Bring the battery icon back to your MacBook's menu bar

Why it happens

The battery icon is one of the menu bar controls you can show or hide, so an update or a stray click can switch it off. It only exists on Mac laptops, because desktop Macs have no battery. Hiding it doesn't change how your battery works.

How to fix it

1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings and click Menu Bar in the sidebar.

2. Under Menu Bar Controls, tick Battery.

   Menu Bar›Menu Bar Controls›Battery

3. Check the top right of your screen. Click the battery icon to see how much charge is left and which apps are using a lot of energy.

Still not fixed?

1. Want the number too? Click Battery Options… next to Battery and turn on Show Percentage.

   Menu Bar›Menu Bar Controls›Battery

2. Ticked but still not showing? On a MacBook with a camera notch, icons that don't fit get hidden. Hold Command and drag icons you don't need off the menu bar to make room.

3. No Battery choice in the list at all? You're probably on a desktop Mac, like an iMac or Mac mini. It runs on mains power, so there's no battery icon to show.

4. If Battery settings say Service Recommended, or the icon shows a battery that never charges, contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. The battery may need servicing.