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Error Message: "Connection Is Unstable" (Splatoon 2)

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

Steps for when you are disconnected while playing with others and receive the error message "Connection is unstable."

Before you start

You will need:

  • Your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console
  • An Internet connection

Possible solutions

Test your connection after each step below to determine if the change to your console or network settings resolves your issue.

  • Restart your console.
    • How to restart a Nintendo Switch 2 console
      1. Press and hold the POWER ButtonThe POWER and Volume Buttons highlighted on Nintendo Switch 2 for at least three seconds.
      2. Select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar.
      3. Select Restart.
    • How to restart a Nintendo Switch console
      1. Press and hold the POWER ButtonThe POWER and Volume Buttons highlighted on Nintendo Switch for at least three seconds.
      2. Select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar.
      3. Select Restart.
    • Console is not responding

      If the console does not respond, hold down the POWER Button for twelve seconds to force it to shut down. Then power it on again.

  • Power cycle your home network.
    • How to power cycle your home network
      1. Unplug the power cable from both the modem and wireless router (if separate from the modem).
      2. 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.
      3. After 30 seconds, plug the power cable back into your modem and wait for the lights to remain steady.
      4. 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.

  • 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.
  • If supported by your router, connect to a different wireless band
    • How to connect Nintendo Switch 2 to a different wireless band
      1. Select Settings from the HOME MenuThe System Settings icon highlighted on the HOME Menu on Nintendo Switch 2.
      2. Select Internet, and then Internet Settings Internet page highlighted in the System Settings on Nintendo Switch 2. The console will automatically search for near-by Wi-Fi signals.
      3. Select the network name (SSID) of the frequency band you are not currently connected to. Many routers will have default SSID names that label whether the connection is 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz.
      4. If prompted, use the onscreen keyboard to enter the network's wireless passwordEntering wireless network password using on-screen keyboard  in the System Settings on Nintendo Switch 2.
      5. The console will test the Internet connection. Once the test is complete, select OK to complete the process.

      For more information, see How to Connect to the Internet on Nintendo Switch 2.

    • How to connect Nintendo Switch to a different wireless band
      1. Select Settings from the HOME Menu System Settings icon highlighted on the HOME Menu Screen.
      2. Select Internet, and then Internet Settings Internet is selected on the System Settings menu on the Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo Switch will automatically search for near-by Wi-Fi signals.
      3. Select the network name (SSID) of the frequency band you are not currently connected to. Many routers will have default SSID names that label whether the connection is 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz.
      4. If prompted, use the onscreen keyboard to enter the network's wireless password Onscreen keyboard displayed when a network's wireless password is required.
      5. The Nintendo Switch will test the Internet connection. Once the test is complete, select OK to complete the process.

      For more information, see How to Connect a Nintendo Switch Console to the Internet Using a Wireless Network.

Situation not resolved

Additional information

This error indicates your network connection was unable to continuously send or receive data.

This error may occur if your Internet connection is slow, or if your network connection is unstable to due wireless interference or unresponsive networking equipment.

Please note that some games require you to send and receive more data than others, so even if you do not experience errors with other titles, this error is still likely the result of your network connection.

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