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How to Fix a Nintendo Switch that keeps Turning OFF (STEPS)

Why does my Nintendo Switch keep turning OFF by itself?

The main reason why your Nintendo Switch keeps turning OFF by itself is because the console is in the auto sleep mode, or it has a drained battery.

 

  • Auto-sleep mode
  • Drained battery
  • Overheating
  • Parental controls

 

Auto-sleep mode

The Nintendo Switch goes into sleep mode automatically in order to save energy. If it isn’t active for a long period, the console goes into auto sleep mode.

 

Drained battery

Consistent use of the device tends to drain the battery faster, which in turn enables the Switch to turn OFF by itself. You can easily recharge it as the product uses a standard AC adapter to charge its batteries.

 

Overheated Switch

The console comes with high processing power, which tends to make the Switch extremely hot. In some cases, high ambient temperatures also cause the Switch to get very hot.

 

Parental controls 

The Nintendo Switch includes a parental control feature to set a limit for play-time. Most parents set a time limit to prevent their children from over-indulgence in gaming. This feature causes the Switch to turn OFF by itself.

 

An overheated switch or parental controls may be some of the other causes for the Nintendo Switch to keep turning OFF by itself.

 

How do I stop my Nintendo Switch from turning OFF?

You can stop your Nintendo Switch from turning OFF by disabling the auto-sleep mode, disabling the parental control settings, or recharging the batteries. You don’t need to use any specific tools to fix this issue.

These issues can be easily overcome by following the instructions given below.

 

  • Disable auto-sleep mode
  1. From the Home menu, select System Settings.
  2. Scroll down and from the options on the left side of the screen, select Sleep mode
  3. Select Never and press A.

 

  • Disable parental control settings
  1. Select System settings on the Home menu.
  2. Scroll down and select Parental controls
  3. Select Change settings.
  4. Enter the parental control PIN number for the system.
  5. Press the X button.
  6. Click OK.

 

  • Recharge batteries
  1. Plug the USB-C adapter into the console.
  2. Place the console on the charging dock.
  3. Insert the cord firmly into a power supply socket.

 

nintendo switch keeps turning off

 

Why Nintendo Switch keeps turning OFF with full battery?

 Your Nintendo Switch keeps turning OFF with full battery due to an overheated switch, a due hard reset, or a faulty power connection.

These glitches can be easily overcome with the simple solutions given below.

 

  • Overheating Switch
  1. Place your Switch in a cool environment.
  2. Keep a small fan close to your Switch if needed whenever you use your device.

 

  • Hard reset
  1. Hold the Power button down on the top left of your console and keep it pressed for at least 30 seconds.
  2. Press the Power button again to switch ON the device.

 

  • Faulty power connection
  1. Ensure that you always use the USB-C cable that comes with the console.
  2. Refrain from using 3rd party USB cables.
  3. Insert the USB-C cable firmly into the console.

 

Why Nintendo Switch is not turning ON while charging?

Your Nintendo Switch is not turning ON while charging because of a faulty battery, a pending reset of the AC adapter, or an activated auto-sleep mode. 

These are commonplace issues that can be solved in the following manner.

 

  • Faulty battery
  1. Buy a new Nintendo Switch battery.
  2. Remove the four tri-point screws on the back of the faulty battery.
  3. Remove the Phillips screw near the top.
  4. Remove the center screw on both sides where the joy-cons slide into their position.
  5. Lift the Kickstand upwards.
  6. Remove the micro SD card and remove the three Phillips screws therein.
  7. Remove the back cover and the screw that holds the micro SD card slot.
  8. Use a flat-head screwdriver to disconnect and remove the micro SD card reader.
  9. Unscrew the five Phillips screws that hold the silver plate in place.
  10. Lift the metal shield from its place. 
  11. Use the flathead screwdriver to disconnect the battery.
  12. Use a plastic card to gently remove the battery and insert a new one.

 

  • Reset AC adapter
  1. Turn OFF your Nintendo Switch.
  2. Unplug the AC adapter from the main power outlet.
  3. Check the adapter for probable scrape signs, loose wiring, or cuts.
  4. Plug the adapter into the main power supply socket.
  5. Connect the USB-C cable to the console. The Switch battery icon appears on the screen.
  6. If the adapter is damaged, replace it with a new one.

 

  • Activated auto-sleep mode

 

  1. Click System Settings on the Home screen.
  2. In Options, tap on Sleep Mode. You will see two auto-sleep options – Playing on the Console screen and Connected to TV.
  3. Change the timer for both options.
  4. To keep the sleep mode OFF always, select the Never option.

 

Why won’t my Nintendo Switch charge or turn ON?

Your Nintendo Switch OLED model won’t charge or turn ON due to a third-party charger or a pending powercycle of the adapter.

These are everyday issues faced by Nintendo geeks. Let’s understand how to resolve them.

 

  • Third-party chargers
  1. Check your charger for the statement “Licensed by (the Trademark) of Nintendo” to understand if it’s an original or a duplicate one. 
  2. Examine your charger to locate the official Nintendo seal in golden color along with the TM symbol at the bottom right.
  3. Use a Nintendo-compatible or a certified charger to enable the smooth functioning of your Nintendo Switch.

 

  • Power-cycle your power adapter
  1. Unplug your adapter from your Switch and the power supply socket.
  2. Leave it unplugged for at least a minute.
  3. Plug the adapter into your Switch and the power outlet.

 

Nintendo Switch turns OFF when not plugged in

Your Nintendo Switch turns OFF when not plugged in because the Wake-up feature of the system has been disabled. The Switch may also turn OFF if the batteries need to be recharged or the Power button has been accidentally switched OFF.

The instructions given below will help you overcome these problems.

  • Disabled Wake-up feature
  1. Select System Settings from the Home menu.
  2. Select Sleep mode.
  3. Select the Wake when AC adapter is disconnected option.

 

  • Batteries need to be recharged
  1. Insert the system’s battery into the charging dock for some time.
  2. Ensure the battery gets fully charged.

 

  • Power button accidentally switched OFF
  1. Locate the Power button on the top edge of your Nintendo console.
  2. Press and hold this button for about 3 seconds.

 

Why Nintendo Switch keeps turning OFF while docked

Your Nintendo Switch keeps turning OFF while docked due to incorrectly inserted cables, a long-pending power cycle of the entire setup, or the lack of an independent power outlet for the power cable.

Eager to resolve these issues? Let’s follow the steps given below.

  • Incorrectly inserted cables
  1. Unplug all the cables from the Switch dock.
  2. Plug the power cable into the switch dock.
  3. Connect the HDMI cable.
  4. Connect the Nintendo Switch into the dock correctly.

 

  • Pending power cycle of the entire setup
  1. Unplug all cables from the switch dock including HDMI and power cables.
  2. Hold the Power button for about 15 seconds to switch OFF your Nintendo.
  3. After 40 seconds, plug all the cables and switch ON the device.

 

  • Independent power outlet 
  1. Check the number of electronic appliances sharing the same power outlet as the switch dock.
  2. Unplug all the other appliances or unplug the switch dock.
  3. Plugin the switch dock in a solo power outlet.

 

Why does my Nintendo Switch keep going into sleep mode?

Your Nintendo Switch keeps going into sleep mode because the console is not sufficiently charged; the console has been left idle for some time, or because of parental control settings.

These are minor issues and can be resolved in a simple way.

 

  • The console is not sufficiently charged
  1. Dock the Nintendo Switch console.
  2. Ensure the LCD screen faces the same direction as the front panel of the dock.
  3. Connect the AC adapter directly to a power outlet in a wall.

 

  • Console left idle without any input
  1. On the Home menu, select System Settings.
  2. Click on Sleep Mode on the bottom left of the screen.
  3. Click on Auto-sleep and disable this feature by choosing the Never option.

 

  • Parental control settings
  • Navigate to the home screen of your Nintendo Switch.
  • Select System Settings.
  • Select Parental controls and tap Change.
  • Enter the 4-digit PIN number.
  • Click on OK.

 

Why does my Nintendo Switch turn OFF while playing games?

Your Nintendo Switch Lite turns OFF while playing games due to the console’s inability to read a game card, parental controls, or a faulty game card slot.

When gaming gets hindered on a console, you can resolve the issues in the following manner.

 

  • Console unable to read a game card
  1. Ensure the software on your console is updated.
  2. Switch OFF the console and remove the game card.
  3. Check the authenticity of the game card.
  4. Make sure that the gold contact points are dust-free.
  5. Re-insert the game card.
  6. Switch ON the console.

 

  • Parental controls
  1. On the Home menu, select System Settings.
  2. Scroll down to the left of the screen and tap on Parental controls settings.
  3. Enter the PIN number.
  4. Press the X button to remove the parental control settings.

 

  • Faulty game slot

You have to seek technical assistance to replace a faulty game slot with a new one.

 

Why Nintendo Switch turns ON and OFF?

Your Nintendo Switch OLED model turns ON and OFF because it may have slipped into the built-in sleep mode, it has a malfunctioning charging cord or the system needs to be formatted.

These issues can be resolved with ease if you follow the instructions given below.

 

  • Built-in sleep mode

On the right joy-con controller of the Nintendo Switch, press the Home button. Your Nintendo Switch springs back into action.

 

  • Malfunctioning charging cord
  1. Check the charging cord of your device.
  2. Make sure that it’s an original cord from the manufacturer.
  3. If the cord is damaged anywhere across the length, replace it with a new one.

 

  • System formatting
  1. Open the Home menu.
  2. Select the System Settings option.
  3. Scroll down to the System option and click on it.
  4. Go to the bottom of the screen and click on Formatting options.
  5. In the case of parental control settings, key in the PIN.
  6. Select Initialize console.
  7. Read the text on the screen and click on Next.
  8. Select Initialize.

 

Nintendo Switch keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi

Your Nintendo Switch V1 keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi because of a slow internet connection, signal interference, or a large distance between your router and Nintendo.

Wi-Fi issues can be back-breaking, but not if you follow the steps given below.

 

  • Slow internet connection
  1. Troubleshoot your router or the network.
  2. Contact your internet service provider to review the internet speed at your premises.

 

  • Signal interference
  1. Check for the number of wireless devices utilizing the same Wi-Fi service.
  2. Disconnect other devices using the same internet connection.

 

  • Reduce the distance between your Nintendo device and the router
  1. Make sure that the distance between your Nintendo device and the router does not exceed 30 feet.
  2. Ensure the line of connection or signal receptivity is not hindered by the presence of physical objects.

 

Why Nintendo Switch suddenly shuts down and won’t turn ON?

Your Nintendo Switch V2 suddenly shuts down and won’t turn ON because it may have got frozen and requires a quick hard reset, the Switch needs to be repositioned or the Switch needs to be updated.

A suddenly shutting down Nintendo Switch can be a cause of concern but not for long. Given below are some steps to overcome some issues.

 

  • Quick hard reset
  1. Press and hold down the Power button.
  2. Release the Power button after twelve seconds.
  3. Press the Power button again.
  4. Switch ON the console.

 

  • Reposition the Switch
  1. Lift the Nintendo Switch out of the dock gently.
  2. Make sure the Nintendo Switch is firmly inserted and positioned properly on the dock.

 

  • Update the Nintendo Switch
  1. On the Home menu, click on System Settings.
  2. Click the System tab.
  3. Click on System Update.
  4. Wait for the update to be completed.
  5. Use the console.

 

Why is the green light flashing on my Nintendo Switch?

The green light is flashing on your Nintendo Switch OLED model due to a long pending power cycle or a due system update.

These problems may sound a little challenging, but the following steps will help you solve them with ease.

 

  • Long-pending power cycle
  1. Unplug the HDMI cable from your dock.
  2. Unplug the power cable from the power outlet and your dock for about 30 seconds.
  3. Examine the power cable for any cuts or fissures.
  4. Plugin the power cable once again.

 

  • System Update
  1. Undock your Nintendo Switch.
  2. Go to the Settings menu and check for pending updates.
  3. Press and hold the Power button for 3 seconds.
  4. Select Power Options and click on Restart.

 

Why does my TV turn OFF while playing Nintendo Switch?

Your TV turns OFF while playing Nintendo Switch Lite due to the disabled sleep mode of your console, an enabled Match TV Power State option, or a disabled HDMI-CEC feature on your TV. 

These glitches may sound too technical, but in reality, they are not. Let’s understand the solutions that can resolve them.

 

  • Disable the sleep mode of your console
  1. On your Nintendo Switch console, click the Home menu.
  2. Tap System Settings followed by the Sleep Mode option on the left side.
  3. Choose the Never option.

 

  • Disable the Match TV Power State
  1. Go to the System Settings of your Nintendo Switch.
  2. Click on TV Settings.
  3. Slide the Match TV Power State toggle button to the OFF position.

 

  • Enable the HDMI-CEC feature on your TV
  1. On the Home menu of your TV, go to Settings.
  2. Locate the HDMI-CEC option.
  3. Enable it with the help of your TV remote.

 

Why is my Nintendo Switch overheating and turning OFF?

Your Nintendo Switch V1 is overheating and turning OFF because of clogged vents and fans, poor ventilation, or continuous gaming.

 

Gaming geeks can follow the given instructions below to protect their Nintendo Switch from overheating.

 

Clogged vents and fans

  1. Use a can of compressed air to provide a pressurized blast and remove dust from within the vents of the Switch.
  2. Use a soft cotton swab to gently clean the fans of the Switch.

 

Poor ventilation

  1. Place your console in well-ventilated premises.
  2. Ensure the surroundings are clutter-free.
  3. Keep a small fan nearby to prevent the device from getting overheated.

 

Continuous gaming

  1. Refrain from non-stop gaming on your console.
  2. Ensure that you give your Nintendo device a break from being active for long hours.
  3. When taking a break from gaming, turn OFF the Nintendo Switch.

 

Why is my Nintendo Switch stuck on a black screen?

Your Nintendo Switch V2 is stuck on a black screen because of a due power cycle of your Switch or a pending update of the Switch in recovery mode.

 

The issue of a black screen can be resolved in the following way.

 

  • Power cycle your Nintendo Switch
  1. Unplug the dock from the power supplying outlet.
  2. Wait for 30 seconds and re-plug it into the power outlet.
  3. Dock your Nintendo Switch.
  4. Press the Power button and hold it for about 12 seconds.
  5. Release the Power button.
  6. Turn ON the Nintendo Switch.

 

  • Update the Nintendo Switch in recovery mode
  1. Locate the Power and Volume buttons and press and hold them simultaneously.
  2. When the 2nd Nintendo Switch logo appears, release the buttons.
  3. Click on System Update.
  4. Download and install the update.

 

Why Nintendo Switch won’t go past the logo?

Your Nintendo Switch won’t go past the logo because of a cache issue or a pending reboot of your Switch.

Losing your patience over these problems? These can be resolved with the simple solutions given below.

 

  • Cache issue
  1. Go to System Settings.
  2. Scroll down until you come to Formatting options.
  3. Select Reset cache.
  4. Select the user for whom you want to clear the cache.

 

  • Reboot your Nintendo Switch

Press and hold the Power button for 15 seconds.

 

  • Weak Wi-Fi connection
  1. Check your internet and how many devices are using the same bandwidth.
  2. Disconnect the other devices to make the bandwidth better.
  3. Contact your ISP if you need more help.

 

Why Nintendo Switch won’t go past the loading screen?

Your Nintendo Switch V1 won’t go past the loading screen due to a weak Wi-Fi connection. 

  1. Check your internet connection and the number of devices using the same bandwidth.
  2. Disconnect other devices to improve the bandwidth.
  3. Contact your internet service provider for more assistance.

 

Why Nintendo Switch won’t turn on after an update?

Your Nintendo Switch Lite won’t turn ON after an update due to an incomplete power charge of the console or a pending factory reset of your Nintendo Switch.

 

These are minor glitches and can be solved by following the instructions given below.

 

Incomplete power charge of the console

  1. Connect the dock to the power socket in the wall.
  2. Place your Nintendo Switch on the dock.
  3. Take the console out after about 3 hours.
  4. Switch ON the console.

 

Factory reset your Nintendo device

  1. Select System Settings from the Home menu.
  2. On the left side, select System.
  3. On the right side, select Formatting Options.
  4. Select the Initialize Console option and click Next.
  5. Click the Initialize button. The factory reset process begins and takes about eight minutes to get done.

Ernie Lo

Ernie Lo is a qualified web designer and web developer. He works as an IT support technician and website manager at Benleigh Vending, and he also fixes vending machines.

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