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Published on: 18.01.2024 | updated on: 08.04.2024
Do you need help with your Nintendo Switch? Thankfully, for minor problems, we have some solutions that you can try at home before taking the device to the local repair store. We talk about the issues that can occur, what you can do about them, and how to prevent them.
In this article, we discuss the common problems you can face when your Switch does not turn on, and why the problem occurs. Problems that may cause Switch problems are water damage, a broken screen, a dirty charger port, and a dead battery. Those issues could be fixed by various solutions: resetting the device, checking for updates, cleaning out the charger port, and getting a battery replacement. Below, we discuss which solutions fit best to which causes.
You may notice that your Switch is not working when you try to turn it on. There will be no response from the system and most likely no lights. Depending on the situation, you might see the charging lights working. It can be a frustrating situation, but we will work with you as this article can help you determine what is wrong with your system and what you can do to try and fix it. We also provide you with tips on how to prevent those same problems from occurring again.
There could be different reasons why your Switch will not turn on. Look at the list below and see which reason best suits your circumstances.
It can be annoying when your Nintendo Switch won’t turn on, and even though several things can cause it, you can try many solutions at home before rushing to the repair store. Check out your options for repairs you can try at home.
The Nintendo Switch Lite is the cheaper version of the Switch but works the same as a Switch and can sometimes suffer the same problems. Let’s check out what they may be.
Unfortunately, if you have a battery issue, you must take the device to the repair store and have a new battery fitted if you are not experienced in these repairs. For a relatively new machine, the issue might be from a factory fault or a defective machine. In this case, your warranty might cover you depending on how long you have had the device.
Before taking the device to a professional, try reset at home to see if that fixes the problem. To conduct a reset, all you need to do is hold the power button down for about 10 seconds, let go, and then press the power button again to hopefully start the device.
If your machine is defective since you bought it, there is no way you could have prevented that. Battery issues are mainly due to wear, but they can become damaged if you overheat the system. Ensure the Switch has sufficient circulation to ensure the system doesn't overheat.
If the Nintendo Switch won’t charge, there are a few things that you can try at home first. They are steps that are Simply Fixable tested and approved.
You may have had problems with the Nintendo Switch and needed to hard reset it, and now, unfortunately, it will not turn back on. We have a solution you can try before you seek professional advice.
A device that does not turn on after a hard reset could be from a flat battery, a faulty on/off button, or an internal issue.
First, ensure the device is plugged in and connected where it should be. If the device is connected to power but still not turning on, try the next step.
You can try to load the maintenance mode by following these steps:
If the problem is still not fixed, you will need to have the device looked at by a professional.
After trying all other DIY options, you should hard reset the Nintendo Switch. Depending on the problem, it may be worth a phone call to the experts to ensure trying a hard reset at home is the last resort, as they may have another option to try first. A hard reset will erase all your data and won’t always fix the problem.
The Switch Oled model is popular and remains a well-loved entertainment console, but it can come across problems like everything else. If the device won’t turn on, check out what you can do below.
In most cases, it is because of a flat battery, software problems, or the power stripe you are using.
For a faulty battery, you need to plug the power cord in and turn the point on. If it isn’t charging, try using another socket. Charge for 30 minutes before turning the device on.
For a minor software glitch, you can try conducting a soft reset by following these steps:
If the lights are on, but nothing is showing up on the screen, then there is certainly a problem going on. One issue is minor, and the other is more complex. Look at the problems below and what you can do about them.
To avoid the Nintendo Switch black screen won't turn on situation, try to keep the device updated and avoid overheating it, which can cause the screen to freeze. Minor glitches can occur, which are normal, and happen occasionally, usually no fault of yours.
Place your chargers on charge and ensure they are charging. Allow a few hours for them to charge fully. When the orange light at the top disappears, they are charged. If the controllers are still not turning on, they may need a new battery in the controller or console.
When you are finished using the controllers, put them on charge; this will ensure that they are charged up and ready to go before you start playing the game again. It is also a good idea to put them on charge and let them charge fully. It can degrade the battery if you charge them for one hour, play some more, then charge again, etc.
You just got to sit down after a hard day at work and start up the Switch then it freezes and won’t turn back on. Can anything be done about this, and what has caused this problem? Check out our reasons and solutions below before you head to the specialist.
The battery may appear to be charging, but the machine is not turning on, or there may be no life in the console. Try doing a soft reset first to see if that fixes any problems. If the problem persists, a battery replacement may be needed.
You may have accidentally thrown your jumper on top of the switch, blocked the airflow, and overheated the machine. Depending on how long it was like this, you can leave the console off for a few hours to cool down, then try to restart it again. If the damage was minor, it should turn back on; if it has damaged internals, you will need professional repair.
Ensure the Switch has proper ventilation and the airflow is not obstructed. You should also turn off the console when you are no longer using it to allow it to cool down and be ready for the next gaming session.
Water never goes with any type of electric toys, such as phones and consoles. It can cause so much damage, and some cannot be repaired. If Nintendo Switch won't turn on after water damage, try to do a reset, and if it won’t turn back on, seek professional advice.
Water wreaks havoc on the internals; if left for too long, it will corrode the components, and in most cases, it is not worth repairing the machine. Water damage repairs are often not worth it when you weigh up the cost on a new device, especially if you have had yours for a few years already.
Water damage is one issue you need to get onto as soon as possible, as it can spread throughout the system and cause so much damage. It is best left to the professionals.
The most important way to prevent the device from suffering water damage is not to have any type of liquid near the device. Even moisture can cause problems, so avoid having things like water misters near the Switch.
Ah yes, this is common as the Switch doesn’t like to be dropped, and quite often, it can cause problems internally or with the screen.
So many small parts are inside the switch; it only takes one to dislodge or break, and it can affect the whole system. If the device charging and power lights come on when you turn it on, but the screen stays black, it is likely a broken screen.
There is no home fix for a damaged screen, and it will need to go to the professionals to be replaced. You can try a reset if it is just a glitch in the system, but if not, take it to the local repair store to assess the damage.
Avoid carrying the Switch around with you. If you are taking it to a friend's house, it’s a good idea to put the Switch in a protective box or cover that so if it gets accidentally dropped, it may help prevent any damage.
How exciting you just got your new Switch home only to set everything up and find out that it doesn't work. What can you do about it?
The device could be flat. Most times, the device must be left off and charged up on the first go before playing. It could be a faulty device if you have done this and it still isn't working. It’s important to contact the seller as soon as you can, as you should be covered for a warranty.
Try charging the device, but it will need to be replaced if that doesn't work.
Faults can happen; in most cases, they can be swapped for another as long as you get in touch with the seller as soon as possible. Always make sure you buy from a reputable store.
It might sound exciting to jailbreak a Switch, but unfortunately, this can cause many problems, and sometimes they cannot be fixed. Only the older models can be hacked; the new models have newer technology to avoid this happening
Jailbreaking anything from consoles to mobile phones will cause more problems than it is worth.
The way to fix the issue is installing a new MOD chip, which can be expensive and complex. It is not recommended that you do this yourself. Seek professional advice.
The only way to prevent these problems is to avoid hacking your Switch.
Many devices can go into a mode where they are drained flat and left for months without using them. Like a car, if you leave it for a few months, the battery will be that flat you cannot start it without charging overnight.
Basically, the device is so flat that it will take up to 12 hours to charge it fully. It does not like to have the joycons connected when charging from this flat state.
Charge the device directly overnight with the a/c adapter and disconnect the joycons.
If you pack your Switch away for a few months, try to get it out every few weeks and give it a good charge to keep everything working and avoid it sitting around in a hibernation state. If you are happy to leave it out, just keep it plugged in to avoid the battery draining flat.
It is fairly easy to restart the Nintendo Switch when it either goes flat and won’t turn on or some other minor problem occurs. To turn it on, try holding the power button down for about 20 seconds, then release it and press it once more, and the device should start back up again. If the device fails to start, ensure it is charged and all plugged in correctly before seeking advice from a professional.
Sometimes, a Switch can have a glitch or become stuck and needs help starting up. You can try to conduct a reset by following these steps:
Yes, they certainly can. The right person can fix most problems that occur with a Nintendo Switch. The good thing about repairs is that they are the cheaper and more eco-friendly option. Why buy a new one if it is cheaper to repair? The technicians are qualified and skilled in particular areas of repair so that you can be matched with the right tech for the job. If you are unsure whether you need a Nintendo Switch repair, the technicians are happy to answer questions and offer advice before going to the last resort of bringing it into the store for repair.
In this article, we have talked about essential reasons, solutions, and preventions when you come across common Nintendo Switch problems. It’s a good idea to try some DIY fixes before rushing off to the store to get a repair. We hope this information has helped you understand your problem and what you can do about it to get the device working again.
Author: Hollie Spooner
LinkedIn: Hollie Spooner
Professional Content Creator
Hollie is a technical writer with over 15 years of experience specializing in creating content to help keep the rest of the world informed and updated on all tech-related subjects. Hollie has created content for many writing platforms in the tech and IT industry, and her passion for turning words into helpful articles is still growing. Hollie holds several certifications, like "Professional Article and Blog Writing", "Writing Editing and Publishing", "Creative Writing" and "Technology Digital Solutions" by Open Education and Thompsons Education Direct. When she isn’t creating content for the web, she is enjoying a crazy life with her family and friends.
Professional Content Creator
LinkedIn: Hollie Spooner
Hollie is a technical writer with over 15 years of experience specializing in creating content to help keep the rest of the world informed and updated on all tech-related subjects. Hollie has created content for many writing platforms in the tech and IT industry, and her passion for turning words into helpful articles is still growing. Hollie holds several certifications, like "Professional Article and Blog Writing", "Writing Editing and Publishing", "Creative Writing" and "Technology Digital Solutions" by Open Education and Thompsons Education Direct. When she isn’t creating content for the web, she is enjoying a crazy life with her family and friends.
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