macOS Monterey is the latest operating system used by many Apple users. It has many new features and changes that make it more advanced than its predecessors. However, one feature that is not enabled by default in macOS Monterey is the battery percentage. Many users prefer to know how much battery is left on their device, and it can be frustrating when they cannot find it. This article will provide you with several methods on how to show battery percentage on macOS Monterey.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Showing Battery Percentage on macOS Monterey
Although many users want to see the battery percentage on their macOS Monterey, Apple didn’t make it easy by offering this function out-of-the-box. You need to enable this feature manually, which may not be easy for some users. The percentage of battery power left is not displayed in the system preferences by default. However, some simple steps can help you enable this feature in the system preferences.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you start enabling the battery percentage feature, here are a few things you need to be aware of:
- Make sure your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro has macOS Monterey installed on it.
- Ensure your device has enough power before attempting to enable this feature as you might need to restart your device.
- Some methods may require you to have some knowledge of your device or be familiar with system preferences.
- Each method is unique, and you can select the one that suits you best.
- Ensure you follow each method’s steps carefully to avoid any errors or issues with your device.
Method 1: Via the System Preferences
This is the easiest and most direct method to show battery percentage on macOS Monterey. Follow these steps below:
- Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences."
- Click on "Dock & Menu Bar."
- Scroll down until you find "Battery."
- Check the box next to "Show percentage."
- The battery percentage should now be visible in the top menu bar.
Pros: The steps are simple and won’t take much of your time. You don’t require any technical knowledge to follow these steps.
Cons: The battery percentage will still remain hidden once your device has stopped charging.
Method 2: Using Terminal
If the previous method did not work for you, you can try this method using Terminal to show the battery percentage on macOS Monterey.
- Open "Spotlight Search" by clicking on the magnifying glass icon on the top right corner of your screen and type in "Terminal."
- Press enter, and terminal will open.
- Type in the command: "defaults write com.apple.menuextra.battery ShowPercent YES."
- Press "return" on your keyboard.
- Restart your device or restart "SystemUIServer."
- The battery percentage should now be visible in the top menu bar.
Pros: You can quickly enable the battery percentage, and it’s easy to follow if you have attention to detail.
Cons: You need to have technical knowledge of using terminal on macOS Monterey, which may not be ideal for every user.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps
Several third-party apps can be used to show battery percentage in macOS Monterey. The most popular ones are iStat Menus and CoconutBattery.
Via iStat Menus
- Visit the official website of iStat Menus and download the app.
- Install and launch the app on your device.
- Click "Battery" on the left-hand side of the app.
- Check the box next to "Show percentage."
Pros: iStat Menus offers an extensive range of features other than battery percentage. The app provides you with a detailed view of your hardware on your device.
Cons: It comes with a price tag of $11.99.
Via CoconutBattery
- Visit the official website of CoconutBattery and download the app.
- Install and launch the app on your device.
- You will find the battery percentage information in the "Battery" tab.
Pros: The app provides a detailed report regarding your battery status along with the percentage.
Cons: The app requires you to have good technical knowledge, and it’s not a free application.
- Ensure you read the reviews of each app before downloading them.
- Always download apps from trustworthy websites to avoid any viruses or malware.
- Some third-party apps come with a price tag and may require you to pay a small fee to use them.
Why Can’t I See Battery Percentage on macOS Monterey?
Many users may face this issue when they cannot see the battery percentage on their macOS Monterey device. Here are some reasons why:
- Your device has not been updated to macOS Monterey.
- The battery percentage is disabled in your device settings.
- Your device is in low power mode, and the battery percentage may be dimmed.
Fixes
Q1: How to update my device to macOS Monterey?
A: To update your device to macOS Monterey, click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and go to "System Preferences." Select "Software Update" and check for updates.
Q2: How to check if the battery percentage is disabled in my device settings?
A: Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and go to "System Preferences." Select "Dock & Menu Bar" and scroll down to "Battery." Ensure that the box next to "Show percentage" is checked.
Q3: How to turn off the low power mode so that the battery percentage is not dimmed?
A: Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and go to "System Preferences." Select "Battery" and uncheck the box next to "Turn on Power Save mode."
Additional Tips
- Always make sure your device is updated to the latest version of macOS Monterey.
- Check your device settings often to ensure the battery percentage feature is enabled.
- Keep track of your battery percentage to avoid any surprises due to battery drainage.
- Don’t leave your device charging for an extended period, as it can damage your device’s battery.
- Close any apps running in the background as they contribute to battery drainage.
5 FAQs about Showing Battery Percentage on macOS Monterey
Q1: Can I use the battery percentage feature with an external monitor?
A: Yes, you can. Enable the battery percentage feature using any method mentioned above, and it will be displayed on all screens connected to your device.
Q2: What should I do when my device’s battery percentage is not accurate?
A: Restart your device. In most cases, this will solve this issue. If the issue persists, you can calibrate your battery or, in some cases, replace it with a new one.
Q3: How long does a MacBook battery last?
A: MacBook battery life varies depending on usage and the model of your device. However, the average lifespan of a MacBook battery is between 300 to 1000 charge cycles.
Q4: How can I turn off my MacBook, and why is it necessary to do so?
A: You can turn off your MacBook by going to the top left corner of your screen and clicking the Apple logo > Shut Down. Turning off your device is necessary in some circumstances to save battery power, close running programs, and keep your device running efficiently.
Q5: Does the brightness of the screen affect the battery percentage?
A: Yes. The higher the brightness of your screen, the more energy it consumes, which drains the battery faster. Reduce your screen’s brightness or enable "Automatically adjust brightness" to help save battery power.
In Conclusion
Battery percentage is a crucial feature for many MacBook users who want to be aware of their device’s battery status. macOS Monterey does not display battery percentage by default, but you can enable this function by using the mentioned methods in this article. Follow each method’s steps carefully to avoid any errors or issues with your device. Always ensure your device is updated to the latest version of macOS Monterey and check your device settings often to ensure the battery percentage feature is enabled.