Error Code: 2618-0203

Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

Steps for when you are unable to connect your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console to an online service and receive the error code: 2618-0203.

Important

Test your connection after any changes are made to the console or network environment to determine if the change resolves your issue.
A USB LAN Adapter is required to set up a Wired Internet connection when using a Nintendo Switch dock without a LAN port.
A USB LAN Adapter can be connected to Nintendo Switch Lite using a licensed accessory, such as the Dual USB PlayStand for Nintendo Switch Lite from HORI.

Note

This error code indicates a potential issue related to the DNS being used.
This error may be the result of an incorrect DNS entered into the console's Internet settings, or an issue with the ISP or DNS service you are attempting to use.

Possible solutions

Are you using a Wireless or Wired Internet connection?

Wireless
- Restart the console.
  - How to restart a Nintendo Switch 2 console
    Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.
    
    Select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar.
    
    Select Restart.
  - How to restart a Nintendo Switch console
    Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.
    
    Select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar.
    
    Select Restart.
- Access the settings for your saved Internet connection, and check the DNS settings.
  - If this setting is set to ManualModo manualManuelModo manual, but is not required for your network, change this setting to AutomaticModo automáticoAutoModo automático.
  - If you are required to use a specific DNS address due to the type of network you are using, please contact the administrator for the network you are attempting to use.
- Power cycle your home network.
  - How to power cycle your home network
    Unplug the power cable from both the modem and wireless router (if separate from the modem).
    
    If the modem's lights remain on, this may indicate you have a back-up battery installed. You will need to remove this battery to power cycle the modem.
    
    After 30 seconds, plug the power cable back into your modem and wait for the lights to remain steady.
    
    Plug the power cable back into the router and wait for the router lights to remain steady.
    
    For more information, see How to Power Cycle a Home Network.
- Manually enter an alternate DNS to determine if the DNS you are currently using is not working.
  - How to manually enter DNS settings on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch
    Select Settings from the HOME Menu.
    
    Select Internet.
    
    Select Internet Settings. Your console will automatically search for nearby Wi-Fi signals.
    
    Select your network from the list of networks located under Saved Networks on Nintendo Switch 2 or Registered Networks on Nintendo Switch.
    
    Select Change Settings.
    
    Select DNS Settings.
    
    Select Manual.
    
    Select Primary DNS.
    
    Hold down the B Button to delete the existing DNS (it defaults to zeros).
    
    Enter 8.8.8.8 as the primary DNS, and then select OK.
    Important: The suggested DNS are public DNS provided by Google and are subject to Google's Terms of Service. If you prefer to not use this service, doing an Internet search for public DNS will provide you with several other options you can use.
    
    Select Secondary DNS.
    
    Hold down the B Button to delete the existing DNS.
    
    Enter 8.8.4.4 as the secondary DNS, and then select OK.
    
    For more information, see How to Manually Enter DNS Settings on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch.
- Try again at a later time. If this is an issue with your Internet service, it may work later.
- Move the console within 10 to 15 feet of the wireless router to improve the signal strength during troubleshooting.
  - If you haven't already, it may be helpful to remove the console from the dock while troubleshooting, and then return the console when troubleshooting is complete.
- Move any metal objects or electronic devices away from your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console and wireless router. This includes filing cabinets, speakers, power strips, glass, or cordless phones that may interfere with wireless signals.
Wired
- Restart the console.
  - How to restart a Nintendo Switch 2 console
    Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.
    
    Select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar.
    
    Select Restart.
  - How to restart a Nintendo Switch console
    Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.
    
    Select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar.
    
    Select Restart.
- Access the settings for your saved Internet connection, and check the DNS settings.
  - If this setting is set to ManualModo manualManuelModo manual, but is not required for your network, change this setting to AutomaticModo automáticoAutoModo automático.
  - If you are required to use a specific DNS address due to the type of network you are using, please contact the administrator for the network you are attempting to use.
- Power cycle your home network.
  - How to power cycle your home network
    Unplug the power cable from both the modem and wireless router (if separate from the modem).
    
    If the modem's lights remain on, this may indicate you have a back-up battery installed. You will need to remove this battery to power cycle the modem.
    
    After 30 seconds, plug the power cable back into your modem and wait for the lights to remain steady.
    
    Plug the power cable back into the router and wait for the router lights to remain steady.
    
    For more information, see How to Power Cycle a Home Network.
- Manually enter an alternate DNS to determine if the DNS you are currently using is not working.
  - How to manually enter DNS settings on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch
    Select Settings from the HOME Menu.
    
    Select Internet.
    
    Select Internet Settings. Your console will automatically search for nearby Wi-Fi signals.
    
    Select your network from the list of networks located under Saved Networks on Nintendo Switch 2 or Registered Networks on Nintendo Switch.
    
    Select Change Settings.
    
    Select DNS Settings.
    
    Select Manual.
    
    Select Primary DNS.
    
    Hold down the B Button to delete the existing DNS (it defaults to zeros).
    
    Enter 8.8.8.8 as the primary DNS, and then select OK.
    Important: The suggested DNS are public DNS provided by Google and are subject to Google's Terms of Service. If you prefer to not use this service, doing an Internet search for public DNS will provide you with several other options you can use.
    
    Select Secondary DNS.
    
    Hold down the B Button to delete the existing DNS.
    
    Enter 8.8.4.4 as the secondary DNS, and then select OK.
    
    For more information, see How to Manually Enter DNS Settings on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch.
- Try again at a later time. If this is an issue with your Internet service, it may work later.

Situation not resolved

If you would like to continue troubleshooting potential issues related to the wireless router, contact the router's manufacturer for assistance with performing the following steps:

Updating the wireless router's firmware
Resetting the router back to its factory default settings

If you would like further assistance with the Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console, please contact us for additional support.