If your Nintendo Switch won't turn on, it can be stressful but there are several things you can try to fix it. Here are the most common fixes and how to do them!
Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular gaming consoles on the market. Millions of people have purchased a Switch, and for good reason--it's an amazing device. But what happens when your Switch won't turn on? Here are seven possible fixes to help you get your Switch up and running again.
Table of Contents
- Fix Nintendo Switch Won’t Turn On?
- Why Isn’t My Nintendo Switch Turning On? Common Causes
- How To Fix Nintendo Switch Won’t Turn On
- Method 1. Charge Your Nintendo Switch
- Method 2. Check the Battery
- Method 3. Force Restart Your Nintendo Switch
- Method 4. Factory Reset Your Nintendo Switch
- Conclusion
Fix Nintendo Switch Won’t Turn On?
Perform a hard reset by holding down the POWER Button located on the top-left of the console for 20 seconds, then press the POWER Button once for the console to turn on.
If this doesn't sort you out, read along to find out more.
- Charge Your Nintendo Switch
- Check the Battery
- Force Restart Your Nintendo Switch
- Factory Reset Your Nintendo Switch
Why Isn’t My Nintendo Switch Turning On? Common Causes
There are several reasons why your Nintendo Switch may not be turning on. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Your battery is dead - If your Switch's battery is completely drained, it will not turn on. Try plugging in your Switch to see if that charges it enough to power on.
- The console is not getting enough power - If your Switch is not plugged in properly, it will not receive enough power to turn on. Ensure the AC adapter is plugged in correctly and the charging port is not damaged.
- The console is overheated - If your Switch has been used for an extended period of time or if it was left in a hot environment, it may be too hot to turn on. Let the console cool down for a few minutes before turning it on again.
- Firmware issues - This specific problem is frequently brought on by software or firmware breakdown. Sometimes, this causes your Switch to become unresponsive.
- The software needs to be updated - If you're running an outdated version of the Switch's software, it may need to be updated to work properly. Connect your Switch to the internet and try updating the software.
After reviewing every scenario that might result in this specific problem with your Nintendo Switch device, let's discuss some available remedies. In any order, follow the instructions below to determine whether or not your issue can be fixed.
How To Fix Nintendo Switch Won’t Turn On
Here are some of the most common fixes for when your Nintendo Switch won't turn on:
Method 1. Charge Your Nintendo Switch
If your Nintendo Switch console doesn't turn on, there are a few things you can try before you assume it's a hardware issue. First and foremost, you need to check to make sure the console is charged. It's possible that you didn't plug the cord incorrectly, and the console didn't charge at all.
Unplug your Switch or remove it from the charging dock, depending on your charging method, and see if the charger is getting ample power. If the charger itself is unplugged or not working, that could also be your issue.
If the charger is plugged into your power outlet and seems to be working just fine, plug your Switch back in and try turning it on again after waiting for it to charge. When the Nintendo Switch system is turned off or in sleep mode, it takes roughly 3 hours to charge completely.
If your Switch turns on after being plugged in, great! You can now play your games without worry. However, if it still won't turn on, read on for more methods you can try.
Method 2. Check the Battery
The first thing you should do if your Switch won't turn on is to check the battery. If the battery is completely drained, it will not turn on.
Despite your best efforts, the charging wire may eventually deteriorate (particularly if you play while charging), so check to be sure it is not broken either. Look for exposed areas, frayed wires, damaged adapters, or bent pins.
To ensure that your Nintendo Switch console is properly charged, we advise that you use an authentic Nintendo Switch cable cord. Third-party charging cords may work in the short term but can cause long-term battery issues.
If you discover that your charging cord is broken, we suggest replacing it with an authentic Nintendo Switch cable cord as soon as possible. Doing so will avoid any potential battery issues and keep your console in optimal working condition.
Method 3. Force Restart Your Nintendo Switch
If, still, Switch won't turn on, you can try to force restart it. This will not delete any of your data or settings, but it may resolve the issue if a software glitch causes it.
To force restart your Nintendo Switch:
-
For between 15 seconds, press and hold the small circular power button on top of the Switch.
- After holding the power button pressed for a while, release it. There’s no visual indicator that the power restart was successful, so make sure to hold the button for a few extra seconds.
- Next, press the power button as you normally would, and see if the Switch will power on.
If this doesn’t help, move on to the next solution.
Method 4. Factory Reset Your Nintendo Switch
The last method you can try is resetting your Nintendo Switch to its factory settings. This will delete all of your data and settings, so be sure to back up any important files before proceeding.
To factory reset your Nintendo Switch:
-
First, you need to enter Maintenance Mode. Press and hold the power button and up and down volume buttons simultaneously for at least 5 seconds.
-
Use your Joy-Con controllers to move to Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data when in Maintenance Mode, then hit OK.
- Alternatively, you may hit Initialize Console to clear all the data that has been stored on your console. This will completely reset your Switch, and you must re-download all software.
- Once you've followed the steps displayed on the screen, check to see if your Nintendo Switch is now turning on.
Conclusion
We hope this article has been helpful and provides you with the necessary information to get your Nintendo Switch up and running again. If not, be sure to check out our other blog posts for more tips and tricks on how to fix common issues with your gaming console.
If you require further help, we recommend contacting Nintendo through the Customer Service portal. They'll provide you with options to repair or replace your device if it is still under warranty.
Have you ever had to troubleshoot your Nintendo Switch not turning on? What methods did you find to be the most effective? Let us know!
Thanks for reading :)
One More Thing
Looking for more tips? Check out our other guides in the Softwarekeep Blog and our Help Center! You’ll find a wealth of information on how to troubleshoot various issues and find solutions to your tech problems.
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