Show the battery percentage in your MacBook's menu bar

Why it happens

The battery icon shows a rough level by default, and the exact percentage is a separate option that starts off. It lives with the battery icon's own options in Menu Bar settings. Only Mac laptops have it, because desktop Macs have no battery.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, and click Menu Bar in the sidebar.

2. Under Menu Bar Controls, make sure Battery is ticked, so the battery icon shows in the menu bar.

   Menu Bar›Menu Bar Controls›Battery

3. Click Battery Options next to Battery and turn on Show Percentage.

   Menu Bar›Menu Bar Controls›Battery›Battery Options›Show Percentage

4. Look at the top-right of your screen. The percentage now sits next to the battery icon.

Still not fixed?

1. Still can't see it? On a MacBook with a notch, there may not be room for every icon, so some get hidden behind the camera. Untick menu bar items you don't need, or hold Command and drag an icon off the menu bar to make room.

   Menu Bar›Menu Bar Controls

2. No Battery option at all? You're probably on an iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio or Mac Pro. They run on mains power, so there's no battery to show.

3. If the percentage shows but looks wrong, for example it jumps or drops suddenly, open Battery settings and check Battery Health.

   Battery›Battery Health

4. If Battery Health says service is recommended, or the MacBook shuts down with charge left, the battery likely needs replacing. That's hardware, so contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.