Nintendo Switch System Has No Power, a Blank Screen, or Won't Wake Up From Sleep Mode

Applies to:  Nintendo Switch Family, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

Use this article when a Nintendo Switch system won’t turn on, the screen stays black or off, or the system stays stuck in sleep mode.

Before you start

You will need:

  • Your Nintendo Switch system
  • Nintendo Switch AC adapter (MOD. HAC-002)
  • Access to power outlet

Remove your Nintendo Switch system from the dock when completing the following troubleshooting.

What to do

  1. Unplug the AC adapter from both the wall and dock/console. Leave unplugged for 30 seconds to reset the AC adapter.
  2. Hold down the POWER Button The POWER and Volume Buttons highlighted on Nintendo Switch on the console for 20 seconds.
  3. Release the POWER Button. This performs a forced shut down on the console.
  4. Plug the AC adapter back into the outlet then into the console.
  5. Press the POWER Button once. The console should turn back on.

Situation not resolved

If the console doesn't turn back on, follow the additional troubleshooting depending on whether you see a battery charge indicator on the screen.

The battery charging indicator highlighted at the top-left of a blank screen on the Nintendo Switch

  • Battery charge indicator is displayed on a blank screen

    Important: If the battery charge on the console is nearly depleted when the AC adapter is first plugged in, the screen will remain off and a charging indicator will be momentarily displayed on the top-left corner of the console screen.

    1. Charge the console for at least 15 to 30 minutes with an undamaged Nintendo Switch AC adapter.
      • Check AC adapter
        1. Check the model number to verify you are using the Nintendo Switch AC adapter. The model number can be found on the bottom of the AC adapter, where the cord attaches. It should read MOD. HAC-002 near the top of the text.
          Image of a Nintendo Switch AC Adapter. The adapter plug may look different depending on the country it was sold in.
        2. Check the AC adapter for damage. Damage can include frayed or split cord, loose connectors, kinks, etc.

        Non-licensed and/or damaged AC adapters may have compatibility problems with your console.

        You can purchase replacement Nintendo Switch AC adapters from the My Nintendo Store.

    2. Press the POWER Button to turn it on.
    3. Confirm that the console has the latest system update installed.

    If the issue is not resolved using the troubleshooting steps above, the Nintendo Switch console will need to come in for repair.

    For your convenience, Nintendo provides a quick and easy-to-use online repair process.

    • Include the AC adapter for testing purposes.
  • No charging indicator on a blank screen
    1. Check the model number to verify you are using the Nintendo Switch AC adapter. The model number can be found on the bottom of the AC adapter, where the cord attaches. It should read MOD. HAC-002 near the top of the text.
      Image of a Nintendo Switch AC Adapter. The adapter plug may look different depending on the country it was sold in.
    2. Check the AC adapter for damage. Damage can include frayed or split cord, loose connectors, kinks, etc.
    3. Check the USB-C connector at the bottom of the Nintendo Switch console for damage.
      • The USB-C connector on the console is damaged

        If any damage is found USB-C connector at the bottom of the console, the Nintendo Switch console will need to be repaired.

        For your convenience, Nintendo provides a quick and easy-to-use online repair process.

    4. Use a different AC adapter to try to charge the console.
      • Don't have a second AC adapter

        The Nintendo Switch console will need to come in for repair.

        For your convenience, Nintendo provides a quick and easy-to-use online repair process.

        • For testing purposes, be sure to include the AC adapter.
      • The screen still remains blank

        If the issue is not resolved using the troubleshooting steps above, the Nintendo Switch console will need to come in for repair.

        For your convenience, Nintendo provides a quick and easy-to-use online repair process.

        • For testing purposes, be sure to include the AC adapter.

Additional information

  • Use a licensed Nintendo Switch AC adapter for best performance results.
    • Unlicensed products do not undergo Nintendo's testing and evaluation process and may have compatibility problems.
  • Nintendo Switch systems do not have a power light.
  • While the Nintendo Switch console is placed in the dock, the console screen will automatically shut off as the software application will be displayed on the TV screen.
  • The Nintendo Switch Lite is not compatible with Nintendo Switch dock.

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