In most cases, it’s not hard to figure out why your Switch won’t turn on.
Nintendo
To fix a Nintendo Switch that won’t turn on, try giving the battery a nice long charge.
Check the Switch or AC adapter for damage, and make necessary replacements.
Resetting the AC and Switch adapter can turn on your switch and allow it to take a charge.
So your beloved Nintendo Switch isn’t turning on? Don’t panic, it’s probably a very small issue.
There are a few reasons why your Nintendo Switch might not turn on, and most of them aren’t serious. Here’s how to quickly troubleshoot a Nintendo Switch that won’t start in five ways.
How to fix a Nintendo Switch that won’t turn on
If you follow the steps below, there’s a high chance you can get your Switch to turn on again.
Turn it on manually
The Joy-Cons are an easy way to turn on the Switch when it’s docked. However, they can also run out of battery or somehow become unpaired, meaning they won’t work when you try to use them to power on the console. You can easily turn on the Switch manually by pressing the Power button at the top.
Quick tip: Unsure of which accessories are worth it? Check out our guide on the best Nintendo Switch accessories.
Let it charge
If the Switch refuses to turn on after pressing the Power button, it could be that the battery is drained. This usually happens when it’s been a while since you last charged it — over time, it may have even lost its residual charge.
You can charge a Nintendo Switch in two ways: place it into its dock or plug the charging cable directly into the console and wait at least an hour for it to charge back up. The Switch should soon be operational – it will be fully charged in about three hours.
An unresponsive Nintendo Switch likely just needs some time to charge.
Steven John/Insider
Note: If you’re troubleshooting a Nintendo Switch Lite, you won’t be able to charge it using the dock, as it is not compatible with it.
If you want to play with the Switch while it charges you’ll likely have to wait a few minutes before turning it on. You will most likely see a battery icon with a charging indicator – a lightning bolt – in the top left corner to show that it needs a little more time to charge. In that case, give it a few minutes to get a little juice and then press the Power button again.
Check for damage
Is the Switch still not turning on? It could be damaged, and you should inspect it.
Plug the charger directly into the Switch and check if it fits properly or it’s loose. If loose, remove the cable and check the port for damage, such as burns, cracks, or melted plastic. Smell the Switch and pay attention to any weird burnt smell. If you find any of the problems mentioned here, you might need to send the console in for repairs or a replacement.
Inspect the charger as well and be on the lookout for any loose, cut, or frayed wires. Also, give the adapter a good sniff to see if it produces a burnt smell. If you notice signs of damage, you should replace it – be sure to only purchase an original Nintendo charger to prevent potential issues that third-party adapters can cause.
Quick tip: Sometimes, your switch could not be charging because the outlet you’re using has a fault. Try using a different one in the house and see if it starts charging.
Reset the AC adapter
If the adapter is fine, but the Switch still isn’t charging, you can reset the charger to potentially fix it.
1. Unplug the charger from both the Switch and the wall outlet.
2. Wait for about 30 seconds.
3. Insert the charger into the Switch and wait for it to charge for a few hours.
4. Press the Power button at the top of the Switch and see if it turns on.
Perform a hard reset
If your Switch remains unresponsive, even after charging, or if you can see a faint light coming from the blank screen, it’s time to force a shutdown instead. Don’t worry, your saved data won’t be lost.
To shut the Switch off manually:
1. Press and hold the Power button on top of the Switch for about 20 seconds.
The Power button is on the top left of the Nintendo Switch.
Steven John/Insider
2. Release the Power button and wait a few more seconds.
3. Press the Power button normally.
If it still won’t turn on, you may have a deeper issue. Contact Nintendo support and see if they can help.