How to Reset a Dead Nintendo Switch

To reset a dead Nintendo Switch, press and hold the POWER Button for at least 12 seconds to turn the console completely off, then press the POWER Button again to turn it back on, and if the issue persists, try a hard reset by holding down the POWER Button for 12 seconds, then press the POWER Button once for the console to turn on. If your Nintendo Switch is unresponsive, try unplugging the AC adapter from both the wall and dock/console, leaving it unplugged for 30 seconds to reset the AC adapter, then hold down the POWER Button on the console for 20 seconds.

Understanding the Reset Process

Why Resetting is Necessary

Resetting your Nintendo Switch can resolve various issues, including a dead console, unresponsive system, or frozen screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I fix a Nintendo Switch that won’t turn on?: To fix a Nintendo Switch that won’t turn on, try charging the console, checking for damage, using a different power source, and performing a soft reset or hard reset if necessary.
2. How do I perform a hard reset on my Nintendo Switch?: To perform a hard reset on your Nintendo Switch, press and hold the POWER Button down until the system resets, which may take some time, then press the POWER Button once to turn it back on.
3. What happens if I don’t charge my Switch for a long time?: If you don’t charge your Switch for a long time, the battery may lose its ability to retain charge, and with repeated charges, the battery life will naturally decrease.
4. How long does it take for a dead Switch to charge?: The Nintendo Switch console takes approximately 3 hours to fully charge when the console is powered off or in sleep mode, and charging time will be longer if the console is in use.
5. Is there a reset button on the Switch?: Yes, you can reset your Nintendo Switch by holding the power button until the console resets, which can take up to 15 seconds, then release the power button and press it once to start the console like normal.
6. Why won’t my Switch turn on after being dead?: If your Switch won’t turn on after being dead, try giving the battery a nice long charge, check the Switch or AC adapter for damage, and reset the AC and Switch adapter if necessary.
7. How do I know if my dead Switch is charging?: You can know if your dead Switch is charging by looking at the battery icon at the top-right of the HOME Menu screen, which will change to indicate that the console is charging.
8. How do I charge a dead Switch?: To charge a dead Switch, connect the AC adapter to the console or dock, and if the charging icon isn’t shown, try removing the AC adapter from the mains socket and the console, waiting for 20 seconds, and then reconnecting.
9. Why does my Switch take so long to charge and turn on?: Your Switch may take a long time to charge and turn on if the battery is fully drained, so give it up to a few hours to charge and restart, or even 12 to 24 hours if it has been unused for a long time.
10. What does the power reset switch do?: The power reset switch sends a signal to the device or system, triggering a predefined sequence of actions, including clearing the device’s memory, terminating running processes, and restoring default settings.
11. Can I charge my Switch with a phone charger?: It is not recommended to charge your Switch with a phone charger, as Nintendo recommends using the special charging cable for the Switch.
12. How long does a 100% Nintendo Switch last?: The battery duration for the console varies depending on the model and software application, but for the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, the battery life is approximately 4.5 to 9 hours.
13. Do Switch batteries go bad?: Yes, Switch batteries can go bad over time, with the console battery life decreasing to about 80% compared to a new console after about 800 charge cycles.
14. Can a Nintendo Switch overcharge?: No, leaving the console on the dock or plugged in directly with the AC adapter overnight, or past the point where the battery is fully charged, will not cause harm to the battery.
15. Why won’t my Switch turn on even after charging?: If your Switch won’t turn on even after charging, check the charger and cable for damage, and try using a different wall outlet or AC adapter to rule out any issues with the power source.