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Wii U GamePad Power or Charge Issues, Including Damaged Systems and Accessories (Won't Turn On / Doesn't Hold a Charge)

Wii U

The information in this article can help you when:

  • The Wii U GamePad will not turn on.
  • The Wii U GamePad will turn on briefly, then immediately power off.

What to do

  1. Ensure you are using the AC adapter (model number WUP-011) that came with your system. You will find the model number on the bottom side of the square section of the AC adapter.
  2. Unplug the Wii U GamePad from the AC adapter and press the POWER Button once, making note of the status of the LED on the Wii U GamePad.
  1. What is the status of the LED on the Wii U GamePad?

  2. For assistance with a fading blue LED, please see our information on Wii U GamePad Power or Charge Issues (Blue LED that Fades).

    Perform the following to reset the Wii U GamePad AC adapter:

    1. Unplug the Wii U GamePad AC adapter from the Wii U GamePad and wall outlet.
    2. Wait at least 90 seconds. It takes this long for the AC adapter to reset, so it is extremely important that you wait the full 90 seconds.
    3. Plug the AC adapter back into the Wii U GamePad and wall outlet.
      • Be sure to bypass any power strips, surge protectors, or extension cords.
    Do you see an orange charge LED on the Wii U GamePad?

    Perform the following to reset the Wii U GamePad AC adapter:

    1. Unplug the Wii U GamePad AC adapter from the Wii U GamePad and wall outlet.
    2. Wait at least 90 seconds. It takes this long for the AC adapter to reset, so it is extremely important that you wait the full 90 seconds.
    3. Plug the AC adapter back into the Wii U GamePad and wall outlet.
      • Be sure to bypass any power strips, surge protectors, or extension cords.
    Do you see an orange charge LED on the Wii U GamePad?

  3. For assistance with an illuminated orange LED, please see our information on Wii U GamePad Power Issues (Orange LED).

    For assistance with an orange LED that remains unlit, please see our information on Wii U GamePad Power Issues (No Orange Light).

    For assistance with an illuminated orange LED, please see our information on Wii U GamePad Power Issues (Orange LED).

    Your Wii U GamePad may have fully lost its charge. Perform the following:

    1. Ensure you are using the AC adapter that came with the system, and that it is plugged into a working outlet.
    2. Remove the AC adapter from the AC adapter port on the Wii U GamePad.
    3. Insert the AC adapter into the AC adapter port on the Wii U GamePad.
    4. Repeat this process up to ten times, or until you see an orange LED on the Wii U GamePad.
    After reinserting, do you see an orange LED?

  4. For assistance with an illuminated orange LED, please see our information on Wii U GamePad Power Issues (Orange LED).

    For assistance with an orange LED that remains unlit, please see our information on Wii U GamePad Power Issues (No Orange Light).

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