock your iPhone 11.
2. Place your finger at the top-right corner of the screen (where the battery icon is).
3. Swipe down to open Control Center.
4. The battery percentage appears in clear numbers next to the icon.

This method is quick, requires no extra setup, and works the same regardless of what app you’re using.

Charging Your iPhone

When plugging your iPhone 11 into a charger, the battery percentage temporarily appears on the Lock screen. This is helpful for a quick sanity check during idle or sleep mode, especially if you keep your phone on a nightstand or desk while charging.

Using Siri

Another hands-free method is to ask Siri, Apple’s voice assistant. Simply say, “Hey Siri, what’s my battery percentage?” and Siri will promptly reply with the current number. Voice queries are especially useful when your hands are full or your phone is connected to CarPlay.

“Checking battery health and percentage frequently empowers users to identify patterns in device usage and optimize charging habits for better longevity,” says digital devices consultant Michael Harper.

Option for More Persistent Battery Percentage

While iPhone 11 lacks a built-in option to display percentage in the status bar at all times (unlike some iPhone 13 or 14 models), there are workarounds to improve visibility or quick access.

Adding a Battery Widget

With iOS 14 and newer, Apple introduced home screen widgets, offering another method to keep battery information accessible without swiping.

How to Add the Battery Widget:

1. Long-press an empty area on your home screen until the icons jiggle.
2. Tap the “+” button in the top-left corner.
3. Scroll down to “Batteries” in the widget list.
4. Select a widget size—small, medium, or large—and tap “Add Widget.”
5. Drag the widget to your preferred location, then tap “Done.”

The widget not only shows your iPhone’s battery percentage but also battery stats for connected devices such as AirPods or an Apple Watch. It’s a simple yet effective way for users who like constant awareness of their device’s battery level.

Real-World Example

Many professionals and students have found the battery widget particularly useful on hectic days with back-to-back virtual meetings or classes. With one glance at the home screen, they can gauge if a quick recharge is needed before the next call.

Tips for Managing Battery Life on iPhone 11

Beyond simply monitoring battery percentage, proactive management extends your phone’s lifespan and reliability.

Enable Optimized Battery Charging

Under Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging, Apple’s “Optimized Battery Charging” algorithm learns your daily charging routine to reduce wear on your battery. Keeping this enabled helps slow battery aging by reducing the time your phone spends fully charged.

Monitor Battery Usage

From Settings > Battery, you can review charts of battery level and which apps consume the most power. This information is vital for identifying applications or behaviors that drain your battery unusually fast.

Practical Strategies for Battery Efficiency

• Lower screen brightness or enable Auto-Brightness.
• Turn off location services for apps that do not require it.
• Disable Background App Refresh except for essentials.
• Use Wi-Fi instead of cellular data when possible, which is less power-hungry.

Studies indicate that users who monitor and adjust these settings see longer daily battery life and less degradation over a typical device lifespan.

Battery Percentage and the Notch: Why the Change?

Unlike earlier models with a home button (e.g., iPhone 8 or SE), iPhone 11’s notch—which houses Face ID and camera sensors—limits available space in the status bar. Apple’s solution was to remove the explicit battery percentage to maintain a clean, uncluttered look.

This design decision generated significant discussion among tech reviewers and consumers. Some users quickly adapted to visual cues, while others voiced preferences for the older status bar display. Apple has since revisited the feature for newer devices, indicating ongoing consumer demand and evolving design priorities.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

Understanding how to check the iPhone 11 battery percentage ensures you never get caught off guard. From instantaneous Control Center access to persistent home screen widgets, Apple’s methods accommodate a variety of user habits.

For those keen on extending battery lifespan, leveraging built-in settings like optimized charging, reducing background activity, and periodically checking usage charts are all proven practices. While the visible percentage might not always be front-and-center, a combination of iOS features and smart user habits ensures dependable, frustration-free charging management.

FAQs

How do I permanently display the battery percentage on my iPhone 11?

Currently, there’s no native way to show the battery percentage permanently in the status bar on iPhone 11. However, you can enable a battery widget on your home or Today View screen for continuous visibility.

Does updating to the latest iOS offer a way to see battery percentage in the status bar?

As of the latest updates, iPhone 11 still does not offer a setting to show the battery percentage in the status bar. The Control Center, charging screen, and widgets remain the primary methods.

Is there a third-party app that puts the battery percentage on my status bar?

No reputable third-party apps can modify the status bar itself due to Apple’s privacy and security restrictions. Only official battery widgets and iOS features can display this information.

Will enabling the battery percentage reduce my phone’s performance or battery life?

Displaying the battery percentage using iOS’s built-in features or widgets has no impact on performance or battery longevity. It is a low-overhead process built into the system.

What’s the best way to extend battery health on iPhone 11?

Effective strategies include enabling Optimized Battery Charging, avoiding extreme temperatures, limiting background app activity, and using official chargers. Regularly checking usage in battery settings can also help refine your habits.