The Nintendo Switch is designed to work as both a home console via the dock, and a portable handheld console, with its built-in battery. But issues with the Nintendo Switch not charging are stopping users from enjoying one of the major selling points of the console. Whether your Switch is facing charging issues via the dock or a standard USB-C, the net result is a handheld device that you can only use when it's plugged in. If this is the hellscape in which you find yourself, let us help you find your way out.
What Does 'Normal' Look Like?
First, a couple of points about the battery. According to Nintendo, you should realistically expect your Switch to give you somewhere in the region of 4.5-9 hours of battery life. This varies depending on what you are using it for. For the very earliest models which have a serial number beginning 'XA' this would only be 2.5-6 hours.
It's also worth taking into account how long you've had your Switch for, and how many times you may have charged it before. As with virtually any lithium-ion battery, its performance does degrade over time. Nintendo suggest that after around 800 charge cycles, you can expect the battery to have about 80% of its original capacity. So if your Switch is conforming to these sorts of figures, then you don't have anything to worry about. But if you are finding that yours is getting nowhere close to these numbers, then what can you do? Let's take a look.
Read More: How long does it take to charge a Nintendo Switch: Nintendo Switch vs Switch OLED Battery Life
How To Fix Nintendo Switch Charging Issues
Nintendo themselves suggest that if your battery is charging fully but draining much faster than you'd expect, then a repair may be required. You can set that up here.
But if you're finding that your Switch simply isn't charging at all, what then? Well, a repair may be an option. But there are some other things to try first:
- Make sure your Switch is plugged in properly. This may seem blindingly obvious. But USB ports can sometimes get clogged with dust and other debris that stops the charger from establishing a proper connection. So take a close look in that port, to see if it might need a clean.
- Check that nothing has come loose, especially if you are using the dock.
- Try plugging into a different AC outlet, in case there's a problem with a specific wall socket.
- If possible, try using a different power adapter, in case the issue is with the plug (for instance, a fuse may need replacing).
- Force reset your Switch. To do this, hold down the power button for at least 12 seconds. If it ahs frozen, this will shut it down. Wait for a couple of minutes before turning it back on, or plugging it back in to the charger.
If none of these steps work, then it may be time to contact Nintendo about a repair after all.