How to Turn Off Supervised Access on Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Guide

Turning off supervised access on a Nintendo Switch involves different processes depending on whether you’re managing a Nintendo Account or dealing with the console’s parental controls. If you want to remove the supervision from a child’s Nintendo Account, you must lift the restrictions from within the parent/guardian’s account settings. This action requires the child to be at least 13 years old and to have a registered email address associated with their account. For simply disabling the parental controls on the console itself, you’ll need to either enter the PIN or reset it using the Inquiry Number. Let’s delve into each scenario and the specific steps involved.

Understanding Supervised Accounts and Parental Controls

Before diving into the how-to, it’s essential to understand what we’re actually disabling. A supervised Nintendo Account is typically created for children aged 12 and under. A parent or guardian’s account manages these accounts, especially for Nintendo eShop restrictions and other online activities. Parental controls, on the other hand, are features directly on the Nintendo Switch console that control aspects like game ratings, communication with others, and spending limits.

Steps to Lift Parental Control Restrictions on a Supervised Nintendo Account

Here’s how to remove restrictions directly from the parent or guardian account:

1. Log In to the Parent/Guardian Account: Access the Nintendo Account website using the credentials of the parent or guardian.
2. Navigate to Family Group: Select Family Group within the account settings.
3. Select the Account to Unsupervise: Identify the Nintendo Account that you want to stop supervising.
4. Lift Parental Controls: Select Lift parental controls restrictions. Note: This option is only available if the user is 13 or older and has a registered email address.

How to Disable Parental Controls on the Nintendo Switch Console

If you’re simply looking to disable the on-console parental controls, here are the steps:

1. Access Parental Controls Settings: From the HOME Menu, select the orange Parental Controls icon.
2. Enter PIN: Input your Parental Control PIN number.
3. Delete Settings: Press the X Button (Delete Settings) to remove the Parental Controls settings and PIN number.

What if You’ve Forgotten Your PIN?

Forgetting your PIN is common, and Nintendo has a process to handle it:

1. Access the Help Section: In the Parental Controls settings, press the + Button or – Button (Help).
2. Note the Inquiry Number: Scroll down to “Forgot PIN” and make note of the Inquiry Number.
3. Use the Online Reset Tool: Visit the Nintendo Parental Controls PIN Reset Tool on Nintendo’s support website and follow the prompts using your Inquiry Number.
4. Reset Your PIN: Once your request is processed, you will receive a Master Key you can use to reset the PIN.

Additional Considerations

Keep in mind that if you’re using the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on a smart device, you can also manage and remove restrictions from there. However, completely removing supervision from a Nintendo Account always involves the steps detailed in the first section, requiring access to the parent/guardian’s account settings. Understanding these nuances ensures a smooth and successful process when turning off supervised access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does a supervised Nintendo Account actually mean?

A supervised Nintendo Account is typically assigned to children under the age of 13 (though it can sometimes extend to older teens). It allows parents or guardians to manage various aspects of the child’s Nintendo experience, including setting spending limits in the Nintendo eShop, restricting access to certain games based on their rating, and monitoring online activity. It offers a safety net to ensure younger users have a safe and controlled gaming environment. It can be a great tool for families, and for those involved in educational games, such as through the Games Learning Society.

2. How old does my child need to be to lift parental controls from their Nintendo Account?

Your child needs to be at least 13 years old to independently manage their Nintendo Account. Additionally, they must have a verified email address associated with their account before you can lift parental control restrictions from the parent/guardian account.

3. Can I transfer a supervised Nintendo Account to a new Nintendo Switch?

Yes, but the process is initiated by the administrator of the family group (the parent/guardian). The administrator logs into their Nintendo Account on accounts.nintendo.com, navigates to the Family Group section, and initiates a transfer request for the specified supervised accounts.

4. How do I change my child’s date of birth on their supervised Nintendo Account?

The birthdate on a Nintendo Account cannot be changed through the system settings directly. You need to contact Nintendo Support for assistance. Be prepared to provide verification of your relationship to the child and potentially documentation to support the requested change.

5. What happens when my child turns 13 on Family Link (Google) and their Nintendo Account is linked?

When your child turns 13, they have the option to manage their own Google Account, which can impact linked services. While turning 13 affects Family Link, it does not automatically remove supervision from the Nintendo Account. You must still manually lift the Nintendo Account restrictions as described earlier, but now your child can make changes from their Google account too.

6. Can my child play online with a supervised Nintendo Account?

Yes, your child can play online with a supervised Nintendo Account, particularly if you have a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership. However, the parent/guardian can set restrictions on online interactions and game access through the parental control settings, even with the Online service.

7. How do I register an email address to my child’s supervised Nintendo Account?

Log in to the supervised Nintendo Account, navigate to the account settings, and select the option to register an email address. A verification code will be sent to the email address associated with the parent/guardian’s account. Enter the code to verify the email.

8. What happens if I forget the PIN for the parental controls on the Nintendo Switch?

If you forget your Parental Control PIN, access the Help section within the Parental Control settings on the Nintendo Switch. Note the Inquiry Number, then use the Nintendo Parental Controls PIN Reset Tool on Nintendo’s website. You’ll receive a Master Key that allows you to reset the PIN.

9. Can I remove a supervised member from Family Link on my iPhone or iPad?

Yes. Go to Settings, tap Family (or your name, then Family Sharing), select the family member you want to remove, and tap Remove [family member’s name] from Family. You’ll need to confirm the removal. Remember, Family Link is related to Google accounts, not necessarily Nintendo Accounts, but it is commonly used for managing access.

10. Why can’t I remove my child from Family Link?

Before you can remove a child from Family Link, you may need to delete their Google Account if they are under 13 (or the applicable age in your country) and you created the account for them. Follow the prompts within Family Link to do so.

11. What does it mean when my Nintendo Switch says “You are not eligible”?

This message usually appears when your entered date of birth indicates you are under 13 and trying to create an account independently. Users under 13 must be added to a parent/guardian’s Nintendo Account as a supervised account.

12. Does my child need their own Nintendo Account?

Yes, a Nintendo Account is required to access many features, including receiving My Nintendo points and purchasing digital software. If your child is 12 or under, you, as the parent/guardian, will create and manage their account.

13. Can family members play each other’s digital games on the Nintendo Switch?

Yes, if the Nintendo Switch is registered as the primary console for the Nintendo Account that purchased the digital games, all users on that console can play them. This makes sharing games within a household straightforward.

14. How do I change from an individual to a family Nintendo Switch Online membership?

Unfortunately, there is no direct upgrade path. You need to wait for your individual membership to expire and then purchase a family membership. Keep this in mind when purchasing or renewing your subscription!

15. Why is my Nintendo Account automatically classified as a child account?

Your Nintendo Account is classified as a child account because the date of birth you entered indicates you are under the required age to create an adult account independently. A parent or guardian must create and manage the account until you reach the eligible age. Many children learn valuable skills through digital platforms, and the Games Learning Society fosters research that explores this further. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand the complexities of supervised accounts and parental controls on the Nintendo Switch, ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone in the family. Remember to always prioritize your child’s safety and well-being when navigating these settings.