To show the battery percentage on a Google Pixel 4a, open the Settings app, tap Battery, and turn on Battery percentage. The number then appears next to the battery icon in the status bar at the top-right of the screen.
This guide covers turning on the battery percentage, checking battery life and usage, adding the battery widget, and what to know about the Pixel 4a’s software. It is based on Google’s Check battery level on your Pixel phone and Pixel software updates help pages. The screenshots below were taken on a Pixel 4a running Android 10.
How to Show Battery Percentage on a Google Pixel 4a
- Swipe up from the bottom of the Home screen to open your apps.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Battery.
- Turn on Battery percentage.
Result: The battery percentage shows in the status bar next to the battery icon. Google lists the same three steps (Settings, Battery, Battery percentage) for Pixel phones, and you can turn the option off the same way to hide the number.
How to Check Battery Life and Usage
Google says you can open Settings and look under Battery to see how much charge is left and about how long it will last. Tap Battery for details. When the phone is plugged in, the same screen shows about how long until a full charge.
Google also says that if the battery icon shows a question mark, you should bring the phone to an authorized repair center or get support.
Keep Adaptive Battery On
Google recommends keeping Adaptive Battery and battery optimization on, and says both are on by default. With Adaptive Battery on, apps you use less often run less in the background; Google notes it may reduce performance and delay notifications to extend battery life. On the Pixel 4a, the Adaptive Battery option appears on the same Battery screen as Battery percentage, as shown above. Google also says it’s normal for the battery to drain a little more than usual for a few days after a software update.
How to Add the Battery Widget
Google says the battery widget is available on Android 12 and later and shows battery info for your phone and nearby connected devices, such as Bluetooth earbuds. To add it, touch and hold an empty spot on the Home screen, tap Widgets, tap Battery, then touch and hold the widget and drag it into place.
Pixel 4a Software Updates
Google lists the Pixel 4a among the phones that no longer receive Android version updates or security updates. Some battery features in Google’s current help article require Android 14 or later, so menu names on your Pixel 4a may differ slightly from newer Pixels. You can check which Android version your Pixel 4a is running in Settings. The Battery percentage switch is in the same Settings > Battery screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work on other Pixel phones?
Yes. Google’s help article gives the same steps for Pixel phones: open Settings, tap Battery, and turn on Battery percentage.
How do I show battery percentage on a Samsung phone?
On Samsung phones with Android 11 or 12, it’s under Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings > Show battery percentage. Steps vary by model.
Related Guides
- How to take a screenshot on a Google Pixel 4a
- How to enable or disable auto-rotate on a Google Pixel 4a
- How to turn on dark mode on a Google Pixel 4a
- How to turn on Low Power Mode on iPhone
Want a quieter phone too? See how to turn off vibration on a Google Pixel 4a.
If your Pixel 4a screen keeps going dark while you read, see how to enable Screen attention on a Google Pixel 4a.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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