How to Fix It When Nintendo Switch Won't Connect to Wi-Fi

PDF download Download Article
Easy ways to troubleshoot your Nintendo Switch when it can't connect to the internet
PDF download Download Article

Is your Wi-Fi not connecting to your Nintendo Switch? This can be caused by network issues such as a faulty connection or interference in the signal. Luckily, there are a few ways to get your Switch back online. Here's how to fix your Switch or Switch Lite when it won't connect to Wi-Fi.

Things You Should Know

  • If your Nintendo Switch won't connect to Wi-Fi, this could be due to network issues, out-of-range router, and your firewall.
  • Run a connection test, re-add the Wi-Fi network, or hard restart the Switch to resolve connection issues.
  • Move your Switch next to the router to see if the connection improves. If it does, move your router closer.
1

Check your Wi-Fi network.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, make sure the network is stable and active. If it isn't, you may need to restart your router .
    2. Advertisement
2

Run a connection test.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This built-in feature runs a quick Wi-Fi test and can usually fix small issues. Do the following:
    • Go to System Settings .
    • Select Internet .
    • Select Test Connection .
3

Forget the network.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're having issues with the connection, you can clear your network settings to delete it and then join it again. Do the following:
    • Go to System Settings .
    • Select Internet .
    • Select Internet Settings .
    • Select your Wi-Fi network.
    • Select Clear Settings .
    • Connect to your Wi-Fi network again.
    2. Advertisement
4

Check if Nintendo Switch Online is down.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use Downdetector to see if online services are down. This is what allows your Switch to access online services. If this is down, you'll need to wait until Nintendo resolves their server issues to go online again.
5

Move next to your router.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Many users experience connection issues on their Switch when the router is too far from their device. Try moving next to the router and seeing if this resolves the issue. If your Switch can now connect to Wi-Fi, consider moving your router closer to your usual gaming area.
    2. Advertisement
6

Fully restart your Switch.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is different from pressing the Power button at the top; this will only put it in sleep mode. Instead, do the following:
    • Hold down the Power button for at least 5 seconds until a menu appears.
    • Select Turn Off to fully power off the switch.
    • Wait 30 seconds.
    • Press the Power button again to turn it on.
7

Make sure your network is compatible.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you recently encrypted your network or made any changes, this may have affected your Switch's connection. You can view a list of supported wireless modes, frequencies, and security modes on the official website . [1]
    • If your network isn't compatible, you'll need to change it.
    2. Advertisement
8

Use an Ethernet connection.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Similar to using Ethernet on computers, you can give your Switch a boost by using a wired connection. With some docks, you may already have a built-in LAN port.
    • The LAN adapter connects to the USB port on the Switch dock . [2]
9

Change your firewall settings.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    With some networks, the firewall may block your Switch from accessing services. You may be able to bypass the firewall by placing the Switch into a router's DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). [3]
    2. Advertisement
10

Enable port forwarding.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you have a lot of traffic coming through your router, you can set up port forwarding on your router. This will vary depending on your exact router, but you'll need to access your router's default gateway address.
11

Contact Nintendo.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Switch-Won%27t-Connect-to-WiFi-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Contact Nintendo for more assistance. If it's an issue with the Switch itself, you may be able to send it in for repairs. You can contact Nintendo in the following ways:
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to Hack Your Nintendo Switch and Install Games
      How to Connect an Xbox Controller to Switch
      An Easy Guide to Connecting a Switch Pro Controller to a PC
      Connecting a Switch to a TV Without a Dock: How-to (with pictures)
      2 Quick Tricks to Restart Animal Crossing: New Horizons
      How to
      Play with 2 Players on the Nintendo Switch
      3 Simple Ways to Connect Your Switch to Hotel Wi-Fi
      How to Get Max FPS on Your Nintendo Switch
      Complete Guide to Building Bridges in AC: New Horizons
      10 Solutions to Fix a Nintendo Switch Dock That Isn't Working
      7 Simple Ways to Fix Nintendo Switch Not Connecting to TV
      How to
      Use Gameshark Codes on Visualboy Advance
      How to Install Homebrew on Wii U
      Finding & Unlocking Brewster & The Roost In ACNH
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/p/989/c/991/a_id/498
      2. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22544/~/how-to-install-a-lan-adapter-to-nintendo-switch
      3. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22489

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 4,031 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement