How to Set Up, Adjust, or Remove Parental Controls on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch Parental Controls can be set up directly on the system or through our smart device app. Additional restrictions can be managed through your Nintendo Account family group.

• The smart device app provides access to the most restriction options and features.
  • Set limits on play time, view gameplay history, and allow individually selected games to ignore restrictions.
  • Set age rating restrictions, limit communication between players, and set social media restrictions.
  • Share the responsibility for Parental Controls settings with a second parent or guardian on another smart device.
• System settings can be used without a smart device.
  • Set age rating restrictions, limit communication between players, and set social media restrictions.
• Nintendo Account settings can be used for separate restrictions.
  • Restrictions on viewing and purchasing content in the eShop, friend suggestions, and sharing information with third-parties are managed through Nintendo Account settings.

Your existing settings can be adjusted in the same place they were originally set up.

• What settings differ between Nintendo Switch, smart device app, and Nintendo Account?
  • Controls such as age rating restrictions, limiting communication between players, and social media restrictions are available directly on the system and through the smart device app.
  • The smart device app can also be used to set limits on play time, view gameplay history, and allow individually selected games to ignore restrictions.
  • Restrictions on viewing and purchasing content in the eShop, friend suggestions, and sharing information with third-parties are managed through Nintendo Account settings.

1. Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.
2. Scroll down to highlight Parental Controls, then select Parental Controls Settings.
3. If you do not want to use the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app for smart devices, press the X Button and then select NextContinuarSuitePróximo to continue. For steps to set up the smart device app, select Through the Smart Device app above.
4. Select Restriction Level.
5. Choose from preset restrictions by age or select Custom Settings to manually adjust individual settings.
   • Restriction Level Settings

     Teen

     • Restricted Software - Games rated for ages 17+ (games rated Mature by the ESRB) (juegos clasificados como Maduro por la ESRB) (jeux classés Jeunes adultes par l'ESRB) (jogos classificados como 18 pela Classificação Indicativa)
     • Posting to Social Media - Not Restricted
     • Communicating with Others - Not Restricted
     • Software Rating Organization - Appropriate organization for your region
     • VR Mode (3D Visuals)Modo VR (entorno 3D)Mode VR (vue en 3D)Modo VR (visuais em 3D) - Not Restricted

     Pre-Teen

     • Restricted Software - Games rated for ages 13+ (games rated Teen and Mature by the ESRB) (juegos clasificados como Adolescente y Maduro por la ESRB) (jeux classés Adolescents et Jeunes adultes par l'ESRB) (jogos classificados como 14, 16 e 18 pela Classificação Indicativa)
     • Posting to Social Media - Restricted
     • Communicating with Others - Restricted
     • Software Rating Organization - Appropriate organization for your region
     • VR Mode (3D Visuals)Modo VR (entorno 3D)Mode VR (vue en 3D)Modo VR (visuais em 3D) - Not Restricted

     Child

     • Restricted Software - Games rated for ages 8+ (games rated Everyone 10+, Teen and Mature by the ESRB) (juegos clasificados como Todos +10, Adolescente y Maduro por la ESRB) (jeux classés Enfants 10+ et adultes, Adolescents et Jeunes adultes par l'ESRB) (jogos classificados como 10, 12, 14, 16 e 18 pela Classificação Indicativa)
     • Posting to Social Media - Restricted
     • Communicating with Others - Restricted
     • Software Rating Organization - Appropriate organization for your region
     • VR Mode (3D Visuals)Modo VR (entorno 3D)Mode VR (vue en 3D)Modo VR (visuais em 3D) - Restricted

     Custom Settings

     • Restricted Software

       Restrict software by age based on each game’s ESRB ESRB ESRB Classificação Indicativa rating category. Select Restricted software, then choose the age you would like to restrict software for (6+, 13+, etc). Additionally, videos captured using restricted software will not be viewable in the album.

     • Software Rating Organization

       Adjust the software rating organization that software restrictions are based on (ESRB, PEGI, etc). This defaults to the appropriate organization for your region.

     • Posting Screenshots/Videos to Social Media

       Disable the ability to share images and videos from Nintendo Switch on social media. Toggle between Restricted or Not Restricted.

     • Communicating with Others

       Restrict open communication between users, including chat features and exchanging messages. You can toggle between Restricted or Not Restricted for all software on the system, or adjust the settings for specific software.

     • VR Mode (3D Visuals)Modo VR (entorno 3D)Mode VR (vue en 3D)Modo VR (visuais em 3D)

       Restrict gameplay in VR mode. This option should be set to restricted if a child of 6 years or younger uses the console. Toggle between Restricted or Not Restricted.

6. Once the restrictions are set, select NextContinuarSuitePróximo.
7. Choose a PIN (between 4 and 8 digits long), then select OK.
   • How to enter the PIN

     You can use either Control Stick Input or a number pad to enter the PIN:

     • If you use the Control Stick Input (default), each direction of the Control Stick is a number (1 – 8), the Y Button is 9, and the X Button is 0.
     • If you would prefer to enter the PIN using a number pad, hold the + Button to switch to Keypad Input. Once you're finished, select OK or press the + Button again.
     • If there are children in the room that you don’t want to see the PIN, you can either undock the Nintendo Switch and enter the PIN in handheld mode or use the Control Stick Input.
8. Re-enter the PIN to confirm, then select OK.
   • If you are having issues with the PIN confirmation, try using the Keypad Input to enter the PIN and/or select Show when entering it to display it on the screen. (Note that this will be visible to anyone in the room if you enter it while in TV Mode.)

1. If you haven't already done so, link your Nintendo Switch console to the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.
2. Once the link is complete, open the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your smart device.
3. Select Parental Controls in the lower-right corner.
4. Select each setting you want to adjust:
   • Play-Time Limit

     If you have a Play-Time Limit and a Bedtime enabled, the system will use whichever time limit comes first.

     • Play-Time Limit: Set a daily limit on the amount of time the Nintendo Switch console can be used (scroll from No Limit up to 6 hours). You can also toggle Vary by Day to set these restrictions individually for each day of the week.
       • You can also extend today's play-time limit by 5/15/30 minutes or an hour at a time, or turn it off for the day.
     • Bedtime: Set gameplay to stop at a certain time each day (between 4:00 PM - 11:45 PM). When set, you can select the three dots icon on the right to set a time when the console can be used again the next morning (between 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM).
     • Suspend Play When Time's Up: When this is turned on, the software on the system will be stopped when the time limit is reached. Otherwise, a notification will appear when the limit is reached, but software will still be playable.
   • Restricted Features

     Choose from preset restrictions by age or select Custom Settings to manually adjust individual settings.

     Teen

     • Restricted Software - Games rated for ages 17+ (games rated Mature by the ESRB) (juegos clasificados como Maduro por la ESRB) (jeux classés Jeunes adultes par l'ESRB) (jogos classificados como 18 pela Classificação Indicativa)
     • Software Rating Organization - Appropriate organization for your region
     • In-Game Communication with Others - Not Restricted
     • Posting Screenshots/Videos to Social Media - Not Restricted
     • Use of VR Mode (3D Visuals) - Not Restricted

     Pre-Teen

     • Restricted Software - Games rated for ages 13+ (games rated Teen and Mature by the ESRB) (juegos clasificados como Adolescente y Maduro por la ESRB) (jeux classés Adolescents et Jeunes adultes par l'ESRB) (jogos classificados como 14, 16 e 18 pela Classificação Indicativa)
     • Software Rating Organization - Appropriate organization for your region
     • In-Game Communication with Others - Restricted
     • Posting Screenshots/Videos to Social Media - Restricted
     • Use of VR Mode (3D Visuals) - Not Restricted

     Child

     • Restricted Software - Games rated for ages 8+ (games rated Everyone 10+, Teen and Mature by the ESRB) (juegos clasificados como Todos +10, Adolescente y Maduro por la ESRB) (jeux classés Enfants 10+ et adultes, Adolescents et Jeunes adultes par l'ESRB) (jogos classificados como 10, 12, 14, 16 e 18 pela Classificação Indicativa)
     • Software Rating Organization - Appropriate organization for your region
     • In-Game Communication with Others - Restricted
     • Posting Screenshots/Videos to Social Media - Restricted
     • Use of VR Mode (3D Visuals) - Restricted

     Custom Settings

     • Restricted Software

       Restrict software by age based on each game’s ESRB ESRB ESRB Classificação Indicativa rating category. Select Restricted software, then choose the age you would like to restrict software for (6+, 13+, etc). Additionally, videos captured using restricted software will not be viewable in the album.

     • Software Rating Organization

       Adjust the software rating organization that software restrictions are based on (ESRB, PEGI, etc). This defaults to the appropriate organization for your region.

     • Posting Screenshots/Videos to Social Media

       Disable the ability to share images and videos from Nintendo Switch on social media. Toggle between Restricted or Not Restricted.

     • In-Game Communication with Others

       Restrict open communication between users, including chat features and exchanging messages. You can toggle between Restricted or Not Restricted for all software on the system, or adjust the settings for specific software.

     • Use of VR Mode (3D Visuals)

       Restrict gameplay in VR mode. This option should be set to restricted if a child of 6 years or younger uses the console. Toggle between Restricted or Not Restricted.

   • Allow List

     Allow List settings can be used to exclude specific software titles from Parental Controls Restricted Software settings on Nintendo Switch systems updated to version 5.0 or higher.

     • Games on your allow list can be played on the system without entering a Parental Controls PIN.
     • These games are still subject to any restrictions set for daily Play Time Limits.
     • You can remove a game from the allow list at any time, at which point the standard restrictions you have set for the system will apply.
     • Any software titles that have been played on your system can be added to your allow list. If the game you want doesn't appear, start it on your Nintendo Switch system and check again.
   • PIN

     You can view or change the Parental Controls PIN for the console.

   • Shared Parental Controls

     You can share the Parental Controls with another parent or guardian in the same Nintendo Account family group.

5. Once you are done with a setting, tap the red Save button on the screen to confirm.
6. Restrictions you set will be activated as soon as the Nintendo Switch console connects online.

Parent/guardian Nintendo Accounts can set certain restrictions for a supervised account in their family group:

• Manage Nintendo eShop restrictions, which includes the ability to restrict spending or limit visibility of Nintendo eShop content based on age.
• Enable or disable the Friend suggestions feature.
• Manage Nintendo Account information that can be shared with third parties.
• Delete the child's Nintendo Account.

1. Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.
2. Scroll down to highlight Parental Controls, then select Change Settings.
3. Enter the Parental Control PIN number for the system.
   • Forgot your PIN?

     If you can’t remember your pin, we have steps for how to locate or reset it.

4. Select Change Settings again.
5. Select Restriction Level.
6. Choose from preset restrictions by age or select Custom Settings to manually adjust individual settings.
   • Restriction Level Settings

     Teen

     • Restricted Software - Games rated for ages 17+ (games rated Mature by the ESRB) (juegos clasificados como Maduro por la ESRB) (jeux classés Jeunes adultes par l'ESRB) (jogos classificados como 18 pela Classificação Indicativa)
     • Posting to Social Media - Not Restricted
     • Communicating with Others - Not Restricted
     • Software Rating Organization - Appropriate organization for your region
     • VR Mode (3D Visuals) - Not Restricted

     Pre-Teen

     • Restricted Software - Games rated for ages 13+ (games rated Teen and Mature by the ESRB) (juegos clasificados como Adolescente y Maduro por la ESRB) (jeux classés Adolescents et Jeunes adultes par l'ESRB) (jogos classificados como 14, 16 e 18 pela Classificação Indicativa)
     • Posting to Social Media - Restricted
     • Communicating with Others - Restricted
     • Software Rating Organization - Appropriate organization for your region
     • VR Mode (3D Visuals) - Not Restricted

     Child

     • Restricted Software - Games rated for ages 8+ (games rated Everyone 10+, Teen and Mature by the ESRB) (juegos clasificados como Todos +10, Adolescente y Maduro por la ESRB) (jeux classés Enfants 10+ et adultes, Adolescents et Jeunes adultes par l'ESRB) (jogos classificados como 10, 12, 14, 16 e 18 pela Classificação Indicativa)
     • Posting to Social Media - Restricted
     • Communicating with Others - Restricted
     • Software Rating Organization - Appropriate organization for your region
     • VR Mode (3D Visuals) - Restricted

     Custom Settings

     • Restricted Software

       Restrict software by age based on each game’s ESRB ESRB ESRB Classificação Indicativa rating category. Select Restricted software, then choose the age you would like to restrict software for (6+, 13+, etc). Additionally, videos captured using restricted software will not be viewable in the album.

     • Software Rating Organization

       Adjust the software rating organization that software restrictions are based on (ESRB, PEGI, etc). This defaults to the appropriate organization for your region.

     • Posting Screenshots/Videos to Social Media

       Disable the ability to share images and videos from Nintendo Switch on social media. Toggle between Restricted or Not Restricted.

     • Communicating with Others

       Restrict open communication between users, including chat features and exchanging messages. You can toggle between Restricted or Not Restricted for all software on the system, or adjust the settings for specific software.

     • VR Mode (3D Visuals)

       Restrict gameplay in VR mode. This option should be set to restricted if a child of 6 years or younger uses the console. Toggle between Restricted or Not Restricted.

7. Once the restrictions are set, select Save.

If you'd like to set limits on play time, view gameplay history, and allow individually selected games to ignore restrictions, follow the steps above to set up Parental Controls through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app.

1. Open the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your smart device.
2. Select Parental Controls in the lower-right corner.
3. Select each setting you want to adjust:
   • Play-Time Limit

     If you have a Play-Time Limit and a Bedtime enabled, the system will use whichever time limit comes first.

     • Play-Time Limit: Set a daily limit on the amount of time the Nintendo Switch console can be used (scroll from No Limit up to 6 hours). You can also toggle Vary by Day to set these restrictions individually for each day of the week.
       • You can also extend today's play-time limit by 5/15/30 minutes or an hour at a time, or turn it off for the day.
     • Bedtime: Set gameplay to stop at a certain time each day (between 4:00 PM - 11:45 PM). When set, you can select the three dots icon on the right to set a time when the console can be used again the next morning (between 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM).
     • Suspend Play When Time's Up: When this is turned on, the software on the system will be stopped when the time limit is reached. Otherwise, a notification will appear when the limit is reached, but software will still be playable.
   • Restricted Features

     Choose from preset restrictions by age or select Custom Settings to manually adjust individual settings.

     Teen

     • Restricted Software - Games rated for ages 17+ (games rated Mature by the ESRB) (juegos clasificados como Maduro por la ESRB) (jeux classés Jeunes adultes par l'ESRB) (jogos classificados como 18 pela Classificação Indicativa)
     • Software Rating Organization - Appropriate organization for your region
     • In-Game Communication with Others - Not Restricted
     • Posting Screenshots/Videos to Social Media - Not Restricted
     • Use of VR Mode (3D Visuals) - Not Restricted

     Pre-Teen

     • Restricted Software - Games rated for ages 13+ (games rated Teen and Mature by the ESRB) (juegos clasificados como Adolescente y Maduro por la ESRB) (jeux classés Adolescents et Jeunes adultes par l'ESRB) (jogos classificados como 14, 16 e 18 pela Classificação Indicativa)
     • Software Rating Organization - Appropriate organization for your region
     • In-Game Communication with Others - Restricted
     • Posting Screenshots/Videos to Social Media - Restricted
     • Use of VR Mode (3D Visuals) - Not Restricted

     Child

     • Restricted Software - Games rated for ages 8+ (games rated Everyone 10+, Teen and Mature by the ESRB) (juegos clasificados como Todos +10, Adolescente y Maduro por la ESRB) (jeux classés Enfants 10+ et adultes, Adolescents et Jeunes adultes par l'ESRB) (jogos classificados como 10, 12, 14, 16 e 18 pela Classificação Indicativa)
     • Software Rating Organization - Appropriate organization for your region
     • In-Game Communication with Others - Restricted
     • Posting Screenshots/Videos to Social Media - Restricted
     • Use of VR Mode (3D Visuals) - Restricted

     Custom Settings

     • Restricted Software

       Restrict software by age based on each game’s ESRB ESRB ESRB Classificação Indicativa rating category. Select Restricted software, then choose the age you would like to restrict software for (6+, 13+, etc). Additionally, videos captured using restricted software will not be viewable in the album.

     • Software Rating Organization

       Adjust the software rating organization that software restrictions are based on (ESRB, PEGI, etc). This defaults to the appropriate organization for your region.

     • Posting Screenshots/Videos to Social Media

       Disable the ability to share images and videos from Nintendo Switch on social media. Toggle between Restricted or Not Restricted.

     • In-Game Communication with Others

       Restrict open communication between users, including chat features and exchanging messages. You can toggle between Restricted or Not Restricted for all software on the system, or adjust the settings for specific software.

     • Use of VR Mode (3D Visuals)

       Restrict gameplay in VR mode. This option should be set to restricted if a child of 6 years or younger uses the console. Toggle between Restricted or Not Restricted.

   • Allow List

     Allow List settings can be used to exclude specific software titles from Parental Controls Restricted Software settings on Nintendo Switch systems updated to version 5.0 or higher.

     • Games on your allow list can be played on the system without entering a Parental Controls PIN.
     • These games are still subject to any restrictions set for daily Play Time Limits.
     • You can remove a game from the allow list at any time, at which point the standard restrictions you have set for the system will apply.
     • Any software titles that have been played on your system can be added to your allow list. If the game you want doesn't appear, start it on your Nintendo Switch system and check again.
   • PIN

     You can view or change the Parental Controls PIN for the console.

   • Shared Parental Controls

     You can share the Parental Controls with another parent or guardian in the same Nintendo Account family group.

4. Once you are done with a setting, tap the red Save button on the screen to confirm.
5. Restrictions you set will be activated as soon as the Nintendo Switch console connects online.

Parent/guardian Nintendo Accounts can adjust the following restrictions for a supervised account in their family group:

• Manage Nintendo eShop restrictions, which includes the ability to restrict spending or limit visibility of Nintendo eShop content based on age.
• Enable or disable the Friend suggestions feature.
• Manage Nintendo Account information that can be shared with third parties.
• Delete the child's Nintendo Account.

1. Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.
2. Scroll down to highlight Parental Controls, then select Change Settings.
3. Enter the Parental Control PIN number for the system.
   • Forgot your PIN?

     If you can’t remember your pin, we have steps for how to locate or reset it.

4. Press the X Button (Delete Settings) to remove the Parental Controls settings and PIN number.
5. Select OK to return to the system settings.

To completely remove the Parental Controls settings, unlink the app from the Nintendo Switch console. All Parental Controls restrictions will be removed from the console when the app is unlinked.

To lift restrictions set by a Parent/guardian Nintendo Account on a supervised account in their family group:

• Manage Nintendo eShop restrictions, which includes the ability to restrict spending or limit visibility of Nintendo eShop content based on age.
• Enable or disable the Friend suggestions feature.
• Manage Nintendo Account information that can be shared with third parties.