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Joy-Con Not Recognized or Not Registering While Attached to the Console

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

Steps for when Joy-Con controllers are not recognized when physically connected to the Nintendo Switch console. The Joy-Con may work wirelessly in TV or tabletop mode, but the console does not detect or register them when attached.

Before you start

You will need:

Your Nintendo Switch console
Left and right Joy-Con controllers

What to do

Use the touch screen to install the latest system update. If you already have the latest system update, restart the Nintendo Switch console.
- How to check for the latest system update
  1. Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.
  2. Scroll down to the bottom of the System Settings menu and select System.
  3. Select System Update to start the system update process.
    - The system will check to see if an update is available.
  For more info, see How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch.
- How to restart a Nintendo Switch system
  1. Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.
  2. Select Power Options.
  3. Select Restart.
Detach the Joy-Con from the console.
- How to detach Joy-Con controllers from a Nintendo Switch console
  
  Press the release button at the back of the Joy-Con while sliding the Joy-Con from bottom to top.
  
  For more information, read How to Attach/Detach the Joy-Con Controllers from Nintendo Switch.
Press the SYNC Button once on each Joy-Con. Then press any other button on each controller to power it on again.
Attach the Joy-Con to the console, checking that they are correctly oriented and inserted all the way.
- How to attach Joy-Con controllers to a Nintendo Switch console
  1. Align the – Button on the left Joy-Con with the top left corner of console, and align the + Button on the right Joy-Con with the top right corner of the console.
  2. Use the rails on the sides of the console to slide the Joy-Con from top to bottom, until you hear a click.
  For more information, read How to Attach/Detach the Joy-Con Controllers from Nintendo Switch.

Situation not resolved

Detach and reattach the Joy-Con again a couple of times.
Test another Joy-Con controller with the console, if possible.
- Another Joy-Con controller works
  
  The non-working controller(s) will need to be repaired.
  
  For assistance with Joy-Con, please contact us for support.
- No Joy-Con controller works or no others available
  
  The Nintendo Switch console and the non-working Joy-Con controller(s) will need to be repaired.
  
  Please contact us for support.

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