5 Fixes When a Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to WiFi

Reasons a Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to WiFi and How To Fix Issues
If you have a Nintendo Switch that will not connect to WiFi there are a several causes and fixes that can help solve the problem.

WiFi and Internet connection issues are a common problem with the Nintendo Switch with no single fix.

The fix can vary and depend on the Switch version and router being used.

Why Can’t I Connect My Nintendo Switch to WIFI?

There are several reasons why a Switch has WiFi connection problems, including the router, wrong password, malfunctioning Switch, and more.
Reasons a Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to WiFi
A message often appears saying Unable to connect to the network. The error details will now be displayed.

The WiFi on the Switch can also stop working after an SD-card upgrade or a System Update.

Several fixes can be done which will get your Nintendo Switch back online.
Reasons a Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to WiFi Overview
Below are the most common fixes starting with the most obvious to more technical fixes.

5 Fixes When a Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to WiFi

  • Restart the Router
  • Reasons a Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to WiFi Reset Router
    Routers sometimes have issues and need to be reset to clear out an error.

    This is a common problem, especially in a busy wireless environment.

    There is often a power off/on button on the unit, or the router can be unplugged and plugged back in.
     

  • Test the WiFi and Internet with Another Device
  • Reasons a Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to WiFi Test the Internet on another Device
    Testing the WiFi and internet with another device is a quick, easy way to see if the internet is down.

    Any other device can be used, such as a smartphone or laptop; simply verify the internet is working.

    If the WiFi is down on another device, then the problem is with the router.

    If the WiFi works well with another device, the problem is likely the Switch.
     

  • Restart/Reset the System from the Menu Option
  • Hard Restart the System
    If the Nintendo Switch is constantly left in Sleep Mode, the WiFi can sometimes have issues.

    Power restarting the system from the menu option clears out old data that otherwise may not get cleared.

    This includes system errors or other errors that could cause the wireless not to work.

    How To Hard Restart/Reset the Nintendo Switch

  1. Hold the Power Button Down
  2. Hard Restart the System Step 1

  3. Hold the button until a Menu comes up and select Power Options
  4. Hard Restart the System Step 2

  5. Select Restart or Power Off and Back On
  6. Hard Restart the System Step 3

  7. After the system restarts, test the WiFi to see if it works.

 

  • Change the Wireless Security Protocol
  • Reasons a Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to WiFi Change the Security WPA Protocol 5
    Changing the WPA security settings often fixes the WiFi issue with a Nintendo Switch.

    WPA or WEP is the main way WiFi transmission are secured and encrypted from prying eyes.

    Changing the protocol to WPA2 or another protocol such as WEP often will get the Switch back online.

    The wireless security can be changed to WEP, which is not as secure as WPA but may not matter to someone just gaming.

    How To Change the Change the Wireless Security Protocol on a Nintendo Switch

    1. Go to System Settings–> Internet Settings–> Change Settings
    2. Reasons a Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to WiFi Change the Security WPA Protocol

    3. Select Security
    4. Reasons a Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to WiFi Change the Security WPA Protocol 2

    5. Change the Security Protocol to WEP or WPA2
    6. Reasons a Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to WiFi Change the Security WPA Protocol 3

    7. Enter You WiFi Password
    8. Reasons a Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to WiFi Change the Security WPA Protocol 4

    9. Test your connection and see if it works

     

  • Change the DNS Settings
  • Reasons a Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to WiFi Change the DNS Settings
    The DNS setting can also cause the Switch WiFi to have issues stop working.

    A DNS (Domain Name System) is where an IP Address number is translated into a website name.

    Computers use IP Addresses to go to a website while people use names.

    A DNS server translates IP Addresses into readable websites names people understand.

    DNS servers are set by an IP number, and can be Country specific, so be sure to Google working DNS servers in your country.

    A very common DNS Server IP Numbers are 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 are common but there are many more.

    Steps to Change Primary and Secondary DNS Settings on a Nintendo Switch

    1. Go to System Settings–> Internet Settings–> Change Settings
    2. Reasons a Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to WiFi Change the Security WPA Protocol

    3. Scroll down and select DNS Settings
    4. Steps to Change Primary and Secondary DNS Settings on a Nintendo Switch Step 2

    5. Set DNS to Manual
    6. Go to Primary DNS
    7. Steps to Change Primary and Secondary DNS Settings on a Nintendo Switch Step 4

    8. Change the Primary DNS number to 1.1.1.1
    9. Steps to Change Primary and Secondary DNS Settings on a Nintendo Switch Step 5

    10. Go to the Secondary DNS
    11. Steps to Change Primary and Secondary DNS Settings on a Nintendo Switch Step 6

    12. Change the Secondary DNS number to 1.0.0.1
    13. Steps to Change Primary and Secondary DNS Settings on a Nintendo Switch Step 7

    14. Save the Settings and test if the WiFi is working.
    15. Steps to Change Primary and Secondary DNS Settings on a Nintendo Switch Step 8

    Why Can’t My Nintendo Switch Connect to 5GHz WiFi?

    The usual cause of the Switch not connecting to 5GHz WiFi is the router.

    Restarting the router will often solve a no-connection issue.

    In some cases, the router may be malfunctioning which can be tested with another device to see if the 5GHz band is working or not.

    Another issue may be distance or obstructions as 5GHz does not travel as far as the 2.4GHz band.

    The Switch also may be having issues and need a restart.

    Summary
    When a Nintendo Switch or any gaming device is having WiFi issues, it can be very upsetting.

    It is a common problem for the Switch to have wireless problems with many fixes online.

    Start by looking at the easy fixes, such as if the internet is working, which while not likely the problem but should to be checked first.

    Many users have good luck powering down the unit and power it back on.

    Other users have had good luck changing the DNS server number.

    Hopefully, one of the fixes above help to solve your device error.

    Have you had issues with the WiFi not working on your Nintendo Switch? Let us know your thoughts below.