User level: Level 1 (4 points)after upgarding to Golden Gate 27.0, my battery percentage icon in the menu bar has a black background and I can't see the number in the regular mode (not in "lower power mode" when the background turns to yellow and only then is leggible). How can I have transparent icon background in regular mode>
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: battery icon background
Posted on Sep 19, 2026 4:13 AM
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)Sep 19, 2026 5:02 AM in response to Sashaj83
That aspect of the user interface is not something that is under the user's control. Only Apple could make that change. To have Apple consider your feedback, submit it here:
Your choice of background wallpaper does influence the readability of the menu bar. Go to System Settings > Wallpaper and try some of the options, one may be better than others. There are solid color options if you scroll to the bottom.
More info: Wallpaper settings on Mac - Apple Support
Here are two examples from different Spaces on my Mac, one where the background is light and another where it's dark green. The macOS battery icon is on the left, note that it changes color based on the wallpaper. I find the black icon with the white text harder to read, thus my suggestion above about wallpaper choice.
Another option may be a 3rd party tool. Personally, I usually have the macOS battery menu bar item off, and I use iStat Menus to show that information. That is in the center of the screenshots above, with a customizable display (I have different colors for charging, full, discharging, low, etc.), and the status is show in text next to the icon.
User level: Level 1 (8 points)Sep 23, 2026 9:50 AM in response to Sashaj83
This was annoying me too. If you go into system settings - accessibility - display - reduce transparency. Toggle to on & the battery % symbol was back to white again.
User level: Level 9 (78,350 points)Sep 19, 2026 7:35 PM in response to Sashaj83
I use "light" mode, but find I need to turn off the transparency option so that the menubar appears white to me to all easier reading of icons & text on the menubar. You can try selecting the "Reduce Transparency" option in the "Display" section of the "Accessibility" System Settings. Maybe it can help even for users with Dark Mode enabled.
User level: Level 10 (162,806 points)Sep 19, 2026 7:45 PM in response to Sashaj83
Have you considered not showing the battery percentage?
Does it really make a difference whether the battery is 68% or 42% or some other value?
I understand some users enjoy obsessing about a battery's "health" or state of charge or other things they have no control over, but it strikes me as waste of time. Just turn it off and enjoy your Mac. If its battery needs to be recharged it will let you know.
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Sep 19, 2026 5:27 AM in response to neuroanatomist
I tried all colors in the wallpaper and none changed battery icon background from black
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Sep 20, 2026 1:47 AM in response to HWTech
this didn't help
User level: Level 10 (85,896 points)Sep 23, 2026 11:21 AM in response to Sashaj83
My OS 27 battery icon using the Oregon Sunset wallpaper:
Are you using one of the included wallpapers or a non-Apple image?
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256360411