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Blank or Solid Color Wii U GamePad Screen and System Is On

Wii U

The information in this article can help you when the Wii U GamePad screen is blank, but the system isn't frozen or locked up.

What to do

  • Check that the Wii U GamePad screen is not currently turned off by pressing any button other than the POWER Button.
  • Press and hold the POWER Button down on the Wii U console until the Wii U console powers off. Power the Wii U console back on.
    • If the Wii U console will not restart, unplug the AC adapter from the back of the Wii U console and wait 15 seconds, then plug the Wii U console back in and turn it on.
  • Reset the Wii U GamePad:
    1. If the Wii U GamePad is currently turned off, press the POWER Button once to turn it on.
    2. Press and hold down the Wii U GamePad power button until the Wii U GamePad turns off.
    3. Wait 15 seconds.
    4. Press the POWER Button once to turn the Wii U GamePad on.
  • If the Power LED On the Wii U GamePad blinks red when you attempt to power it on, it is likely that the Wii U GamePad is out of power. You may find our information on Wii U GamePad Power or Charge Issues, Including Damaged Systems and Accessories (Won't Turn On/Doesn't Hold a Charge) helpful.

Situation not resolved

If the Wii U GamePad still goes blank, there is an issue with the Wii U GamePad and Wii U console.

Nintendo no longer offers service requests for the Wii U console, the Wii U GamePad, or Wii U accessories. You may find our information on replacement and upgrade options helpful.

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