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Nintendo Switch 2 Unable to Find and Connect to Wireless Network During Initial Setup

Nintendo Switch 2

Steps for when your Nintendo Switch 2 console is unable to find your wireless network while setting it up for the first time, attempting a transfer from Nintendo Switch, or immediately after your first-time setup.

Possible solutions

  • Remove the console from the dock.
  • Move any metal objects or electronic devices away from your Nintendo Switch 2 console and wireless router. This includes filing cabinets, speakers, power strips, glass, or cordless phones that may interfere with wireless signals.
  • Move the console within 10 to 15 feet of the wireless router to improve the signal strength during troubleshooting.
    • If there's a lot of technical devices in the same room as your router (computers, smart TVs, etc.), also try moving into a different room from your router temporarily and searching for your network 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.

  • Restart your console. 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.
  • Connect to the Internet at a different location or access point like a friend or family member's home, or a retailer with a public network.
    • I can connect to the Internet at a different location or access point

      While connected, confirm your console has the latest system version.

      If you can successfully connect to a different network and are still unable to connect to the desired network, this may indicate an issue related to the network environment or wireless router being used on the network you cannot connect to.

      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
    • I cannot connect to the Internet at any location or access point

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