Nintendo Switch Wont Turn On

The Nintendo Switch is fun to play with friends but may leave everyone disappointed if it won’t turn on. Luckily, your gaming plans do not have to end because the most common issues are easy to fix.

After troubleshooting the issue, you can fix a Nintendo Switch not turning on by charging the Switch, changing HDMI channels and inputs, manually turning on the Switch, and performing a soft or factory reset. If nothing works, you can request a repair through Nintendo customer support or seek other professional repair services.

Tips to Keep Your Nintendo Switch Healthy

nintendo switch menu screen

If you want your Nintendo Switch to last, you must follow essential system precautions and maintenance tips. Here are some tips to keep your Nintendo Switch healthy for years to come:

  • Update your software regularly to prevent glitches and vulnerabilities.
  • Do not power off or remove a game and microSD card while your Switch reads or saves data.
  • Disconnect the power adapter by pulling the plug rather than the cable.
  • Apply a screen protector on your Switch to prevent scratches or cracks on the display.
  • Always use the strap when playing with a controller disconnected from the Switch.
  • Keep your Switch and game cards in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated area away from heat sources or direct sunlight.
  • Avoid touching the game card connectors with your fingers.
  • Keep your game cards and cartridge slot free of dust and debris before use.
  • Regularly back up your data to an external hard drive if you need to factory reset your Switch in the future.

How to Fix a Nintendo Switch Not Turning On

nintendo switch being charged

You do not need to worry if your Nintendo Switch won’t turn on, as the most common causes are easy to fix. Troubleshoot any Switch problems with these common causes and fixes:

Charge Your Switch

It is easy to drain the battery on your Switch after a long gaming session. Even after returning it to the charging dock, it can take several minutes for the screen to light up. If you have not charged your Switch for days or weeks, it can take up to 12 hours to turn on.

Correctly attach the power cable and let the Switch charge in the dock for at least 12 hours. Alternatively, charge the Switch through the USB-C connection at the bottom of the console. A battery symbol on the screen may also appear while charging, but only if the battery is not entirely empty.

Change HDMI Channel and Input

If your Switch connects to the TV without displaying images, you may be on the wrong HDMI input. Cycle through your HDMI channels until an image displays. If nothing shows up, use a new HDMI cable and connect to a different HDMI input.

Manually Turn On the Switch

If the Joy-Con controllers run out of battery, you cannot use them to turn on your Switch. Instead, manually turn on the Switch with these simple steps:

  1. Undock the Switch.
  2. Press the power button on the top-left corner of the console.
  3. Return the Switch to the dock.

Perform a Soft Reset

When firmware fails, you can perform a soft reset to clear the RAM. If you have unsaved data, it will be lost. However, hard drive data, such as games and saved settings, will not be affected.

To perform a soft reset on the Nintendo Switch, follow these simple steps:

  1. Unplug the power adapter from the wall socket and dock, and leave it for a few minutes.
  2. Hold the power button for 15 seconds, then release it.
  3. Press the power button again to restart the Switch.

Perform a Factory Reset

Your last resort is a factory reset if your Switch experiences software issues despite a soft reset. A factory reset removes all user data, including settings and games, and returns the Switch to its original state.

To perform a factory reset on your Switch, follow these easy steps:

  1. Simultaneously hold the power and volume buttons for 5 seconds to activate Maintenance Mode.
  2. Select Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data and press OK.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the factory reset.

How to Fix a Nintendo Switch Not Charging

dead nintendo switch with game cards

Use a Nintendo Power Adapter

If there is any damage to the charging cord or port, the Switch may not charge properly and remain dead. Check the cable and power port for rattling, burns, or discolored plastic. Although third-party adapters are cheaper, use the official Nintendo power adapter to support the Switch’s non-standard charging protocol.

Power-cycle Your Power Adapter

Before charging your Switch, power-cycle your power adapter to fix electrical issues. Reset the power adapter by unplugging it from the socket and dock, and let it rest for a few minutes.

Use a Different Power Outlet

If a defective outlet interferes with charging, connect to a different power outlet. A green LED light will turn on when charging through the dock. If not, try charging through the USB-C port at the bottom of the Switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

closeup of nintendo joy-con controllers

How Do You Turn On a Dead Nintendo Switch?

To turn on a dead Nintendo Switch, follow these simple steps:

  1. Charge the Switch for 12 hours using the dock or USB-C console port.
  2. Unplug the power adapter from the socket and dock, letting it rest for a few minutes.
  3. Hold the power button for 15 seconds, then press it again to turn it on.

How Long Does It Take for a Dead Switch to Turn On?

Even when connected to a charger, it takes at least 15 minutes for a dead Switch to turn on. If its battery is empty for multiple days or weeks, it can take 12 to 24 hours to activate. However, charging using a third-party power adapter may take longer because the Switch uses a non-standard charging protocol.

Why Does My Nintendo Switch Have a Black Screen?

A Nintendo Switch with a black screen usually has a dead battery that needs charging. If sounds play with a black screen, the Switch may have hardware damage or firmware issues. Perform a soft reset and manually turn on the Switch to fix this issue.

How Do I Force Start My Nintendo Switch Lite?

To force start a Nintendo Switch Lite, hold the power button for 15 seconds and press it again to turn it on. The screen will turn black before showing the Nintendo logo when it reboots.

Can a Nintendo Switch Be Repaired?

You can request a Nintendo Switch repair through Nintendo customer support if you have a valid warranty. It will take about 2-3 weeks for them to receive and ship your repaired Switch. Repairing the Switch yourself will void the warranty and may cause damage, so use professional repair services instead.

Conclusion

red nintendo switch on log

It is annoying when your Nintendo Switch won’t turn on, but fixing it should not take longer than a few hours. Make sure you charge the Switch, change the HDMI channel and input, manually turn on the Switch, and perform a soft or factory reset. However, hardware issues may require extensive repair or a new Switch entirely.

If this guide helped you fix your Nintendo Switch not turning on, you could also fix your PS4 disconnecting from WIFI!

Liam Weissman

A lover of MacBook Air and the Dell XPS line of laptops, Liam has been researching and writing as a guest blogger for numerous websites for over 10 years. Now, he blogs about tech trends, PCs, laptops, gadgets, and other emerging gadgets on FancyAppliance.com.

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