Is your Nintendo Switch not charging after a long time of non-use? This can happen for several reasons, such as a system freeze or a faulty AC adapter. Don’t worry, next, we’ll go through all the effective fixes for different Switch charging issues.
Why Is Your Nintendo Switch Not Charging?
Sometimes, if your Nintendo Switch won’t charge or turn on even when plugged in, it might be caused by multiple factors. Here are the common causes.
- The charger or cable is faulty.
- The system is frozen, making the battery appear unresponsive.
- The battery itself is damaged.
- System glitches or software issues.
- Other hardware problems.
7 Fixes for Nintendo Switch Not Charging
Fix 1. Check the Connection
The first step is to make sure all devices, including the Nintendo Switch, Dock, AC adapter, and controller, are connected securely. For example, check that the controller is properly attached to the console and that the Switch is fully seated in the dock. A loose connection can prevent the console or controllers from charging.
Next, confirm that the charging cable and AC adapter are working. You can try another cable or adapter to see if the Switch charges correctly.
Fix 2. Leave Your Nintendo Switch to Charge for 30 Minutes
Sometimes, when your Nintendo Switch is at a low battery, it may appear to be charging, only to turn black again, and this can keep repeating. Don’t worry; this is usually a minor system glitch caused by the battery being completely drained. Simply leave the console connected to the charger for about 30 minutes.
However, if the Switch still won’t turn on after charging, try the fixes below.
Fix 3. Use the Official AC Adapter
If your Nintendo Switch won’t charge even when plugged in, the AC adapter may be the issue. Unofficial chargers often fail to meet the Switch’s hardware requirements and can even damage the battery.
For instance, the console uses the USB-C PD protocol, and the official adapter outputs 15V/2.6A (39W), while many counterfeit chargers do not meet these standards.
Simply changing to the official Switch AC adapter might fix the “Nintendo Switch not charging” issue.
Fix 4. Use the Dock to Charge Nintendo Switch
If your Nintendo Switch appears unresponsive or seems stuck while charging, try placing it properly in the dock. The dock provides stable power and may help the system wake up, allowing the console to resume charging.
To properly place the Switch, position it with the screen facing outward and align the bottom USB-C port with the dock’s connector, then gently slide it straight down into the dock.
Tip: If you’re using the dock to connect your Nintendo Switch to a TV, first connect the AC adapter to the dock, then plug in the HDMI cable. Otherwise, your Switch may not display on the TV, even if it’s fully charged.
Fix 5. Long-Press the Power Button
Sometimes, if you find that your Nintendo Switch is not charging after a long time of not using it, it might be because the Switch’s system is frozen. You can follow the steps below to fix the “Nintendo Switch not charging” issue.
- First, plug your Switch console in and long-press the power button to start the device.
- After the charging icon appears on the screen, leave the console to charge for several minutes.
- Unplug the Switch and long-press the power button for 15 seconds until the screen turns black. Now your Nintendo Switch is reset.
- Charge the console for 30 minutes.
- Finally, press the power button to see if your Switch’s battery level has increased.
Fix 6. Press the Power Button and the + Button Simultaneously
If your Switch still won’t turn on after charging for a long time, try entering recovery mode. To do this, press and hold the Power Button and the Volume + Button on the console at the same time, then check if the recovery menu appears on the screen.
Fix 7. Contact the Official Support or Send Your Switch to Repair
If none of the above methods can fix your Nintendo Switch not charging, it might be because your Nintendo Switch’s battery is broken.
You can follow the tutorials online to change the battery. However, we still recommend you contact Nintendo Switch’s official support or send the device to a repair store, as mistaken operation might damage your Switch.
Further reading: Best Multiplayer Switch Games for Local and Online Play
How to Protect Your Nintendo Switch’s Battery
Good habits can help protect your Nintendo Switch’s battery and prevent charging issues. Here are some practical tips:
Charge your Switch before it hits 0%: A good habit to keep your Switch battery life healthy is to try not to let the battery fully drain. When you see the battery is low, charge it in time.
Avoid constantly charging your Switch: When your Switch is fully charged, unplug it in time to prevent the battery heat buildup, which is harmful to the battery’s life.
Use official chargers: Nintendo Switch’s charging requirements are relatively restrictive compared to other devices like phones. So, it’s better not to use an unofficial charger to charge it, or the charging speed could be low, or the battery can even be damaged.
Keep it cool: An effective way to protect the Switch’s battery is to keep it in a cool environment, especially when you’re playing or charging it.
Shut down the Switch when you don’t use it: Sleep mode will drain your Switch’s battery even when you don’t use it. You can completely shut it down to prevent the battery from being fully drained.
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Nintendo Switch Not Charging – FAQs
Q: How to tell if a Switch battery is bad?
If your Switch battery drains very fast, there are problems with it. You can send it to the repair store to replace it.
Q: What is the lifespan of a Nintendo Switch battery?
According to the official, with proper usage, the Nintendo Switch battery will retain about 80% of its original capacity after roughly 800 full charge cycles. A fully charged standard Switch can last up to 9 hours per charge.
Q: How to know if a dead Switch is charging?
When your Switch is completely drained, plug it into the charger and press the power button. Then, check if a battery icon appears on the Home screen.
