WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Last Updated:
All gadgets, consoles, and computers at some point have a little moment of madness, sometimes freezing, or not turning on at all. But my Nintendo Switch won’t turn on? Don’t worry, if your switch is not turning on it isn’t all doom and gloom.
We will run through a few troubleshooting options to weed out any bugs or glitches that can occur.
Why is my Nintendo Switch not turning on?
There are four common reasons why your Nintendo Switch is not turning on. Charging cords can sometimes not be plugged in correctly and they easily get damaged, with constant use. Check over your cable for any damage and possibly change it to make sure everything is working as it should.
It may seem obvious but check your battery power. An easy way to spot if your battery has died is when the screen takes longer than usual to light up in charging mode.
Unexpected hardware failure and firmware issues can also prevent your Nintendo Switch from turning on. When we download firmware updates, sometimes it can corrupt or fail to install properly. If it’s a hardware failure, this is the worst-case scenario, and you will have to get your Nintendo Switch repaired.
How to fix Nintendo Switch won’t turn on issue
First things first, charge your console. Using the official Nintendo Switch charger is best and double-check you have plugged the cable in properly. Remember, if the light doesn’t come on straight away it can just mean that your Switch’s battery is completely empty. If your Switch has some charge left but has this issue, allow it to fully charge for a few hours.
If the initial step does not bring your Switch top life, check your cable for faults. After continued use, our USB charging cables can become bent or loose. If you have a spare official or third-party cable lying around, give it a try. Replacing a cable is going to be much cheaper than getting your Switch repaired.
The third and final step if nothing has worked thus far is to force a restart. Press and hold the power button for 12 to 15 seconds. Release the button and then quickly press it again three times. On the third press, you need to hold the button down until you see the Nintendo Switch turn on.
If none of the above worked, I’m afraid it could be time to send your Nintendo Switch out for repair or get it replaced entirely. You should contact Nintendo customer support for further assistance or can even take it in to the store you purchased it from.
