Nintendo Switch won’t turn on? We’ve all been there, friend. The Nintendo Switch is a complex device that has more than its fair share of potential problems from time to time. But don’t worry! We’re here to help with a bunch of tips and tricks to get your Nintendo Switch turning again in no time.
There are several potential reasons why the Nintendo Switch won’t turn on, but fortunately, almost all of them have solutions. Even if you follow our advice and your Switch still won’t start, it may be possible that it’s under warranty or has other official support options. If you’re unable to resolve the issue yourself, we recommend reaching out to Nintendo directly for further assistance:
Check the Game Cartridge
It’s a weird one, but it’s worth checking whether the game cartridge is inserted correctly. It’s not unheard of for the Switch to refuse to turn on if it doesn’t detect a game cartridge. If you have more than one game, check to ensure they’re all in properly. If you’re only playing a single game on your Switch, you can try removing and reinserting the cartridge to see if that helps reboot the system. If nothing else, it’s worth a shot.
If you’re playing a game on the cartridge and it still won’t turn on, try a different game to see if it works. If it does, there’s a good chance the first cartridge just needs cleaning. To do so, take a cotton swab or a lint-free cloth and wipe the contact points inside the slot. If that doesn’t work, try blowing into the cartridge slot to eliminate any excess dirt or dust clogging the system up. Avoid touching any sensors inside the cartridge slot, though. They’re pretty delicate.
Nintendo Switch Won’t Turn On: Try a Different Outlet
While it doesn’t happen to everyone, the Nintendo Switch’s power adapter occasionally will trip a circuit breaker. This could be an easy fix if you’ve tried all of the other solutions listed in this article. If you’re playing the Switch in the same room as its power outlet, try moving it to a different outlet to see if that fixes the problem.
If you’re playing in a different room, try plugging it into a different outlet. If that fixes the problem, the circuit breaker may have just been on the fritz. If not, move on to the next solution. Some people have succeeded by plugging their Switch into a USB port, though that’s a bit less reliable than a wall outlet. If you’ve got a USB-C to USB-A adapter, use that to plug the Switch into a USB port. If you don’t, it’s probably best to get a cheap plug-in USB charger from Amazon or another online store.
Nintendo Switch Won’t Turn On: Recharge the Battery
This is a bit of a last-ditch effort, but if none of the above has worked, it’s worth plugging the Switch’s AC adapter into the wall and into the Switch itself. Let it charge for at least a couple of hours to give the battery a proper charge. If the Switch is slowly dying, it will recharge its battery enough to get it turned on again. If the Switch won’t charge at all, it’s a sign of serious hardware failure. Start thinking about getting a replacement or repairing the existing unit. If, after charging, your Switch still won’t turn on, plug the charger into a different outlet. If it still doesn’t work, it may be the charger itself that’s faulty and not the Switch. If so, you’ll have to buy a new charger.
Nintendo Switch Won’t Turn On: Check the HDMI Port
If you’ve tried all of the above and your Switch still won’t turn on, there may be a problem with the HDMI port preventing it from detecting a display. If the port is covered with dust or debris, it’s possible the Switch just can’t see the TV, so it doesn’t turn on. If that’s the case, try cleaning out the port with an air duster or a can of compressed air. If there isn’t enough debris in the port to block it, you may have a hardware failure on your hands. In that case, you’ll have to send the Switch in for repairs or buy a new one.
Nintendo Switch Won’t Turn On: Hold Down the Button Combination
If none of the above has worked, it’s possible that the Switch’s motherboard is faulty and needs to be replaced. Before you go out and buy a new one:
- Try holding the Eject button and the Volume down button for 10 seconds.
- After releasing them, press the Power button once. If the Switch still doesn’t turn on, try holding down the Eject button and the Volume + button for 10 seconds.
- After releasing them, press the Power button once.
These button combinations reset the Switch’s software. If the motherboard is faulty, there’s a chance this will bring the system back online without replacing the motherboard. If it works, you’ll have to contact Nintendo for a repair.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch is a great console, but it does have its fair share of issues from time to time. If your Switch doesn’t turn on, it can be immensely frustrating. Fortunately, several solutions can help you get the Switchback online in no time at all. From checking the game cartridge to recharging the battery to cleaning the HDMI port, there are a few things you can try to get the Switch working again. Most of these solutions have nothing to do with software, which means they’re easy to do even if you don’t know much about the inner workings of the Switch. If you follow our advice and your Switch still won’t turn on, it may be possible that it’s under warranty or has other official support options available. If you cannot resolve the issue, we recommend contacting Nintendo directly for further assistance.
