Nintendo Switch Will Not Connect to WiFi

Nintendo Switch Will Not Connect to WiFi

Jacob Mehnert
Last updated on
  1. Hard Restart your Nintendo Switch: Restart your Switch to rule out any potential software issues preventing your console from connecting to your Wi-Fi. Hold down your Switch's Power Button for 12 seconds, then press the button once to turn on the console.
  2. Ensure your Settings are not the Issue: If you recently took your Nintendo Switch on a flight or were in another scenario where you needed to disable the console's wireless capabilities, you will need to make sure that Wi-Fi is turned on and Airplane Mode is off.
  3. Check Software Updates: Ensure that your Nintendo Switch runs the latest software. Updates may include optimizations that improve wireless capabilities. Try updating your Switch using a wired ethernet connection and your Switch's docking station.
  4. Make sure your Network Information is Correct: One of the first things you should check when experiencing an issue connecting to your Wi-Fi is to ensure you are entering the correct information. Ensure you attempt to log onto the correct Wireless Network with the correct password. Check out the Manual Network Miss-Configuration Section if you manually enter your network configuration options.
  5. Test your Wireless Router: Sometimes, the issue isn't with your Switch but your Wireless Router. Try accessing the internet from a different device and see if you can recreate the issue. If you have issues with your router, try restarting it or check out iFixit's page on Wireless Routers.

Causes

1

When you experience an issue with connecting your device to a wireless network, there are two things you will want to try to reconnect to your network.

  • Move Closer to Your Wireless Router: If you're too far from your router, your Switch will have issues connecting to your Wi-Fi. Try moving closer to improve the signal strength. Walls and other obstacles can weaken Wi-Fi signals in addition to distance.
  • Reduce Wireless Interference: Avoid placing your Nintendo Switch near electronic devices that may cause wireless interference, such as microwave ovens, cordless phones, or Bluetooth devices. These devices can disrupt Wi-Fi signals and affect your Switch's ability to connect to Wi-Fi.
2

Your Nintendo Switch will automatically handle networking settings by default. However, if you need to configure your network information manually, you might want to review the information you entered and ensure it is correct.

  • IP Address Settings: IP addresses are unique numerical labels assigned to devices connected to a network, enabling them to communicate and identify each other. By default, this is set to Automatic and is recommended for most home networks, but if you have this setting set to Manual, then make sure that another device is not already using the IP address you are using.
  • DNS (Domain Name System) Settings: DNS settings specify the DNS servers a device should use to translate human-readable domain names (like example.com) into IP addresses. Ensure you are using the correct Primary and Secondary DNS settings, or you can use Google's public DNS as listed below.
    • Primary Public Google DNS: 8.8.8.8
    • Secondary Public Google DNS: 8.8.4.4
  • Proxy Settings: Proxy Servers are a protective gateway between your console and the open internet. This setting is off by default, but if you are using it, then make sure that the correct proxy server, port, and auto-authentication information are correct.
  • Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU): This setting determines the largest data packet an internet-connected device can accept. For home networks, the default value is typically set to 1400.
3

Other hardware failures could result in your Switch's Wi-Fi not working.

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