Month: November 2023

Nintendo’s Joy-Cons have been a minor revolution in the gaming world. Sure, they may have their fair share of problems – including pesky drift issues that Nintendo is paying for to this day – but they make up for it in spades. Allowing total freedom to jump from console to handheld mode, change up your controller setup, and even use the devices with any arm positioning, it’s hard to beat these tiny controllers.

However, the connectivity of Joy-Cons and similar controllers can sometimes be finicky, making it difficult to dive into your favorite game. What can you do when your Switch controller is not connecting?

Whether you use a Joy-Con, a Pro Controller, or a third-party device, there are plenty of ways to troubleshoot communication issues with your Switch. Here are the best tactics for re-establishing your connection.

Disable Airplane Mode

Airplane Mode can be a great tool at the right time. This mode removes your Nintendo Switch’s ability to use Bluetooth or check the internet, which can speed up a slow device and make games boot up faster.

However, because Airplane Mode turns off your device’s Bluetooth connections, your Nintendo Switch may not be able to communicate with its Joy-Cons. Attaching and connecting them can become impossible if you’ve toggled this mode on, either on purpose or by accident.

To disable Airplane Mode, use a second Joy-Con that’s still connected or tap the touchscreen to access the System Settings. On the side menu, select Airplane Mode and switch it to Off.

Disable Other Bluetooth Devices

In rare cases, other Bluetooth devices may interfere with your Joy-Con’s use of Bluetooth. If you have a wireless headset paired with your switch, for example, your connectivity issues may stem from that device. Try disabling all Bluetooth devices except for your Joy-Con to see if it fixes the problem.

If you’re having issues with all of your Bluetooth devices, make sure your Bluetooth is on. If you can’t figure out the connection issue, console repair might be your best bet.

Check the Controller’s Line of Sight

If it seems like your Joy-Con is connected in some ways but not others, it’s possible the controller doesn’t have a clear line of sight to the console. When furniture, glass, or metal sits between the Joy-Con and its associated Switch, the Bluetooth connection may become faulty. Get closer to your console and see if your controller’s performance issues go away.

Check the Number of Connections

If you’re playing with a large party of people, you may be trying to connect too many controllers to your Switch. The Nintendo Switch supports up to eight wireless controllers at a time. This includes both Joy-Cons and third-party controllers.

Reconnect the Controller

If you aren’t using your Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, try reconnecting the controller. This forces the console to reconnect with your Joy-Con.

This can be especially important if your household has multiple Nintendo Switches, as your controller may be paired with the wrong device. If you haven’t re-paired your controllers since the Switch’s 12.0.0 update, it can also help address possible pairing issues.

To go a step further, try un-pairing and re-pairing your Joy-Con. To do this, go to System Settings again. Next, choose Controllers and Sensors > Disconnect Controllers. You’ll need to hold down the X button on your Joy-Con to un-pair it.

To re-pair the Joy-Con, all you need to do is slide it onto the Switch again.

If you’re using a Pro Controller, you may need to perform an extra step to establish your connection. In System Settings, head to Controllers and Sensors > Pro Controller Wired Communication. Make sure the checkbox is selected to allow your controller to connect.

Charge the Console and Controllers

If your Switch or Joy-Cons have a low battery, you may experience connection issues.

You can see the battery life of your console in the top-right corner of your screen on the home menu. To check the controller batteries, select the Controllers button at the bottom of the home menu.

Attach your controllers to the Switch and allow the entire system to get a full charge. Make sure your Joy-Cons are fully attached: you should hear a small “click” once they’ve slid into place. If your devices still won’t charge, address any charging port issues or switch to a different charger.

Do a System Update

System updates can help fix minor bugs with your console. Your device should be set to download updates automatically, but you can also check for a new one by heading to System Settings again. From there, select System > System Update. If an update is available, the download will start automatically, and your device will restart.

If you have a pending update, your Switch will ask if you’re ready to update every time you try to start a game. If you’ve been putting off an update, try it now to see if it fixes your Joy-Con issues.

Restart Your System

Even if you don’t have a fresh system update, restarting your device is a smart move. This can help clear temporary issues that might be blocking your Joy-Con connection.

To restart a Switch, hold down the power button on the top of the console for at least three seconds. This should bring up a power menu. Select Power Options > Restart, and allow the device to reboot before checking your controller’s connection.

Reset the Controller

You can also reset each Joy-Con to clear out potential issues. To do this, detach the controllers from the console. You should see a small, pin-sized button on the side of the controller that connects to the Switch.

Press this button to sync your controller and your console. Then, press any other button on the Joy-Con to restart it.

Get Help When a Switch Controller Is Not Connecting

No one likes putting off gaming to deal with a faulty controller. Fortunately, the tips above are great ways to troubleshoot when your Switch controller is not connecting, and they’ll help address the most likely problems you’ll face.

If you’ve tried the solutions above to no avail, don’t panic! The expert team at Fruit Fixed will have your controllers back up and running in no time. To get your fix, check out our estimates by model or drop by one of our locations.

Picture this: you’re ready for the launch of your next favorite game, you’ve downloaded the entire thing in advance, and you’ve set aside time to dive in. Then, right as you’re getting comfortable on the sofa, you realize your controllers are dead. Again.

What gives?

Controller charging issues are more common than you might think. These devices can be surprisingly hard to connect and troubleshoot, making it difficult to tell how to fix the issue.

When your Switch controller is not charging, don’t panic! Let’s take a look at the best troubleshooting strategies to get you back in the game.

Give It Extra Time

If your Nintendo Switch’s battery has died, meaning it’s done a complete discharge, it may not spring to life again the second you plug it in. Sometimes, it can take a few minutes for your Switch and its controllers to draw enough power to charge and restart. If it’s been several days or weeks since you let the battery run down, your Switch may need even longer to get a decent charge.

In these cases, give your Switch at least six hours to charge, ensuring a proper connection to the charging cable. If there are still no signs of life after that time, move on to the next steps.

Check the Charger

Your safest bet for a Switch charger is always the one that came with the system. Nintendo recommends using only its branded chargers, and you can find replacements online if yours has broken or gotten lost. If you’re using a third-party USB-C power adapter, consider borrowing or buying an official Nintendo Switch charger to see if it solves your controller charging issue.

With an official charger, you can also reset the charger itself. Remove the charger from the wall socket and your Switch for at least 30 seconds. Plug it back in on both ends and see if it begins charging the controllers again.

Don’t forget to also check the Switch’s charging port. Cleaning and adjusting this port may be the easiest way to fix your problem.

When you slide your Joy-Con into place, make sure you hear a “click.” If your Joy-Con doesn’t have a good connection to your console, it won’t charge. Consider removing any skins or cases on your Joy-Con that might make it more difficult for the controller to attach to the Switch.

Perform a System Update

It’s rare, but it’s possible that temporary data or minor bugs in your console’s software have prevented its controllers from charging. When this happens, a system update can sometimes address any corrupted firmware.

Your system should be set to download new updates automatically. If not, you can still do a manual download by going to System Settings at the bottom of the home screen. From there, select System > System Update.

Your Switch will begin an automatic download of any available updates. It should also restart itself when the update is complete.

Perform a Controller Update

If the full system update doesn’t help, try updating the controllers. From the home menu, choose System Settings. There, go to Controllers and Sensors > Update Controllers.

Your console should scan both of your controllers for any available updates. The updates should begin automatically.

Force a Reset

If your Switch doesn’t show any available system updates, try forcing a reset to refresh the system. This may help address any issues with the controllers.

To reset a Switch, find the power button on the top of the console. Pressing it once will allow you to choose a system restart from the Power menu that comes up. You can also hold it down for at least 12 seconds to force a shutdown.

Ensure a Proper Connection

If you have multiple Nintendo Switch consoles in your home, make sure to sync the controller to the current device you’re using. This can sometimes clear up any charging issues.

Syncing is easy: all you have to do is attach a Joy-Con or its similar third-party counterparts to the side of the console.

You can also try re-syncing the controller. This forces a reset, which can address small firmware issues that keep your controller from charging.

To re-sync the device, find the pin-sized “Sync” button on the side of your Joy-Con that attaches to the Switch. Press this button once.

Your controller should pair to the Switch again once you’ve slid it back into place in handheld mode. If not, you can head to the home screen and select Controllers > Change Grip and Order. When prompted, press and hold the “Sync” button on the Joy-Con.

Un-Pair and Re-Pair Your Controllers

If you’d like to try charging your controllers from a fresh start, consider un-pairing and re-pairing the devices. To do this, head to the home menu and select System Settings.

From there, choose Controllers and Sensors > Disconnect Controllers. When prompted, hold down the X button on the Joy-Con you want to disconnect.

Again, all you need to do to re-pair the Joy-Con is slide it onto your Switch again.

Try a Different Console

If you have a friend or family member who owns a Switch, try pairing your controller with their console. The troubleshooting methods above should have cleared up any lingering issues with your console, but it’s still possible that the Joy-Con is in good condition and the Switch simply won’t charge its battery.

If your controller works with only the other Switch, you’re likely dealing with a firmware malfunction in your own console. Get professional console repair for help!

Switch Controller Not Charging? Call Us

When your Switch controller is not charging, it’s easy to get frustrated. Fortunately, this is a common issue that often involves simple fixes via the troubleshooting steps above. If you’re dealing with connectivity and charging issues, try these tactics to get your controller back up to speed!

If you’re still struggling to charge your Joy-Con, Pro Controller, or third-party controller, we’re here to help. At Fruit Fixed, our technicians ensure that you’re never disconnected from your favorite games for long. Check out our Switch repair estimates or stop by one of our locations for help.

The PlayStation 5 is one of the most popular gaming consoles that’s ever been released. Sony has sold approximately 46.6 million units since it was released.

With its amazing graphics and wide selection of games, it’s not difficult to see why. Unfortunately, some people have issues with their PS5 controller not charging. This could stem from a variety of causes, and it can be difficult to determine the best solution.

We’ve created a guide that outlines the best course of action for your situation. Let’s explore the key information you should know.

Check Your Charging Cable/Port

Before moving forward, inspect your charging cable for signs of wear and tear. A common scenario is having a toddler or pet damage the cable without your knowledge.

This can directly impact your controller’s ability to charge. If the cable isn’t in good condition, use an alternative one even if it’s not meant to charge a PS5 controller.

Other cables will still work, but they won’t charge as efficiently. If you don’t notice anything wrong with your charging cable, there could be a problem with your PS5’s USB port.

The same can be said about the controller’s charging port. Damage can occur if you insert or remove a cable too aggressively.

Unfortunately, damage to a charging port is much more difficult to overcome. It often requires professional help. If neither of these is the culprit, you can move forward.

Update Your PS5 Firmware

Many people overlook the importance of updating controller firmware. Outdated firmware can impact the controller’s ability to connect to the PS5.

You can easily check for firmware updates by turning on your console. If there’s one available, you’ll automatically receive a notification.

Installing one takes only a few seconds, so be sure to do so as soon as you’re prompted. If your controller’s charging issue was related to its firmware, it should resolve the problem immediately.

Reset Controller

Resetting your controller allows the device to overcome software bugs it might be dealing with. Although resetting a controller is a simple process, it can go a long way toward resolving charging issues. You should then locate a small reset button on the back of the PS5 controller.

Use a paperclip, pushpin, or similar object to press the button inside the hole. Hold the button for approximately five seconds. If your controller is on, it will turn off after it’s been reset.

You’ll then need to connect it directly to your PS5 with a USB cable. After turning on your controller, you should be good to go.

Try Charging Charging Methods

If you own a charging station, try charging your PS5 controller with that instead of a USB cable. This is often a more reliable charging method.

If you have to use a USB cable, try wiggling it around when charging your controller. Sometimes, PS5 controllers that have issues with their charging ports will only charge if the cable is in a certain position.

Common Underlying Issues

Understanding common issues will help you discern the root of the problem. You can then take the appropriate action to handle them. Listed below are some of the most notable.

Dead Battery

There are circumstances where your controller won’t charge no matter what you do. This is true regardless of the cable you use or how many times you update your controller’s firmware. In situations like these, the battery is likely the culprit.

PS5 batteries are non-removable and have a limited lifespan. If you’ve used your controller for hundreds of hours, there’s a chance the battery has lost its ability to hold a charge. The only way to resolve this issue is to replace the battery.

It’s possible to do so on your own, but it’s never recommended. Not only will you need the tools to disassemble your controller, but you also run the risk of damaging the device. Leave this job to a professional so you can avoid issues you would have otherwise encountered.

Defective Product Components

It’s not impossible for PS5 controllers to ship with defective components. These might not be readily apparent when you start using the device.

Over time, these components can begin to malfunction and impact the controller’s ability to charge. Similar to a dead battery situation, this is out of your control and requires professional help.

Internal Damage

PS5 controllers are known for being fairly durable. They can fall off shelves and get lightly thrown around by children without experiencing significant damage. However, these controllers aren’t invincible.

The right level of impact can damage its internal components. For example, let’s assume you accidentally knocked a PS5 controller off a coffee table.

It crashes to the ground and bounces across the floor. This could damage the controller’s charging port, making it impossible to charge with a USB cable.

Finding a Repair Professional

Working with the right repair professionals is essential for getting the best results. Not all are created equal, and it’s best to avoid companies that charge rock-bottom prices.

They often do so for a reason, meaning they provide poor service or use low-quality parts. Ask about their turnaround time before making your decision.

Simple jobs shouldn’t take more than a few days to handle. If your service provider can’t get your device back to you within a week, it’s best to search elsewhere. Check their online reviews so you can gain insight into what to expect.

See what other customers have to say about the company’s professionalism and overall results. With enough due diligence, you’ll find the best option for your needs.

PS5 Controller Not Charging? Don’t Worry

It can be frustrating to discover your PS5 controller not charging. The tips in this guide will ensure you take the appropriate action and resolve the issue as soon as possible.

At Fruit Fixed, our expert team has the knowledge and resources necessary to meet your needs. We strive to exceed each of our customer’s expectations and deliver the best results. You can learn more about what we have to offer when you get in touch with us today.

As of a few months ago, the Nintendo Switch has outsold its predecessor, the Nintendo Wii, in total lifetime sales. With over 100 million consoles sold worldwide, this hybrid console has made a major splash with both dedicated gamers and casual players alike.

The Switch’s durable console and reliable performance may have something to do with those sales, but that doesn’t mean you should expect perfection! System errors and frozen screens aren’t uncommon with these devices. Worse, these frustrating bugs can be hard to fix on your own.

What should you do when your Nintendo Switch is stuck on its logo screen? If you’re trying to get past an unresponsive display, here are a few approaches to try.

Look for Physical Damage

A frozen screen can sometimes be a sign of hardware issues, especially after an accident. If you’ve recently dropped your Switch, look for any visible signs of damage. Small fractures in the screen or device’s chassis are a dead giveaway.

Check Your Internet Connection

Sometimes, Wi-Fi issues can cause your Nintendo Switch to freeze on any screen, including the logo screen. Check your router for any issues.

If you’re able to access your device’s home screen using the troubleshooting steps below, you can also disconnect and reconnect the Switch to your Wi-Fi to see if it’s a more permanent solution to the problem.

Reboot Your Switch

Small software errors can wreak havoc on your console’s system. As with other frozen screens, a reboot can sometimes clear away temporary data that has caused the glitch.

Even if you can’t access your device’s home screen, you can still force a reboot in two ways.

First, try pushing the power button on the top of your Switch for a few seconds. This should bring up a power menu that gives you the choice to turn the device off, restart it, or enter sleep mode. Select the option to shut down.

If this doesn’t work, hold down the power button for around 15 seconds. This forces a system shutdown, regardless of what’s on the screen.

Once your console has shut down, leave it off for a few seconds. Then hold down the power button to turn the device on again.

Charge Your Switch

Sometimes, charging or battery issues can dampen your console’s processing power. This can leave it stuck on the logo screen.

If you haven’t charged the device in a while, or if you’re not sure when it was last charged, place it in its charging dock and let it power up for an hour or two.

Put the Console in the Dock

Putting the Switch back in its dock can sometimes disrupt its system start-up function. In this case, that may shake the console out of its frozen state.

Dock your Switch for 15-30 seconds, then take it out of the dock to see if the logo still appears.

If it works, this may be either a permanent or temporary fix. Either way, it can sometimes give you access to the home menu and the device’s settings, allowing you to troubleshoot further.

Perform a System Update

If you’ve gained access to the home screen, perform a console update as usual. To do this, go to Settings > System Update and allow the system to download and install any updates.

If your console is still stuck on the logo screen, you may be able to do a system update in maintenance mode.

Start by holding down the power button to shut off the device. After a few seconds, hold down both the volume up and volume down buttons at the same time, and press the power button while still keeping them pressed. This should bring up the system’s maintenance mode.

From there, you can select Update System. Follow the prompts on the screen to perform the update, then restart the console to see if that has solved the issue.

Clear the Cache

If software issues have cropped up in your device’s storage to cause the frozen screen, clearing your cache may help.

Keep in mind that clearing your cache will delete certain data, including saved passwords, history, cookies, and more. However, it will not delete your games or your save data.

Look for Corrupted Data

Corrupted data elsewhere in your system can also cause problems.

This is especially common if you’ve experienced an interruption while playing or saving a specific game. The missing or corrupted files can make it hard for your system to work as intended.

Luckily, the Switch comes with a feature that allows you to check for corrupted data on the device. From your home menu, go to System Settings > Data Management > Software. Find the title of the game whose data you want to check, and choose Check for Corrupt Data.

If the system finds corrupted data, it will prompt you on the next steps. Sometimes, you may need to delete and re-download the game in question.

Factory Reset

A factory reset will delete all of your system’s data. However, it can also be a great way to get a fresh start and see if that solves your frozen screen issues. You can and should back up your save data before performing the reset.

To do a factory reset, head to System Settings > Formatting Options > Initialize Console. Then, follow the on-screen instructions.

We recommend choosing this step only after you’ve exhausted all other options, including professional console repair.

Fix a Nintendo Switch Stuck on the Logo Screen

As you can see from the steps above, there’s no single solution to this issue. If your Nintendo Switch is stuck on the logo screen, you’ll likely have to jump between a few different troubleshooting strategies before you find a fix. We hope these tips have helped!

If you can’t manage to get past the frozen screen on your own, be sure to reach out to the team at Fruit Fixed. Our experienced technicians can dive into any software or hardware issues you’re facing, and we’d love to help you get back to your favorite games. To get fast repairs, check out our repair estimates by Switch model or swing by one of our locations.

The results are in: the Nintendo Switch is currently the third best-selling console in all of video game history. Only the PlayStation 2 and its predecessor, the Nintendo DS, were able to surpass it in sales.

Alas, the Switch is not without its faults. Users experience too-fast battery drain, joy-con controllers that don’t lock in quite right, and WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity issues. Even worse, you might run into the heart-skipping moment when you press the power button and nothing happens.

Not sure what to do if your Switch won’t turn on? In this guide, we take a look at possible explanations and the ways that you can fix them.

What to Do if Your Switch Won’t Turn On

Unfortunately, there is no one answer to explain this behavior. You’ll need to diagnose the issue by going through probable causes one by one.

Let’s take a look at the most common reasons why switches fail to turn on. Then we’ll suggest either professional or DIY ways to address them.

There’s No Charge

The Switch has impressive battery life for what is effectively a gaming tablet. Gamers can play Mario Kart and The Witcher 3 for hours without having to plug into the charger. Nintendo advertises the OLED Switch as getting a maximum of nine hours of battery life.

With so much gaming time, it’s easy to forget to juice it up.

Solution: Charge Your Device

Look, it’s such an obvious solution, but you’d be surprised how many people overlook it. Plug your Switch into its designated power source and see if that solves the problem. Give it a few hours to charge before gaming again.

The Joy-Cons Are Discharged

It’s common for Switch owners to wake their docked device by pressing a button on the joy-con. This works provided the joy-con has enough battery. Once it drains, it obviously can no longer wake the Switch.

Solution: Turn It on Manually

Remove your Switch from the dock and hit the manual power button. Return it to the dock, and see if it powers back on. Avoid leaving the joy-cons separate from the Switch so they always keep a charge.

The Charge Port Is Damaged

Suppose you have plugged your Switch in and are using the manual power button, but it still doesn’t work.

Try and wiggle around the USB cable. Check the screen to see if the charging indicator flicks on. If that’s the case, there may be an issue with the charge port.

Solution: Take It to a Pro

Do some further examination. Take note of discolored, burned, or melted plastic on the cable or around its port. Check the inside of the port and the cable for lint or debris blocking the way.

Try gently cleaning the port with a dry Q-tip to remove any blockage. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to take it in for repair. Fixing a charging port is a task we recommend leaving to a professional.

The Power Cable Is Damaged

The Switch might be fine, but it still doesn’t turn on or charge. Check the power cable. Frayed or exposed wires, bent pins, or other signs of damage mean that the cable is likely the culprit.

Solution: Buy a New Cable

Never use a damaged power cable to charge your device. Discard it immediately and purchase a new one. Avoid using third-party charging cables, and opt for a Nintendo-approved one instead.

The Battery Is Dead

You’ve checked all of the above, and yet your Switch still does not turn on.

However, you notice that it works as long as it is plugged in. As soon as you unplug it, it dies shortly after. This is a surefire indication that the battery is shot.

Solution: Replace the Battery

A Switch uses a lithium-ion battery just like your other devices. Lithium-ion batteries only last for about 300 charging cycles, after which they hold an ineffectual charge.

If your Switch is a few years old, then it’s time for a battery replacement. Head to your local technician, as doing this yourself risks permanently damaging your device.

It Needs a Reset

So, you’ve tried everything on this list but it still fails to power up. If the hardware is in working order, then the software may be to blame. Fortunately for you, Nintendo makes it very easy to address software issues with one small trick.

Solution: Perform a Reset

Resetting your Switch is as simple as pressing a button. Unplug your AC adapter from the wall and leave it that way for at least 30 seconds. While unplugged, hold down the Switch’s power button for 20 seconds and then release it.

That done, press the power button once more to start your device. It should wake normally if the problem is a software issue.

The Power Button or Motherboard Is Broken

You’ve tried everything on this list, and yet your switch still fails to start up. There may be two possible solutions in this extreme, unlikely situation. Either the power button isn’t working, or the motherboard has some issue.

Solution: Take It to a Professional

Power buttons may fail to work if they are broken or dirty. Check how responsive the button is when you press it. If there’s no click or no travel, then it may need cleaning or replacement.

Motherboard issues are more challenging to diagnose since there could be any number of issues. Do not open up your Switch, as you could cause unintentional damage and void your warranty. Take it to a professional who can address deeper hardware problems.

Fix Anything at Fruit Fixed

Now you know what to do if your Switch won’t turn on. In the majority of cases, there’s a lack of charge or a problem with the charging cable. If the charge port, battery, power button, or motherboard are to blame, then it’s time to take it to a professional to fix it.

At Fruit Fixed, we can fix virtually any type of electronics you can throw at us, be it a Switch or something else. Choose your game console and get an estimated repair cost here.