How to Fix Nintendo Switch Not Turning On?

I am a gamer myself, and I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when you are finally free, you sit down to finally have an hour of gaming, at least, and the Nintendo Switch won’t turn on.

It just messes up the whole mood, and after realizing there could be something wrong with the Nintendo Switch, the agony multiplies.

After you are done flipping your console up and down and then jerking it to wake from deep slumber through your controller. The only question that arrives in your mind while staring at the black screen of death is, how to turn on a Nintendo Switch?

Don’t worry; it is the most common problem with over-the-table solutions. In this guide, we will go through multiple causes and their solution, which probably is the main reason; other than that, it is the case of an expert.

Probable Causes

• External output issue.
• Power problem.
• Defective cable or charger.
• Software issue.
• Faulty/Misplaced Dock.
• Damaged USB-C Port.

We have listed these causes so that you can use your experience and start eliminating the probable reason as quickly as you can resume the fun. Still, if the Nintendo Switch is not turning on, then let’s solve the issues gradually and thoroughly.

Check the External Display

The first thing that comes to mind if nothing is showing on the screen is that the Switch is not working. It could be a display problem. Check your HDMI input. The TV might be on the wrong channel HDMI.

Check the HDMI cable and port and any other HDMI issues which can be causing trouble.

Manually Turn it On

You must be thinking, huh? Haven’t I tried it already? But it is the most common and simplest of solutions. Rather than turning it on with the ‘Home’ button on your controller, press the power button on the Switch.

Sometimes the controller runs out of battery, and it is a handful to keep your controllers connected to the console when not in use, so they remain charged. If it is connected to the dock, then a green light at the front of the holder will light up once it starts. Conversely, if it isn’t, then the Nintendo Logo will appear on the screen showing the boot process is started.

 Another thing to note is that if the logo appears and disappears, it is clear it has run out of juice. Try this.

Keep it on charge

If you are using the Switch after a while or you forgot to put it on the charge, then it will just not start. Lithium-ion batteries drain power if not used and take a bit of time to hold some charge in them if they are completely dried. Keep it on charge for at least 2 hours, supervised. 

A battery indicator appears at the top-left corner showing it is charging. Sometimes it takes even more than that to be able to respond. If the Switch is still not coming to life, then let’s go to the most favorite way of a common man’s solution to uncommon problems.

Do a Reset

If anything is wrong with any gadget or electrical device, we restart it, and it works 9 out of 10 times. When the console is disturbed during an update or an abrupt shutdown causes software glitches in the Switch.

Press the ‘power’ button and hold it for 15 seconds and start the console by gently pressing the power button.

This method will wipe off any cobwebs in the system and provide a jolt to it. Remember, you will still need some power in the battery for this method to work.

Now we have gone through the external cause and the software glitches, and still, the Switch is unresponsive, time to go hardware.

Assess the Cable, Dock, and USB-C Port

Cable

A damaged cable will not be able to charge the Switch. Look for signs of damage, such as an open or frayed cord, a bent wire, or damaged pins. If there is any sign, purchase a new one, and we recommend an original Nintendo power cable for the console’s security.

Dock

The dock itself will not give you a hint of any damage, but they do malfunction. Even if the casing is intact, it can create problems in charging. To be sure about it, charge it directly through a power source by taking the power cord out of the dock and plugging it directly into the Switch through the USB-C connector.

It will take the dock out of the equation.

USB-C Port

Inspect the USB-C charging port for bent pins, melted plastic or burn, or any other damage sustained by this portion of the Switch.

The unit needs professional repair if you see any visual signs or have doubts. We will tell you how to seek help with it later on.

Charger Reset

Before discarding the charger for not charging even though looking ok, try this method, as sometimes it has been fruitful.

• Remove the charger from the wall socket and unplug it from the Switch.
• Set it aside for 30 seconds.
• Perform a reset on the Switch, as mentioned before.
• Press the power button one time to turn on the console.

If it is still not working, we recommend replacing the charger, but before that, why not borrow the charger from someone to confirm our item is no longer working? If, after borrowing, whether be the dock, charger, or cable, the Switch turns on, we suggest replacing the item in question.

We recommend genuine Nintendo products, like Nintendo Switch AC Adapter, whenever you need to replace any product. You can also opt for a less expensive third-party alternative which might work fine. But genuine products give you the peace of mind that they won’t spoil the problem even more and keep the console safe.

The Last Resort

You have tried everything from charging to resetting both the charger and the console. You have looked for obvious damage to the switch port, cable, or charger. Even borrowing has yet to work, and you are still stuck with the same dead body of your Switch. It is time now to call in the experts.

If your console is still under warranty which is usually one year or two years in Australia and the EU, simply call Nintendo Support and tell them the situation. The Switch will be exchanged with a refurbished piece. They can provide you with the inspection and the solution if it is not under warranty.

There are two things to remember when the low-tech stuff does not work. First, if you are thinking of finding the cause on your own with the help of a screwdriver and a YouTube video or if you have replaced a dead battery before. 

With the board, circuits, and wiring, nothing is going to make sense. Furthermore, it can damage the console more and reduce the chances of being repaired seamlessly.

The second point to be noted is to be very wary of aftermarket repairs. They might have a reputation and look knowledgeable and experienced; we cannot rely on them in the case of the Switch. Plus, if it is not set up to the mark, Nintendo will refuse to repair it correctly, this time even for money.

We warn you against both possibilities. We have listed the address to their support page, https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/. Hopefully, you will find the solution in this guide or from Nintendo Support.