How to Show Battery Percentage on the iPad (Step-by-Step Guide)

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If you’ve ever looked at your iPad and wondered, “How much battery do I really have left?”, you’re not alone. By default, some iPad models (especially newer ones with Face ID) don’t show the battery percentage on the status bar.

Fortunately, there are multiple ways to show or check your iPad’s battery percentage — from the Control Center to widgets and Siri.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to show battery percentage on any iPad model — whether you’re using the latest iPad Pro, iPad Air, or an older iPad Mini.

2. Why You Should Show Battery Percentage on iPad

While the battery icon gives a rough idea of charge, it’s not precise. Knowing the exact percentage helps you:

  • 🔋 Monitor battery health and charge cycles accurately.

  • 📱 Avoid unexpected shutdowns when working, streaming, or studying.

  • ⚡ Optimize charging habits for longer battery lifespan.

  • 🧭 Plan usage for travel or offline work sessions.

Having a visible battery percentage is a simple but powerful way to stay in control of your device’s performance.

3. Understanding Battery Percentage Display on Different iPad Models

Apple’s iPad lineup includes several models — and the steps differ slightly depending on whether your iPad has a Home button or Face ID.

iPad Model Type Example Devices Battery Percentage Display
With Face ID (no Home button) iPad Pro 11″, iPad Air (4th Gen & later) Not shown in status bar by default — available in Control Center
With Home button iPad (9th Gen and earlier), iPad Mini (5th Gen) Option to show percentage directly in status bar
New iPadOS (16 or later) All models Can add battery widget for quick viewing

Knowing your model type helps determine which method applies best.

4. How to Show Battery Percentage on iPad with Face ID (New Models)

If your iPad has Face ID (no Home button), the battery percentage isn’t always visible — but you can still view it quickly.

✅ Method 1: View from Control Center

  1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen (where the battery icon is).

  2. The Control Center will appear.

  3. You’ll see the battery percentage displayed next to the battery icon.

💡 Tip: This works on iPad Pro, iPad Air (4th/5th Gen), and newer iPad Mini models.

5. How to Show Battery Percentage on iPad with Home Button

Older iPads with a Home button can display battery percentage directly in the status bar.

✅ Steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Tap Battery in the sidebar.

  3. Turn on Battery Percentage (toggle switch).

You’ll now see the percentage next to the battery icon at the top-right corner of your screen.

🧭 Works on: iPad (7th–9th Gen), iPad Mini (5th Gen), iPad Air (3rd Gen), and earlier models.

6. How to Check Battery Percentage from Control Center

Even if it’s not visible on the status bar, the Control Center always shows the exact battery percentage.

✅ Steps:

  1. Swipe down from the top-right corner (on Face ID iPads).

  2. Or swipe up from the bottom (on Home button iPads).

  3. The battery percentage appears near the battery icon.

This is the quickest universal method that works on all iPads running iPadOS 12 or later.

7. How to Show Battery Percentage Using Widgets

Starting from iPadOS 14, Apple introduced widgets, which can permanently display your battery percentage on the Home Screen or Today View.

✅ Add the Battery Widget:

  1. Tap and hold on the Home Screen until the icons start to jiggle.

  2. Tap the “+” (Add Widget) button in the top-left corner.

  3. Scroll down and tap Batteries.

  4. Choose the widget size (small, medium, or large).

  5. Tap Add Widget → Done.

Now you’ll always see the exact battery percentage for your iPad — and connected devices like your Apple Pencil or AirPods.

💡 Tip: The large widget shows multiple devices’ battery levels at once.

8. How to View Battery Percentage While Charging

When you plug your iPad in to charge, it automatically shows the battery percentage on the screen for a few seconds.

✅ Steps:

  1. Connect your iPad to the charger using a Lightning or USB-C cable.

  2. Look at the charging indicator — it briefly shows the percentage.

  3. You can also open Control Center or use Widgets for ongoing view.

🔋 Pro Tip: When charging wirelessly (for Apple Pencil or connected devices), you’ll also see their charge percentage pop up briefly.

9. How to Check Battery Percentage on Connected Devices

If you use accessories like Apple Pencil, AirPods, or Magic Keyboard, you can check their battery levels too.

✅ Check via Battery Widget:

  1. Add the Batteries Widget as shown above.

  2. Connect your accessory to the iPad.

  3. The widget automatically updates to show connected device percentages.

✅ Example:

  • Apple Pencil (2nd Gen): Attach to iPad magnetically → see charge on-screen.

  • AirPods: Open the AirPods case near your iPad → battery pop-up appears.

This is especially useful for managing multiple Apple devices simultaneously.

10. How to Enable Battery Widget on Home Screen or Today View

If you prefer having battery info always visible:

✅ On Home Screen:

  1. Enter Jiggle Mode (long-press anywhere on Home Screen).

  2. Tap “+” in the top-left.

  3. Choose Batteries → Add Widget → Done.

✅ On Today View:

  1. Swipe right from your Home Screen or Lock Screen.

  2. Scroll down and tap Edit → Customize.

  3. Tap the “+” next to Batteries to pin it.

Now you’ll always see real-time battery info — even on your lock screen.

11. How to Show Battery Percentage with Siri

Siri can also tell you your iPad’s current battery level hands-free.

✅ Steps:

  1. Say “Hey Siri” (or hold the top button).

  2. Ask: “What’s my battery percentage?”

  3. Siri will reply with the exact number.

💬 Example: “Your iPad is at 78%.”

Perfect for times when you’re charging or can’t look at your screen.

12. How to Check Battery Health on iPad

While iPads don’t show Battery Health in Settings (like iPhones do), you can still check it using tools or usage data.

✅ Option 1: From Settings

  1. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Usage.

  2. Check Battery Usage by App to see power-hungry apps.

  3. Look for patterns of rapid drain — a sign of aging battery.

✅ Option 2: Use a Mac or PC

  1. Connect your iPad to a computer using USB cable.

  2. Open iMazing or CoconutBattery (third-party apps).

  3. You can view battery health, charge cycles, and capacity.

⚙️ Note: Apple’s own diagnostics can also check health if you visit an Apple Store.

13. How to Extend Battery Life on iPad

Here are some pro tips to make your iPad battery last longer:

🔧 Adjust Display Settings:

  • Lower Brightness or enable Auto-Brightness.

  • Use Dark Mode (Settings → Display & Brightness).

⚙️ Optimize Battery Usage:

  • Turn on Low Power Mode (available in iPadOS 17+).

  • Disable Background App Refresh.

  • Limit Location Services for unused apps.

📶 Connectivity Tips:

  • Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or AirDrop when not in use.

  • Use Airplane Mode when offline.

💾 Manage Apps:

  • Close unused apps from the App Switcher.

  • Delete apps that drain power in the background.

🧠 Pro Tip: Avoid keeping your iPad plugged in all the time — let it discharge occasionally to maintain battery health.

14. Common Problems and Fixes (Battery Percentage Not Showing)

❌ Problem 1: Battery Percentage Toggle Missing

Fix:

  • Update to the latest version of iPadOS.

  • Reboot your iPad.

  • For Face ID models, use Control Center or Widgets instead.

❌ Problem 2: Battery Widget Not Updating

Fix:

  • Remove and re-add the widget.

  • Restart your iPad.

  • Check Bluetooth (it must be on for connected device updates).

❌ Problem 3: Battery Draining Too Fast

Fix:

  • Disable background refresh, reduce screen brightness, and close unused apps.

  • Reset settings if the problem persists (Settings → General → Reset → Reset All Settings).

15. FAQs

1. How do I permanently show battery percentage on iPad?

Add the Batteries Widget to your Home Screen or Today View — it shows the percentage constantly.

2. Why can’t I see the battery percentage on my iPad?

Some models (especially with Face ID) don’t show it in the status bar — but you can view it in Control Center or widgets.

3. Can I check the battery percentage of my Apple Pencil or AirPods?

Yes! Add the Batteries Widget or connect your device — their battery levels will appear automatically.

4. Does enabling battery percentage affect performance?

No, it doesn’t impact speed or battery life — it’s purely for display.

5. Can Siri tell me my battery percentage?

Yes. Just say, “Hey Siri, what’s my battery percentage?” and she’ll respond with the exact number.

16. Key Takeaways

  • ✅ Control Center: Quickest way to check battery percentage.

  • 📱 Widgets: Best method for a constant display on iPad Home Screen.

  • 🧭 Settings → Battery: Enable percentage for older iPads.

  • ⚡ Siri and Charging Screen: Instant battery updates anytime.

  • 🔋 Battery Health Monitoring: Use third-party apps for deeper insights.

17. Final Thoughts

Showing the battery percentage on your iPad is a simple yet powerful way to stay informed about your device’s power levels. Whether you’re using the latest iPad Pro with Face ID or an older iPad with a Home button, there’s a method that fits your model perfectly.

From Control Center shortcuts to widgets and Siri commands, Apple provides several convenient ways to check your battery level — no guessing required.

By following this guide, you’ll never be surprised by a low battery again. Keep your iPad optimized, and enjoy uninterrupted performance for work, study, or entertainment.

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