Joy-Con Controller Power Issues
Use this article when:
- Your Joy-Con controllers will not turn on.
- The battery charge indicator for the Joy-Con controllers is not displaying correctly while paired to a Nintendo Switch system.
- The battery charge on the Joy-Con does not last very long.
Before you start
You will need:
- Your Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch – OLED Model
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Only have a Nintendo Switch Lite
Joy-Con cannot be charged using Nintendo Switch Lite. A Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console or a compatible accessory, such as the Joy-Con Charging Grip (sold separately), is required to charge the controllers.
-
Only have a Nintendo Switch Lite
- Your Joy-Con
- Nintendo Switch AC adapter (MOD. HAC-002)
- Access to power outlet
What to do
- Unplug the AC adapter from both the wall and dock/console.
- With the AC adapter unplugged, check that you are using the Nintendo Switch AC adapter.
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How to check that you are using the Nintendo Switch AC adapter
The model number can be found on the bottom of the AC adapter, where the cord attaches. It should read MOD. HAC-002 near the top of the text.

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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 from Nintendo Store.
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How to check that you are using the Nintendo Switch AC adapter
- With the AC adapter unplugged, check to see if it is damaged. Damage can include a frayed or split cord, loose connectors, kinks in the cable, etc.
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The AC adapter is damaged
If any damage to the AC adapter is found, it will need to be replaced.
You can purchase the Nintendo Switch AC adapter from Nintendo Store.
-
The AC adapter is damaged
- Detach the Joy-Con controllers from the console.
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How to detach Joy-Con controllers from a Nintendo Switch console
Press the release button at the back of the Joy-Con while sliding the Joy-Con from bottom to top.


For more information, read How to Attach/Detach the Joy-Con Controllers from Nintendo Switch.
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How to detach Joy-Con controllers from a Nintendo Switch console
- Reset the Joy-Con by pressing the SYNC Button
once on each controller.
- Attach the Joy-Con to the console.
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How to attach Joy-Con controllers to a Nintendo Switch console
- Align the – Button on the left Joy-Con with the top left corner of console, and align the + Button on the right Joy-Con with the top right corner of the console.

- Use the rails on the sides of the console to slide the Joy-Con from top to bottom, until you hear a click.

For more information, read How to Attach/Detach the Joy-Con Controllers from Nintendo Switch.
- Align the – Button on the left Joy-Con with the top left corner of console, and align the + Button on the right Joy-Con with the top right corner of the console.
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How to attach Joy-Con controllers to a Nintendo Switch console
- Connect the AC adapter directly to the console and to a wall outlet
. The console screen will power on and the battery charging indicator will momentarily be displayed on the upper left corner of the console screen.
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Console screen remains off, but charging indicator appears
If the battery charge on the console is nearly depleted when the AC adapter is first plugged in, the screen will remain off and a charging indicator will be momentarily displayed on the top left corner of the console screen. If this happens, allow the console to charge for at least 15 to 30 minutes, then press the POWER Button to boot it up.
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Console screen remains off, charging indicator does not appear
If the console is not charging at all, read Nintendo Switch System Cannot Be Charged.
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Console screen remains off, but charging indicator appears
- From the HOME Menu, select ControllersControlesManettesControles
.
- Check to see if the Joy-Con are now charging.
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How to check if the Joy-Con are charging
The approximate battery charge for the console and any connected controllers will be displayed within the Controllers screen, along with an icon indicating whether or not they are charging.

- The Joy-Con charge, but do not charge fully or the charge does not last very long
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Joy-Con are not charging
If the Joy-Con are not charging, try the following:
- Ensure that the console is powered on or in Sleep Mode. The console must be connected to the AC adapter and powered on or in Sleep Mode for the Joy-Con to charge.
- If available, try a different Nintendo Switch AC adapter.
- If available, try charging the Joy-Con using the Charging Grip.
- If the Joy-Con are able to charge correctly using a Charging Grip, but not while attached to the console, there may be an issue with the console and it will need to be serviced. Please contact us for additional support if this is the case.
If the issue persists, the affected Joy-Con will need to be serviced.
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How to check if the Joy-Con are charging
Additional information
- Joy-Con take approximately three and a half hours to fully charge.
- The console must be connected to the AC adapter and powered on or in Sleep Mode for the Joy-Con to charge while attached to the console.
- Joy-Con cannot be charged using Nintendo Switch Lite. A Nintendo Switch console or a compatible accessory, such as the Joy-Con Charging Grip (sold separately) is required to charge the controllers.
- To ensure optimal performance, verify that the console has the latest system update.