How to Fix eShop Errors: A Comprehensive Guide
The Nintendo eShop, your gateway to a treasure trove of digital games, demos, and more, can occasionally throw a wrench in your gaming plans. Encountering an error message can be frustrating, but thankfully, many eShop errors are easily fixable with some troubleshooting.
Essentially, fixing eShop errors usually involves checking your internet connection, ensuring your Nintendo Switch is updated, verifying your Nintendo Account details, and sometimes, contacting Nintendo Support if the problem persists. Let’s delve deeper into these fixes and explore common errors and their solutions.
Common eShop Error Codes and Solutions
While pinpointing the exact cause of an eShop error can be tricky, understanding common error codes can give you a head start in resolving the issue. Here’s a breakdown of frequently encountered errors and how to tackle them:
2811-7503 & 2811-7505: Connection Problems
These errors usually indicate a problem with your internet connection.
- Solution: The first step is to restart your Nintendo Switch and your home router. Power cycling both devices can often clear temporary glitches. Also, verify that your Wi-Fi password is entered correctly on your Switch. Ensure your internet service provider is not experiencing any outages. Try connecting using a different Wi-Fi network if available to isolate the problem.
2137-8056 & 2137-8006: DNS Issues
These errors suggest a problem with your Domain Name System (DNS) settings. DNS translates website names into IP addresses, allowing your Switch to access the internet.
- Solution: Try using Google’s Public DNS servers. Go to your Switch’s System Settings > Internet > Internet Settings, select your network, and then choose “Change Settings.” Under DNS Settings, select “Manual” and enter the following:
- Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
9001-0001 & 9001-0003: eShop Server Issues
These errors often mean that the eShop server is experiencing temporary outages or is undergoing maintenance.
- Solution: Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do except wait and try again later. Check the Nintendo website or social media for announcements about server maintenance. Avoid peak usage times if possible.
2813-0002 & 2813-1470: Account Region Mismatch
These errors usually happen when your Nintendo Account region doesn’t match the eShop region.
- Solution: Ensure your Nintendo Account’s region is correctly set. Also, verify that the game or content you’re trying to download is available in your region. You might need to change your Nintendo Account region, but be aware that this could affect your existing purchases and account balance. Contact Nintendo Support before changing regions to understand the implications.
2002-4046 & 2002-4146: SD Card Errors
These errors indicate a problem with your SD card.
- Solution: First, turn off your Nintendo Switch completely, then remove and reinsert the SD card. Ensure the SD card is properly seated. If the error persists, try using a different SD card to rule out a faulty card. If you have a microSD card adapter, test the SD card on your PC to check for errors.
2005-0003 & 2005-0005: Software Errors
These errors often indicate a problem with the game software itself.
- Solution: Try closing the game completely and restarting it. If that doesn’t work, check for software updates in the eShop. In some cases, you may need to redownload the game from the eShop.
General Troubleshooting Steps
Beyond specific error codes, these general steps can help resolve many eShop issues:
- Check your Nintendo Account: Make sure your account is active and you’re logged in correctly on your Nintendo Switch.
- Update your Nintendo Switch system software: Outdated system software can cause compatibility issues with the eShop. Go to System Settings > System > System Update to check for and install updates.
- Restart your Nintendo Switch: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
- Clear the cache: Clearing the eShop cache can sometimes fix loading issues. Go to System Settings > System > Formatting Options > Clear Cache.
- Check for Parental Controls restrictions: Ensure that Parental Controls are not preventing you from accessing certain content or making purchases.
- Try a wired connection: If you’re using Wi-Fi, try connecting your Nintendo Switch to the internet using a wired connection (Ethernet adapter required).
- Contact Nintendo Support: If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above and are still experiencing errors, contact Nintendo Support for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about fixing eShop errors:
-
Why am I getting error code 2811-7503 on my Nintendo Switch? This error usually indicates a problem with your internet connection. Try restarting your Switch and router, checking your Wi-Fi password, and ensuring your internet service is working correctly.
-
How do I update my Nintendo Switch system software? Go to System Settings > System > System Update to check for and install the latest system software updates.
-
What does error code 2137-8006 mean? This error suggests a problem with your DNS settings. Try using Google’s Public DNS servers in your Switch’s internet settings.
-
The eShop is not loading. What can I do? Try restarting your Switch, clearing the eShop cache (System Settings > System > Formatting Options > Clear Cache), and checking your internet connection.
-
Can Parental Controls cause eShop errors? Yes, if Parental Controls are set to restrict access to certain content or purchases, you may encounter errors when trying to access those features. Check your Parental Control settings.
-
Is there a way to check if the eShop server is down? Visit the Nintendo website or check their social media channels for announcements about server maintenance or outages.
-
How do I change the region on my Nintendo Account? Log in to your Nintendo Account on the Nintendo website and go to your Profile settings. Be aware that changing your region can affect your existing purchases and account balance. It is best to contact Nintendo Support before changing regions.
-
What should I do if my SD card is causing eShop errors? Turn off your Switch, remove and reinsert the SD card, and ensure it’s properly seated. Try using a different SD card to rule out a faulty card.
-
I keep getting the same error code even after trying all the fixes. What should I do? Contact Nintendo Support for further assistance. They can provide more specific troubleshooting steps based on the error code you’re encountering.
-
How often does Nintendo perform eShop maintenance? Nintendo typically performs eShop maintenance periodically. Check their website for announcements about scheduled maintenance.
-
Does the Nintendo Switch Lite have the same eShop troubleshooting steps as the regular Switch? Yes, the troubleshooting steps for the eShop are generally the same for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite.
-
Will deleting and redownloading a game fix eShop errors related to that game? Yes, deleting and redownloading a game can often fix errors related to corrupted game files.
-
What is the latest Nintendo Switch system software version? You can find the latest system software version on the Nintendo Support website.
-
Can a slow internet connection cause eShop errors? Yes, a slow internet connection can lead to errors when downloading or accessing content from the eShop.
-
Is it safe to use a VPN with the Nintendo eShop? Using a VPN with the Nintendo eShop is generally not recommended and may violate Nintendo’s terms of service. It could also lead to account restrictions.