13
readers  helped!

This helped me

How to Play the Nintendo Switch on TV

This wikiHow teaches you how to connect your Nintendo Switch to a television. Playing the Switch on your TV allows you to enjoy games on a larger screen, with higher resolution and more powerful sound.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Connecting the Switch

  1. The back panel is the side with a smaller oval-shaped Nintendo logo. Place your fingers into the slot to grip the door, and then pull it open to expose the AC adapter, USB, and HDMI Out ports. [1]
    • Before connecting your Switch to your TV, make sure your Joy-Con controllers are fully charged. You can charge them by connecting them to your Nintendo Switch, or by using a Switch Pro Controller or Charging Grip (purchased separately). [2]
  2. It's the top port inside the dock.
    Advertisement
  3. You can run the wire through the opening on the left side of the dock's open panel.
  4. It's the bottom port inside the dock.
  5. You can also run this wire through the opening on the left side of the dock's open panel.
  6. It should easily click back into place.
  7. If the controllers are still connected to the Switch, here's how to remove them: [3]
    • Hold the Nintendo Switch so that the screen faces you.
    • Press and hold the release button on the back of one controller while sliding it upward. The release button is the small black button at the top of the controller's back side.
    • Use the same method to remove the other controller.
  8. There are two ways you can use your Joy-Con controllers to play games on your TV:
    • If you want to hold a single controller, slide the left and right Joy-Con controllers into the fitted holsters on either side of the Joy-Con Grip. The controller with a minus (-) symbol at its top slides onto the left side, while the one with a plus (+) slides onto the right. [4]
    • If you'd like to hold a controller in each hand, use these steps to connect the Joy-Con Straps: [5]
      • First, locate the plus (+) and minus (-) signs on the plastic part of each strap (these correspond to plus and minus signs on each controller).
      • Slide both strap locks (labeled “Lock”, on the plastic part of the strap) downward.
      • Slide each Joy-Con controller down the rail of its corresponding strap. Once connected, slide the Lock switch back upward to lock the controllers into place.
  9. To do this, make sure the screen on the Switch and the dock's front panel (the side with the large Nintendo Switch logo) are facing the same direction, then slide the Switch into place. [6]
    • The screen on the Switch will turn off once it's in the dock.
  10. Turn on your TV if you haven't yet done so, then use the remote control to switch to the HDMI port to which you've connected the Switch dock. This displays the image you'd normally see on the Switch's screen on the TV. Use the Joy-Con controllers to navigate the home screen and play games.
    Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Troubleshooting Tips

  1. 1
    Use a Nintendo-branded dock and power cable. If you've purchased a dock from another company, try the one that came with your Switch. Nintendo recommends only using Nintendo-branded docks and AC adapters with the Switch. [7]
  2. 2
    Make sure all cords are securely in place. If you don't see the Switch's screen on the TV (or if the screen cuts in and out), a cable may not be plugged in all the way. Turn the TV off, then try to slightly jiggle each connection. If any cables are loose, connect them securely, and then try again.
    • Check the HDMI port on your TV as well. If it's loose or filled with dust/debris, that's likely the culprit.
  3. 3
    Inspect all cords for damage. If there is no picture on the screen, a cable may be damaged. With the TV off, remove all cables from the dock, then inspect them closely for cuts, kinks, or frays. Replace any damaged cables as necessary.
  4. 4
    Plug the switch directly into the TV instead of another component. If you've connected the dock to a sound bar, DVD player, or other component, try connecting directly to the TV temporarily. If you can see the picture after eliminating the other component, the issue could be with that component.
  5. 5
    Check the Switch for power issues. If you're still not able to see the screen on the TV, test the Switch without the TV at all. Remove the unit from the Dock and use these steps to troubleshoot: [8]
    • Remove the Switch's AC adapter from the wall so neither end is plugged in. Leave it unplugged for 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.
    • Connect the AC adapter directly to the Switch, and plug the other end directly into a wall socket. Turn on the Switch. If you see the regular entrance screen, the unit may just need to charge.
      • If you see the battery indicator on the screen, allow the unit to charge for about 30 minutes.
      • If you don't see anything on the screen, the issue is either with the power cord or the Switch itself. Try a different power cord—if you don't have one, borrow one from a friend, or bring your Switch to a game store and ask if you can test your issue with one of their cables while in the store. If the Switch works with another power cord, purchase a new cable.
      • If the Switch still doesn't work with a different power cable,
  6. 6
    Update your Switch to the latest version. Your Switch will usually update automatically on its own, but you can also manually update it to the latest version. Here's how: [9]
    • Remove the Switch from the Dock and power it on.
    • Select System Settings on the home screen.
    • Scroll down the menu and select System .
    • Select System Update . If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
    Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    My switch is in the dock, but the screen didn't turn off by itself like it's supposed to. What can I do?
    FoxieJViellaT
    Community Answer
    Make sure it is plugged in. Also, have your Switch on, but it needs to be on the home screen.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 7
  • Question
    Can 2 people play with one controller?
    Hagukanan
    Top Answerer
    If you have a pair of Joycons, 2 people can each have one individual Joycon.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
  • Question
    Can I play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the TV?
    Hagukanan
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you can play any Switch game in both handheld and TV modes. If you have a Switch Lite, however, you won't be able to play in TV mode.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Change Your Cameos Selfie in Snapchat: 2 Simple Methods
      How to
      Log in to WeChat
      How to
      Recover Deleted Messages in WhatsApp
      How to
      Call Someone on a Computer
      The Beginner's Guide on How to Use Clubhouse (& Host Your Own Room)
      How to
      Copy a QR Code on Android
      How to
      Crop and Edit Photos on iPhone, iPod, and iPad
      How to
      Use Microsoft Whiteboard
      How to
      Set Up Apple Pay
      How to
      Use Facebook Messenger Bots
      How to
      Turn Off Autocomplete on Chrome
      How to
      Delete a Snapchat Story
      How to
      Tell Who Has Viewed Your Instagram Story on Android
      How to
      Know when Your Snap Has Been Viewed
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22372/~/how-to-connect-nintendo-switch-to-a-tv
      2. ↑ https://www.tomsguide.com/us/how-to-charge-nintendo-switch-controller,news-26283.html
      3. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22335/session/L2F2LzEvdGltZS8xNTQ1NjA3MzAzL3NpZC9mVWo0UERxSWFvcVJpRUhnJTdFRlJQWUdSWkt2eUtiNHolN0U2ZWJNWmdXZTNOcVg4X2E5cXpseEtLa0tPU3cyd2ZNd2tsYl94T2NNQ1JWWUVHVDZTZE5IUkdEVkNhcElPMW5BWlg4Y0p3d1duTnlsNFlqTG5EcUNET3VRJTIxJTIx
      4. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22336/~/how-to-attach%2Fdetach-the-joy-con-controllers-to-the-joy-con-grip
      5. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22334
      6. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22372/~/how-to-connect-nintendo-switch-to-a-tv
      7. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22264/p/897/c/944
      8. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22264/p/897/c/944
      9. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22418

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open the back panel of Switch dock.
      2. Connect the AC adapter to the dock and plug it in.
      3. Run an HDMI cable between the dock and TV.
      4. Close the panel.
      5. Remove the controllers from the Switch.
      6. Attach controllers to the grip or straps.
      7. Insert the Switch into the Dock.
      8. Switch the TV's source to the HDMI port.

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 19,996 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement