Skip Navigation

Nintendo Switch System Cannot Be Charged

Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

Steps to help when your Nintendo Switch system does not charge or the battery level does not increase to full while the AC adapter is plugged into the system or dock.

Before you start

You will need:

  • Your Nintendo Switch console
  • Nintendo Switch AC adapter (MOD. HAC-002)
  • Access to a power outlet

Remove your Nintendo Switch console from the dock when completing the following troubleshooting.

What to do

  1. Unplug the AC adapter from both the wall and dock/console. Leave it unplugged for 30 seconds to reset the AC adapter.
  2. Hold down the POWER ButtonThe POWER and Volume Buttons highlighted on Nintendo Switch on the console for 20 seconds.
  3. Release the POWER Button. This performs a forced shut down on the console.
  4. Plug the AC adapter directly into a power outlet, then into the console. Try a different power outlet in case there is an issue with the first one you tried.
  5. Press the POWER Button once. The console should turn on and display a battery charging icon.An icon resembling a battery and lightning bolt on the Nintendo Switch console screen indicates the console is charging
    • The charging icon is displayed on a blank screen

      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 in the top-left corner of the console screen.The battery charging indicator highlighted at the top-left of a blank screen on the Nintendo Switch Charge the console for at least 30 minutes before trying to power it on again and see if the issue is resolved.

Situation not resolved

If the battery charging icon is not displayed or if the battery level does not reach 100% charged after several hours, there may be an issue with the AC adapter or charging ports.

  1. Unplug the AC Adapter from your console.
  2. Plug the AC Adapter into another Nintendo product that uses USB-C, such as a Pro Controller, Joy-Con Charging Stand, or the dock for your console.
  3. Check to see if the other device charges (if testing on a dock, you may see the power light turn on for a moment when first plugging it in).
  1. Does the AC Adapter charge/power a different Nintendo device?
  2. If the issue is not resolved using the troubleshooting steps above, the Nintendo Switch console will need to come in for service.

    For your convenience, Nintendo provides a quick and easy-to-use online service request process.

    1. Check that you are using the Nintendo Switch AC adapter by finding the model number MOD. HAC-002 on the bottom of the AC adapter, where the cord attaches.
      Image of a Nintendo Switch AC Adapter. The adapter plug may look different depending on the country it was sold in.
    2. Check the AC adapter for damage, including a frayed or split cord, loose connectors, or kinks.
    3. Use a different AC adapter to try to charge the console.
      • Don't have a second AC adapter

        The Nintendo Switch console will need to come in for service. For testing purposes, be sure to include the AC adapter.

        For your convenience, Nintendo provides a quick and easy-to-use online service request process.

    4. Check the USB-C connector at the bottom of the Nintendo Switch console for damage, such as bent metal.
      • The USB-C connector on the console is damaged

        If any damage is found to the USB-C connector, the Nintendo Switch console will need to be serviced.

        For your convenience, Nintendo provides a quick and easy-to-use online service request process.

    If the issue is not resolved using the troubleshooting steps above, the Nintendo Switch console will need to come in for service. Please include the AC adapter for testing purposes.

    For your convenience, Nintendo provides a quick and easy-to-use online service request process.

Additional information

  • Use a licensed Nintendo Switch AC adapter for best performance results.
    • Unlicensed products do not undergo Nintendo's testing and evaluation process and may have compatibility problems.
  • Nintendo Switch systems do not have a power light.

Was this helpful?