Blank Screen or No Image Displayed on the TV (Nintendo Switch)
Use this article when the console won’t wake up from sleep mode while docked or won’t display on the television while docked.
Before you start
You will need:
- Nintendo Switch console
- Nintendo Switch Lite does not support TV Mode
- Nintendo Switch AC adapter (MOD. HAC-002)
- Nintendo Switch dock
- HDMI cable
- Access to power outlet and television
What to do
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1. Check that the console is functioning properly in handheld mode
- Power off the TV.
- Disconnect all cables from the dock.
- Unplug the AC adapter from both the wall and dock/console.
- Leave unplugged for 30 seconds.
- Connect the AC adapter back into the console and directly to a wall outlet.
- Leave the Nintendo Switch console undocked for now.
- If an image is not initially displayed, press the POWER Button on the console.

- With the console still undocked, ensure it has the latest system update installed.
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How to check for the latest system update
- Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the System Settings menu and select System.
- Select System Update to start the system update process.
- The system will check to see if an update is available.
For more information, see How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch 2 or How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch.
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How to check for the latest system update
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No image displayed in handheld mode
It seems there is an issue with the console. Continue troubleshooting for power issues in handheld mode.
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2. Check your accessories
- Check that you’re using the Nintendo Switch AC adapter and dock.


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Not using a Nintendo Switch AC adapter
If a non-licensed AC adapter is being used, replacing it with the correct accessory may resolve the problem.
You can purchase the Nintendo Switch AC adapter or dock from Nintendo Store.
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Not using a Nintendo Switch AC adapter
- Check the accessories for damage (AC adapter, HDMI cable, dock).
- Damage can include frayed or split cord, loose connectors or USB ports, kinks, etc.
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An accessory is damaged
If any damage to the AC adapter, HDMI cable, or dock is found, it will need to be replaced.
These accessories are available for purchase at Nintendo Store.
- Check that you’re using the Nintendo Switch AC adapter and dock.
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3. Check your TV setup
- Connect the AC adapter to the dock and directly to a wall outlet.
- Connect the HDMI cable to the dock and directly to an HDMI port on the TV.

Important: If a different device is being used such as a sound bar, a home theater system, or a video adapter, remove them temporarily.
- Power on the TV.
- Place the console in the dock.
- Make sure the console screen facing in the same direction as the front panel on the dock.
- Remove any protective cases before docking the console.

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No image displayed on TV screen
If there is still no image on the TV screen, try the following:
- Verify you are using the correct input on the TV.
- If you are using a dock with a built-in LAN port, update the dock to the latest firmware.
- Lower or adjust the TV Resolution settings on the console.
- Try a different HDMI port on the TV.
- Try a different HDMI cable.
- Try a different TV.
- Try a different dock.
Situation not resolved
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A second dock works
If the console works using a different dock, only the original dock will need to be serviced.
Important: For assistance with the dock, please contact us for additional support.
- No image on TV persists after troubleshooting
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