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.
