Skip Navigation

Joy-Con not recognized as attached to the console

Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

Troubleshooting for if Joy-Con controllers are not recognized as attached once physically connected to the Nintendo Switch console. They may still work wirelessly in TV or tabletop mode.

Before you start

You will need:

  • Your Nintendo Switch console
  • Left and right Joy-Con controllers

What to do

  1. Use the touch screen to install the latest system update. If you already have the latest system update, restart the Nintendo Switch console.
  2. Detach the Joy-Con from the console.
  3. Press the SYNC Button once on each Joy-Con. Then press any other button on each controller to power it on again.
  4. Attach the Joy-Con to the console, checking that they are correctly oriented and inserted all the way.

Situation not resolved

  1. Detach and reattach the Joy-Con again a couple of times.
  2. Test another Joy-Con controller with the console, if possible.

Was this helpful?