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“Unable to connect to the Internet” Message When Starting Software

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

Information to help when you try to start a game or software on your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console and receive the message, "Unable to connect to the Internet. Please check your settings."

Before you start

You will need:

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

Information

This error can occur when an Internet connection is required to open the software you have selected, including in the following situations:

  • You do not have the virtual game card loaded on this console, but you have the online license setting enabled for the Nintendo Account that purchased the software. You can load the virtual game card on this console to play the software without an Internet connection.
    • How to enable the online license setting

      If you would like to play your digital games or DLC on more than two consoles, you can turn on the online license setting. When turned on, you can play downloaded software or DLC you've purchased while the system is connected to the Internet, even if you don't have a virtual game card loaded.

      To enable the online license feature for your Nintendo Account and play on any of your consoles, follow these steps:

      1. Link your Nintendo Account to all of the consoles that you want to play your digital games on.
      2. On one of the consoles, select your user icon from the HOME Menu.
      3. Scroll down and select Online License SettingsAjustes de las licencias en líneaParamètres des licences en ligneConfigurações de licenças online.
      4. Update the " Use Online License Utilizar licencias en línea Utiliser les licenses en ligne Usar licença online " setting to On Sí Oui Sim .
        • This enables the setting for your Nintendo Account on all of your consoles—you do not need to set it on each console.
      5. Download the games or content you want to access on each console.
      6. On any of your consoles, insert the physical game card or select your downloaded game from the HOME Menu to begin playing the game on that console. Note that you can also continue to use virtual game cards on two of your consoles, even if you have turned on the online license setting.
  • The software must connect to the Internet to verify you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership (for example, to play NES & Super NES - Nintendo Switch Online games).
  • The software requires an Internet connection to play (for example, to play Cloud Versions of games).

Possible solutions

  • Restart the console, then try starting the game again.
  • If the software does not require an Internet connection, you likely need to load the virtual game card using the Nintendo Account that purchased the software, or use the console you already loaded the virtual game card on. All users on the console can play the software without an Internet connection when the virtual game card is loaded on the console. For more details, review our information on how to play your games across multiple consoles.
  • If the software requires an Internet connection to play or to verify your Nintendo Switch Online membership, connect to the Internet and open the software again.
    • How to connect Nintendo Switch 2 to a wireless home network
      1. Place the Nintendo Switch 2 console within 10 feet of the wireless router so there will be a strong wireless signal.
      2. Select System Settings from the HOME Menu. The System Settings icon highlighted on the HOME Menu on Nintendo Switch 2
      3. Select Internet, and then Internet SettingsConfiguración de internetParamètres InternetConfigurações de internet. Your console will automatically search for nearby wireless network signals. Internet page highlighted in the System Settings on Nintendo Switch 2
      4. Select the appropriate network name (SSID) from the list.
      5. Use the onscreen keyboard to enter the network's wireless password, if one is required. Entering wireless network password using on-screen keyboard in the System Settings on Nintendo Switch 2
      6. The connection will be tested. Once the test is complete, select OK.
        • If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear. Search for our support article on the error code for steps to troubleshoot the connection.

      For more details, please see How to Connect to the Internet on Nintendo Switch 2

    • How to connect Nintendo Switch to a wireless home network
      1. Place the Nintendo Switch console within 10 feet of the wireless router to ensure a strong wireless signal.
      2. Select Settings from the HOME Menu System Settings icon highlighted on the HOME Menu Screen on the Nintendo Switch console.
      3. 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.
      4. Select the appropriate network name (SSID) from the list.
      5. If prompted, use the onscreen keyboard to enter the network's wireless password Onscreen keyboard displayed when a network's wireless password is required.
      6. 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 to the Internet Using a Wireless Network.

    • How to create a wired Internet connection on Nintendo Switch 2

      Important: The Nintendo Switch 2 console must be docked to be able to connect online using the wired connection type.

      1. Connect an Ethernet cable to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock and then connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your router or gateway.
      2. Place the Nintendo Switch 2 console into the dock.
      3. On the console, select System Settings on the HOME Menu. The System Settings icon highlighted on the HOME Menu on Nintendo Switch 2
      4. Select Internet, and then Internet SettingsConfiguración de internetParamètres InternetConfigurações de internet. Your console will automatically search for nearby wireless network signals first. Internet page highlighted in the System Settings on Nintendo Switch 2
      5. Once the option is available, select Wired ConnectionConexión con cableConnexion par câbleConexão por cabo.
      6. Select Connect to the Internet via Wired Connection.
      7. The connection will be tested. Once the test is complete, select OK.
        • If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear, which can help you troubleshoot connection errors.
        • We also recommend setting up a wireless internet connection. This enables you to connect online even when your Nintendo Switch 2 is not placed in the dock.
    • How to create a wired Internet connection on Nintendo Switch – OLED Model

      Important: The Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console must be used in TV mode to connect online using the wired connection type.

      1. Connect an Ethernet cable to the Nintendo Switch dock with LAN port and then connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your router or gateway. Ethernet/LAN cable connecting a router to the built-in LAN port of the Nintendo Switch dock model HEG-007.
      2. Place the Nintendo Switch console into the Nintendo Switch dock. A Nintendo Switch – OLED Model placed in dock with LAN port while connected to a wall outlet and television.
      3. On the Nintendo Switch console, select System Settings on the HOME Menu. System Settings option highlighted on the HOME Menu Screen.
      4. Select Internet, and then Internet Settings Internet is selected on the System Settings menu on the Nintendo Switch.. Nintendo Switch will automatically search for nearby Wi-Fi signals.
      5. Once the option is available, select Wired Connection.
      6. Select Connect to the Internet via Wired Connection.
      7. Nintendo Switch will test the Internet connection. Once the test is complete, select OK.
        • If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear, which can help you troubleshoot connection errors.
        • If possible, we also recommend setting up a wireless internet connection. This enables you to connect online even when your Nintendo Switch is not placed in the Nintendo Switch dock.

      For more information, please see How to Connect to the Internet Using a Wired Connection.

    • How to create a wired Internet connection on Nintendo Switch

      Important: The Nintendo Switch console must be used in TV mode to connect online using the wired connection type.

      1. Connect a wired LAN Adapter to the Nintendo Switch dock.
      2. Connect an Ethernet cable to the LAN adapter and then connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your router or gateway. A LAN Adapter plugged into the USB port on the Nintendo Switch dock by an Ethernet cable from the modem or router.
      3. Place the Nintendo Switch console into the Nintendo Switch dock. A Nintendo Switch console inserted a Nintendo Switch dock that is plugged into a wall outlet and television.
      4. On the Nintendo Switch console, select System Settings on the HOME Menu. System Settings option highlighted on the HOME Menu Screen.
      5. Select Internet, and then Internet Settings Internet is selected on the System Settings menu on the Nintendo Switch.. Nintendo Switch will automatically search for nearby Wi-Fi signals.
      6. Once the option is available, select Wired Connection.
      7. Select Connect to the Internet via Wired Connection.
      8. Nintendo Switch will test the Internet connection. Once the test is complete, select OK.
        • If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear, which can help you troubleshoot connection errors.
        • If possible, we also recommend setting up a wireless internet connection. This enables you to connect online even when your Nintendo Switch is not placed in the Nintendo Switch dock.
    • How to create a wired Internet connection on Nintendo Switch Lite

      Important: 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.

      1. Set up the Dual USB PlayStand for Nintendo Switch Lite (or other compatible, licensed accessory), then connect to it a wired LAN Adapter.
        • For any questions about licensed accessories, contact the manufacturer for assistance.
      2. Connect an Ethernet cable to the LAN adapter and then connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your router or gateway.
      3. Place the Nintendo Switch Lite on the Dual USB PlayStand.
      4. Select Internet, and then Internet Settings. Nintendo Switch Lite will automatically search for nearby Wi-Fi signals. Internet is selected on the System Settings menu on the Nintendo Switch.
      5. Once the option is available, select Wired Connection.
      6. Select Connect to the Internet via Wired Connection.
      7. Nintendo Switch Lite will test the Internet connection. Once the test is complete, select OK.
        • If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear, which can help you troubleshoot connection errors.
        • If possible, we also recommend setting up a wireless Internet connection.

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