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.
