Nintendo is one of the top-rated gaming companies. It has created many popular games like Mario, The Legend of Zelda with players worldwide. Nintendo’s popularity is so that almost all of us have played it in some part of our lives. However, if you cannot play your favorite game because the Nintendo Switch won’t connect to the internet, don’t worry. This issue is very common and easily resolved as well.

Whether your Nintendo Switch won’t connect to the internet or your Switch isn’t picking up network signals, all these problems are frustrating, especially when you’re looking forward to game night with your friends. With a server so widespread, supporting players across the globe, an issue or two is bound to occur. But none of them are major issues that need extensive troubleshooting.

You don’t need to worry about the delay. Below, we’ll walk you through all the possible reasons and troubleshooting steps that you can take to fix this issue.

Why is My Switch Not Connecting To My Internet?

Why Is My Switch Not Connecting To My Internet?

Many Nintendo Switch users complain that their Nintendo Switch won’t connect to the internet. Network error or inability to find the WiFi device is one of the most common errors players face. When Nintendo Switch is unable to link with the network connection, you can still play offline games. However, you’ll have limited access and won’t be able to play in multiplayer modes, chat, or any activity that requires an internet connection.

There can be many possible reasons why your Nintendo Switch won’t connect to the internet. One could be that your Nintendo Switch is unable to recognize the internet device or has lost connection in the middle of the game. Some more reasons are:

Nintendo Switch is On Airplane Mode

There is always a high probability that users often forget to disable airplane mode after a flight. When turned on, airplane mode disables all the internet connections. Although the battery is saved during this, you won’t be able to go online.

To disable airplane mode, go to: 

  • Select Settings
  • Select Airplane Mode
  • Click to disable It

WiFi Network is Down

Check your network connection. If the connection is down, then this is probably why your Nintendo Switch won’t connect to the internet. Check if the WiFi works on other devices like mobiles, tablets, smart TVs. If they are also facing the same problems, unsteady WiFi might be causing the issue. To resolve this, try restarting the WiFi device.

Your Router is Out Of Range

Make sure your Nintendo Switch is within the router’s range. If your Switch is outside the WiFi router’s range, it can make the WiFi signals weak. This means that the Nintendo switch does not detect them. Also, if your internet signals are weak, then Nintendo Switch’s loading time also increases. Try moving your Nintendo set up closer to the router.

If you are using a WiFi connection and not an Ethernet cable, then move any metal object interfering with the signals.

Your Switch is Unable To Access Network Because Of Firewall

Check if it’s your firewall setting that might be preventing the Nintendo Switch from accessing network services. You can put the Nintendo switch into a DMZ to separate it from other connected devices to bypass the firewall. You’ll find all the information regarding setting up a DMZ for your Nintendo Switch on Nintendo’s support system.

Incompatible Network Connection Security Mode

Nintendo Switch won’t connect to the internet if your network security settings are incompatible with Nintendo Switch settings. It can be that your router isn’t supporting the Security Mode set by default on your console. To fix this, set your console’s Security Mode to the one compatible with your router.

Unable To Detect Internet Device

If your internet device is not showing in the available network devices, it might be that Nintendo Switch is not detecting your device or picking up signals. To resolve this issue, try ‘Power Cycle Network’. For this, turn your router off for 30 seconds, restart it, wait for the flights to stabilize, and then try again to connect to the network. If the issue persists, try connecting Nintendo Switch by manually setting up the connection.

Alternatively, you can also use an Ethernet cable for connecting your Nintendo Switch to the internet.

Your Console isn’t Updated To Latest System Update

Check if your Nintendo Switch is running on the latest update. For this, hold the power button for a few seconds, select ‘Power Options’, and then choose ‘Restart Option’. 

How Do I Connect My Nintendo Switch To The Internet?

How Do I Connect My Nintendo Switch To The Internet?

To connect your Nintendo Switch to the internet, first, you need to have a stable internet connection. Make sure the Nintendo Switch is within the router’s range.

  • Set the Nintendo Switch within the router’s range.
  • On the “Home” tab, select “System Settings”.
  • Select the “Internet Settings” the Nintendo Switch will automatically find all the available network devices.
  • Out of the available network devices, choose your device.

Once your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet, log in to your account and continue your gaming session.

How Do I Manually Connect My Nintendo Wireless Switch?

How Do I Manually Connect My Nintendo Wireless Switch?

If still, your Nintendo Switch won’t connect to the internet, then try manually connecting Nintendo Switch to the internet connection by following the instructions below:

  • From the “Home Menu,” select “System Settings”.
  • Here, select “Internet” and then “Internet Settings”.
  • A list of available networks will be displayed.
  • Select “Manual Setup”.
  • A drop-down menu will appear, appropriately select the network information like Network name, SSID, IP Addresses, DNS, Proxy settings.
  • Select “Save” to save these settings

Conclusion

These are the most common issues players face when they complain that Nintendo Switch won’t connect to the internet. Hopefully, these troubleshooting tips will get your Nintendo Switch back online. Whether you are facing setting up WiFi for the first time or Nintendo Switch is taking forever to load, this list will help you find the possible cause and solution.  

Still, if none of these solutions work or you have any other queries, then contact Nintendo customer support. They’ll indeed resolve your issue.