Nintendo Switch won't connect to wifi: what to do
The Switch cannot find or connect to your wifi network during setup.
We could not fully consult the manufacturer's support page for this model; the steps are general and may differ in details.
Most likely causes
Wrong wifi password entered
- Check the password for correct uppercase, lowercase and special characters.
- Re-enter the password on the Switch via System Settings > Internet > Internet Settings.
- Make the password visible while typing if possible to avoid mistakes.
Router broadcasts 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz and the Switch is on the problematic band
- Check your router or network names to see which is 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz (often the name includes '5G').
- Try connecting to the 2.4 GHz network if you have issues with 5 GHz.
- If both bands use one name, log into the router and separate the names so you can pick the band directly.
Wifi signal too weak at the console
- Move the Switch closer to the router without walls between them and try again.
- Temporarily stop other devices from using a lot of bandwidth.
- Restart the router by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.
Router security or guest network prevents connection
- Make sure you are using the main network, not a restricted guest network.
- Temporarily disable MAC filtering or device limits in the router settings if enabled.
- Try connecting the Switch to a different wifi network (for example your phone hotspot) to test.
Factory reset
Warning: a factory reset deletes all console data, saved games and user accounts unless you have cloud backups.
- Sign in to your Nintendo Account and back up saves to the cloud where available.
- Go to System Settings > System > Initialize > Initialize Console.
- Confirm that you want to initialize and follow the on-screen steps until the console restarts.
- After reset, sign in again with your Nintendo Account and restore any backups.
Frequently asked
Why won't my Switch connect to my phone hotspot?
Some mobile carriers or hotspot settings block certain devices; try using the 2.4 GHz band if available and check for any hotspot restrictions.
Will I lose my saved games with a factory reset?
Yes, local saves are removed unless you have cloud backups via your Nintendo Account or other backups.
How can I tell if the wifi signal is too weak?
If other devices nearby work well but the Switch shows low signal in System Settings > Internet, the signal is likely too weak.
Can I reset only the network settings on my Switch?
Yes, you can forget the wifi network and reconnect without performing a full factory reset.
Other problems with this device
Switch is offlineSwitch resetFirst-time setup
Updated 2026-09-09 · plugfix.vercel.app