How to Reset Your Nintendo Switch and Delete All Data
The process of resetting your Nintendo Switch and deleting all data is straightforward, but it’s crucial to understand the implications before you begin. This action essentially returns your console to its factory settings, erasing everything stored on it. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do it properly:
The Simple Steps to a Full Factory Reset
To completely wipe your Nintendo Switch clean, you’ll need to use the “Initialize Console” option found within the system settings. This action will delete all data including games, saves, screenshots, user information and restoring it to its original out-of-the-box state. Follow these steps:
- Power On Your Nintendo Switch: Ensure your console is powered on and you are on the HOME Menu.
- Access System Settings: Select the “System Settings” icon from the HOME Menu. It’s the gear-shaped icon on the bottom row of icons.
- Navigate to System: Scroll down in the left-hand menu and select “System”.
- Find Formatting Options: Scroll to the very bottom of the System menu and select “Formatting Options”.
- Select Initialize Console: From the formatting options, choose “Initialize Console”.
- Confirm the Reset: A warning message will appear stating that all data will be deleted. If you’re certain you want to proceed, select “Initialize” again.
- Wait for Completion: The console will now begin the reset process. It will restart, and you will be greeted with the initial setup screen, as if it were a brand new console.
Important Note: This process is irreversible. Once completed, all data is gone. Be absolutely certain this is what you want to do before proceeding.
What Will Be Deleted?
Initializing your console means losing everything that is stored directly on the console, including:
- All Downloaded Software: This includes full games and any DLC.
- Game Save Data: All of your precious gameplay progress will be erased.
- Screenshots and Videos: Any media captured on your console will be gone.
- User Information: All user profiles and linked Nintendo Accounts will be removed from the console.
- System Settings: All custom settings, including parental controls, will be reset to default.
When Should You Factory Reset?
Factory resetting your Nintendo Switch is typically recommended when:
- Selling or Giving Away Your Console: Before handing your console over to a new owner, you’ll want to ensure all your data is removed for privacy and security.
- Troubleshooting Persistent Issues: If you are having major software issues with your Switch, a factory reset might be the way to resolve them.
- Starting Fresh: If you want to completely start over with your Switch, clearing it all is the best way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that provide further insights about resetting your Nintendo Switch:
1. Will resetting my Switch delete everything?
Yes, using the “Initialize Console” option will delete all data in the system memory, including software, save data, screenshots, user information, and restore the console to factory settings.
2. How do I wipe my Switch before selling it?
You should use the “Initialize Console” option in “Formatting Options” within System Settings to delete all data before selling your Nintendo Switch.
3. How do I permanently delete game data from Switch?
To permanently delete save data for a specific game, go to “System Settings”, select “Data Management”, then “Delete Save Data”. Choose the game and then the user profile or select “Delete All Save Data for this Software”.
4. How do I factory reset my Switch and save data?
There is no way to factory reset your Switch and keep save data using the Initialize Console method. However, you can enter the recovery mode by pressing and holding the Volume up and down buttons, also pressing the Power button. In recovery mode you can choose “Restore Factory Settings Without Deleting Save Data” although it is highly recommended to back up your save data beforehand as sometimes this method has been reported to be unsuccessful in preventing save data loss.
5. Can you factory reset a Switch without deleting games?
Yes, you can enter recovery mode as shown in question 4. and choose “Restore Factory Settings Without Deleting Save Data”. However, this may not always work as intended to preserve save data so it is best to back it up beforehand.
6. How do I unlink my Nintendo account from my Switch?
To unlink a single Nintendo Account, delete the associated user account on the console. To unlink all accounts, initialize the Nintendo Switch. You can also deregister the primary console through your Nintendo account website.
7. Does deleting save data on switch delete it for all users?
Yes, if you choose to “Delete All Save Data” for a game, it will be deleted for all users on that console. Be careful to just delete it for a specific user profile if you don’t want this outcome.
8. Does deleting a game on switch delete progress?
No, deleting game software does not delete save data. The save data is stored separately. You can redownload the game later and continue from where you left off, as long as the save data has not been deleted separately.
9. How do you hard reset a switch?
A hard reset can be done by pressing and holding the POWER Button until the system resets. This may take some time. Once it’s off, press the POWER button again to turn it back on.
10. Should I factory reset a used Nintendo Switch?
Yes, absolutely. You should always factory reset a used Nintendo Switch before selling it or giving it away. This will protect your data and privacy.
11. What is the purpose of the reset Switch?
The reset function on a Switch allows you to restore the system to its original state or restart it in case of malfunction or freeze. The Initialize Console option provides a comprehensive wipe.
12. Is soft resetting bad for your Switch?
No, a soft reset (simply restarting) is not bad for your Switch. It won’t erase data unless you are saving while doing so. It will just revert your progress to the point that you last saved.
13. Does uninstalling a game delete all data?
No, uninstalling a game from the HOME Menu doesn’t delete the save data. The game data is stored in a separate location. You can reinstall the game and resume your progress.
14. What happens if you delete old data on Nintendo Switch?
Deleted data is unrecoverable. If you’re deleting via the “Data Management” section of System Settings, it’s done permanently. An internet connection is required to format the system.
15. Does removing SD card from Switch delete data?
No, removing the microSD card from your Nintendo Switch does not delete game save data. Save data is stored on the console’s internal memory.