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Why is My Download Paused on Nintendo Switch?

The dreaded paused download on your Nintendo Switch can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re eagerly anticipating a new game or update. The most common reason your Nintendo Switch download pauses is due to internet connectivity interruptions. The Switch prioritizes active gameplay, so if you’re playing a game that accesses the internet, the console will often pause downloads to dedicate bandwidth to the game for optimal performance. Furthermore, it could be due to a full storage space. Other times, it’s an issue with the Nintendo eShop servers or a glitch in the system software. Luckily, most of these issues are easily resolved with a bit of troubleshooting.

Common Causes and Solutions

Let’s dive into the specific reasons why your downloads might be pausing and how to fix them:

Playing Online Games: As mentioned earlier, the Switch prioritizes active gameplay. If you’re playing a game that requires an internet connection, the console will often pause downloads to ensure a stable online experience. Solution: Close the game or wait until you’re finished playing before resuming the download.
Weak or Unstable Wi-Fi Connection: A weak or intermittent Wi-Fi signal can cause downloads to pause or fail entirely. Solution: Move your Switch closer to your router or try restarting your router. You can also try switching to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network if your router supports it, as it often provides a more stable connection than the 2.4GHz band, provided your device supports it.
Insufficient Storage Space: If your Switch’s internal storage or microSD card is full, downloads will be paused. Solution: Check your storage space in the System Settings and delete any unnecessary games, apps, or screenshots to free up space. Consider investing in a larger microSD card if you consistently run out of storage.
Nintendo eShop Server Issues: Occasionally, the Nintendo eShop servers may experience outages or maintenance, which can interrupt downloads. Solution: Check the Nintendo Network Service Status page (https://www.nintendo.com/network-status/) to see if there are any known issues. If so, wait until the servers are back online and try again.
System Software Glitches: Sometimes, a glitch in the system software can cause downloads to pause unexpectedly. Solution: Restart your Nintendo Switch. You can do this by holding down the power button for three seconds and selecting “Restart.” If that doesn’t work, try a hard reset by holding down the power button for 12 seconds.
Corrupt Data: Corrupt data on your microSD card or within the system memory can also lead to download issues. Solution: Run a data integrity check on your Switch. This can be done by going to System Settings > Data Management > Software, selecting the software title, and then selecting “Check for Corrupt Data.” If corrupt data is found, you may need to delete and redownload the game.
Background Processes: While less common, other background processes on your network (like other devices streaming video) could be consuming bandwidth and impacting download speeds. Solution: Temporarily disconnect other devices from your Wi-Fi network to see if it improves download performance.

How to Resume a Paused Download

Resuming a paused download on your Nintendo Switch is usually straightforward:

From the HOME Menu, select the Nintendo eShop icon.
Tap your user icon in the top-right corner.
Scroll down and select Settings / Other.
Scroll down to the section titled History, and select Redownloadable Software.
Select Your Downloads.
Locate the paused download and select Resume.

If the download doesn’t resume immediately, try restarting your Switch and repeating these steps.

FAQs: Troubleshooting Paused Downloads

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further assistance with resolving paused download issues on your Nintendo Switch:

How do I check my download progress on Switch?

From the HOME Menu, select the Nintendo eShop icon and tap Open. On the upper left of the screen, tap Menu. Scroll down and select Settings / Other. Scroll down to the section titled History, and select Redownloadable Software. Select Your Downloads.

Does the Switch download faster while docked?

The dock should not directly affect download speed. However, being docked might indirectly improve speeds if it allows the console to maintain a more stable Wi-Fi connection.

Does the Switch download faster when off or in sleep mode?

Yes, the Nintendo Switch actually downloads games faster if it’s put into sleep mode. This is because the console dedicates more resources to the download process when not actively in use.

Can I play downloaded games offline?

You can play downloaded games offline if the game doesn’t require an internet connection and you are using the primary console for the Nintendo Account that purchased the software.

Why can’t I play my downloadable content (DLC)?

This usually means that the DLC has not been purchased on the system or that this is not the primary console for the Nintendo Account that originally purchased the content.

How do I check for corrupt data on my Switch?

From the HOME Menu, select System Settings. Scroll down and select Data Management. On the right-hand side, select Software, then the software title. Select Check for Corrupt Data.

What if my Switch download is stuck at 0%?

First, power-cycle the system by holding down the power button for 12 seconds. Then, disconnect from and reconnect to Wi-Fi. If it persists, try uninstalling the game and redownloading it from the Nintendo eShop.

Is it normal for Switch downloads to take a long time?

Download times can vary depending on your internet speed and the size of the game. However, if downloads are consistently slow, troubleshoot your Wi-Fi connection.

Why does my Switch say, “You must have the software in order to play?”

This indicates you are trying to start downloadable content or add-on content for a game that is not present on the Nintendo Switch console. Ensure you have the base game installed.

Can I connect AirPods to my Switch for audio?

Yes, you can connect AirPods to your Switch using Bluetooth. Go to System Settings > Bluetooth Audio and follow the pairing instructions.

What does “Redownload” mean on the Switch eShop?

“Redownload” allows you to download a game or software that you have previously purchased on your Nintendo Account. It will redownload the game and any previously downloaded DLC.

What happens if I cancel a download on Nintendo Switch?

Once deleted, software can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account with which it was purchased.

Can I get a refund for a downloaded game on Switch?

Nintendo generally does not provide refunds for downloaded games or DLC if you don’t like the game or made an accidental purchase.

Can I dump downloaded Switch games?

Yes, it is possible to dump downloaded Switch games, updates, and DLCs using homebrew software. This functionality is not officially supported by Nintendo.

My game requires an internet connection, but I want to understand how games are taught, where can I learn more?

Many games incorporate educational elements, whether intentionally or unintentionally. To delve deeper into the intersection of games and education, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org offers research, insights, and a community dedicated to understanding how games can enhance learning and development.

By understanding the common causes of paused downloads and following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can get back to enjoying your favorite games on your Nintendo Switch in no time.

Why is my download paused on Switch?