Joy-Con Controller Buttons are Not Responding While Attached to Nintendo Switch Console

What to do

1. Power off the console and clean the area around any sticky or stuck buttons using a soft, dry toothbrush.

   Important: Avoid using any cleaners or fluids.

   • How to power off a Nintendo Switch console
     1. Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.
     2. Select Power Options.
     3. Select Turn Off.

     
2. Power on the console and check that it has the latest system update.
   • How to check for the latest system update
     1. Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.
     2. Scroll down to the bottom of the System Settings menu and select System.
     3. Select System Update to start the system update process.
        • The system will check to see if an update is available.

     For more information, see How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch 2 or How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch.

   • “The Connected Controller's Button Mapping Changed” message appears when powered on

     This indicates the button mapping on your controller was changed.

     Select Reset the Button Mapping on the message in order to complete this troubleshooting.

     For more information, see How to Change the Button Mapping on Nintendo Switch Controllers.

3. Continue troubleshooting the affected button(s).

• HOME Button

  Press the HOME Button while navigating the menus or within a game.

  • The HOME Button still doesn’t work

    If the Joy-Con is recognized, but the HOME Button does not respond correctly, the right Joy-Con controller will need to be serviced. Do not include the console.

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

• Capture Button

  Press the Capture Button while in the HOME Menu.

  If the button still is not functioning, continue troubleshooting using Unable to Capture Screenshots.

• Other Button(s)
  1. Select System Settings from the HOME Menu.
  2. Scroll down the menu on the left-hand side and select Controllers and Sensors.
     
  3. Select Test Input Devices, then Test Controller Buttons.
     
  4. Press the button or control stick on the controller you wish to test.
     • An icon for the button or control stick that was pressed will be displayed on the screen.
       
  5. Press and hold down any button or control stick to end the test.

  • The button doesn't work during the test

    If the Joy-Con is recognized as being attached to the console, but the button test fails, the problematic Joy-Con controller will need to be serviced. Do not include the console.

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

  • The button only doesn't work in one game or app

    It's possible that the intended button is not compatible with that game or application. Check the in-game or in-app instructions for more information.