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3 ways to fix a Nintendo Switch that isn't charging properly

3 ways to fix a Nintendo Switch that isn't charging properly

Steven John

When your Nintendo Switch is not charging, there are a few things you can try to fix it.Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

If your Nintendo Switch isn't charging, wait a few minutes - a fully drained console takes time to turn on.
A Nintendo Switch battery takes about 3.5 hours to fully charge and should last 3 to 6 hours.
If you've charged your Switch for up to a day and it still won't turn on, check your AC adapter.

There's a lot to love about the Nintendo Switch, but its relatively short battery life isn't on that list.

As a mobile device, the Switch is lacking when it comes to lasting power. You can use the console in handheld orientation for up to six hours, but most games are so resource-intensive that you won't reach that point.

If it seems like your Nintendo Switch is not charging, there are three main ways to troubleshoot the issue.

First, make sure you're giving your Switch enough time to charge after the battery died, then, if waiting doesn't work, check the AC adapter to ensure it's working properly by plugging it in and out of the device and outlet. Finally, if it's still not charging, try force resetting your Nintendo Switch.

Here's a breakdown of each method.

Give your Switch time to charge

The Switch may not work properly with a third-party charger. Steven John/Business Insider

If your Switch's battery died, and you plugged it in only for nothing to happen, don't worry — this is normal.

When a Switch's battery is fully drained, it can take several minutes to turn back on, even if connected to its charger. Give it up to a few hours to charge and restart. If you haven't used your Switch in days or weeks since its battery drained, it can take even longer to resuscitate, up to 12 to 24 hours.

If the system fails to turn back on even after the given amount of time, ensure the Switch is properly connected to its dock or USB-C charger. Connecting the USB-C cable is a more consistent charging method, since you can directly see whether it's connected or not.

Check the AC adapter

Make sure that your USB-C charger is working properly. Steven John/Business Insider

Assuming you're using the official USB-C power adapter that came with your Switch (and Nintendo highly recommends you do so), you can reset the charger by removing it from its outlet, and from the Nintendo Switch, for about 30 seconds.

Now plug it back into its outlet and the Switch, and see if it charges.

If it doesn't, there are two other things you can try: plugging the AC adapter into a different outlet, or trying a different AC adapter.

Force reset your Nintendo Switch

A forced reset can fix a faulty Switch. Steven John/Business Insider

If all else has failed, your Switch may be frozen. This means it's time to reset it.

Related Article Module: How to soft reset or factory reset a Nintendo Switch to fix software issues and glitches

You should hold down the Switch's power button for at least 12 seconds. If it's simply frozen, this will force a shutdown. Once you let go of the button, you can try waiting a minute before pressing the power button again to turn it back on or try to charge it again.

And if that fails, it's time to contact Nintendo.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

3 ways to fix a Nintendo Switch that isn't charging properly

Steven John

Give your Switch time to charge

Check the AC adapter

Force reset your Nintendo Switch

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