How to Fix Update Issues on Nintendo Switch (2024)

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

If your device software doesn’t update successfully, you may encounter one of several situations. The device might display an error message or error code during or following the update, or the device might not start correctly after the update is complete or a connection issue may be causing issues. This guide will assist you in resolving these problems.

Do not turn off your system while the update is downloading or installing. If the system update is interrupted, you may damage the system.

2. Restart

  1. Hold the Power Button for roughly 3 seconds.

How to Fix Update Issues on Nintendo Switch (1)

  1. Select Power Options.

How to Fix Update Issues on Nintendo Switch (2)

  1. Choose either Turn Off or Restart.

How to Fix Update Issues on Nintendo Switch (3)


  1. Ifthe console was turned off, press the PowerButton again to power it back on.

3. Manual Update

  1. Select System Settings.

How to Fix Update Issues on Nintendo Switch (4)

  1. Select System.
  2. Select System Update.

How to Fix Update Issues on Nintendo Switch (5)

  1. Allow the update to proceed. The system will reboot when ready.

4. Power cycle your Home Network

To Power Cycle Your Modem and Router:

  1. Remove the power cable from both your modem and router.

How to Fix Update Issues on Nintendo Switch (6)

  1. Verify all lights are off on the modem and router.
  2. Wait 10 seconds.

How to Fix Update Issues on Nintendo Switch (7)

  1. Plug in the power to your modem only.
  2. Wait for the Online light to turn on stop flashing on your modem.This can take up to three minutes.

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How to Fix Update Issues on Nintendo Switch (9)

How to Fix Update Issues on Nintendo Switch (10)

  1. Plug in the power to your router.
  2. Wait for the Online light to turn on stop flashing on your router.This can take five minutes or more.

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5. Connection Test

  1. Select the System Settings icon.

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  1. Scroll down and select Internet.

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  1. Select Test Connection.

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  1. When the test is complete you will get one of the following:
  2. Successful Connection

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  1. Failed Connection

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Iftheconnection failed:
Navigate to https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/network/en_na/network_status.jspto check the status of Nintendo's online services.

6. Manual Update

  1. Select System Settings.

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  1. Select System.
  2. Select System Update.

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  1. Allow the update to proceed. The system will reboot when ready.

7. What's next?

8. Connect Your Nintendo Switch to Wi-Fi

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

How to Fix Update Issues on Nintendo Switch (2024)

FAQs

How to Fix Update Issues on Nintendo Switch? ›

Check for wireless interference.

Make sure that your system is within 30 feet of the wireless router or other access point and facing in its general direction. Make sure that any other interfering devices, such as microwaves and cordless phones, are turned off.

How do I fix the software glitch on my Nintendo Switch? ›

What to Do:
  1. Restart your console by holding down the POWER Button for three seconds, and select Power Options then Restart. ...
  2. Verify that your console has the latest system version.
  3. Check for any available updates for the problematic software.
  4. Check for any corrupt data for the problematic software.

Why is my switch stuck updating? ›

Check for wireless interference.

Make sure that your system is within 30 feet of the wireless router or other access point and facing in its general direction. Make sure that any other interfering devices, such as microwaves and cordless phones, are turned off.

How do I fix Nintendo Switch download error? ›

Possible solutions
  1. Restart the Nintendo Switch system by holding down the POWER Button. ...
  2. Perform a system update. ...
  3. Check for software updates for each title encountering the issue. ...
  4. Check for corrupt data for each title encountering the issue. ...
  5. Delete each title encountering the issue and then redownload it.

How do I reset my Nintendo Switch update? ›

Complete These Steps:
  1. Ensure the console is powered off. ...
  2. With the console powered off, hold down the volume up and volume down buttons, then press the POWER Button to turn the console on. ...
  3. Once in recovery mode, select “Update System" and follow the prompts to complete this process.

Why won't my Switch game update? ›

What to Do: Ensure your console has an active Internet connection. If software is currently being played, save your in-game progress and then close the software. Software can be closed from the HOME Menu by highlighting the software title and pressing the X Button.

How do I reset my Switch software? ›

Complete These Steps:
  1. Select “System Settings” from the HOME Menu.
  2. Scroll down to “System” and select it.
  3. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the menu and select “Formatting Options”. ...
  4. Select “Restore Factory Settings” to delete all data in the system memory.

How do I fix a stuck update? ›

When the screen gets frozen and there is no reaction coming from the computer, try these following methods to fix the stuck Windows update.
  1. Make sure the update is stuck. ...
  2. Restart the computer. ...
  3. Launch Windows with Safe Mode. ...
  4. Run Windows Troubleshooter. ...
  5. Try System Restore. ...
  6. Prevent stuck Windows updates.

Why is my Switch update taking so long? ›

Ensure no other users or applications are utilizing bandwidth on your network. Devices streaming content, downloading files, or performing other bandwidth intensive tasks may affect the speeds at which other devices can send and receive data over the Internet. Turn off any devices or programs you may find running.

How do I fix my download glitch? ›

To fix the error:
  1. Cancel the download and try again.
  2. Instead of clicking the file to download, right-click the link and select Save link as.
  3. Be sure to download files to a place on your computer you can access, like your Desktop or Documents folder. You can change download locations.

Why does my Nintendo Switch keep saying an error has occurred? ›

If the error is still displayed, power off the console, wait for a few seconds then power it on again. If an error message is displayed infrequently, it doesn't necessarily indicate that there is a problem with the system. Continue to use the system as usual.

How do I fix download problems? ›

Basic troubleshooting steps
  1. Check your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
  2. Check your storage space.
  3. Check for Android system updates.
  4. Close & reopen Google Play Store.
  5. Restart your device.

How do I force an update on my Nintendo Switch? ›

Complete these steps
  1. Select the System Settings on the HOME Menu. System Settings being highlighted on the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu Screen.
  2. Scroll down through the System Settings menu and select System.
  3. Select System Update, to start the system update process.

How to update Switch manually? ›

Select the "System Settings" on the HOME Menu. Scroll down through the System Settings menu and select "System." Select "System Update," to start the system update process. During the process, the system will first perform a check to determine if a new system update is available.

Why does my Switch stop downloading? ›

Confirm your console has an active internet connection. If you are connected to your wireless router over Wi-Fi, make sure that the console remains in range of the router when it is placed in sleep mode and that there is no metal or electronic equipment between the console and the router.

How do I fix my Nintendo Switch screen glitch? ›

What to do
  1. Undock the Nintendo Switch console. ...
  2. Ensure your console has the latest system update. ...
  3. Reset the AC adapter by unplugging it from both ends and leave it unplugged for thirty seconds. ...
  4. Plug the AC adapter back into the dock and directly to a wall outlet.

What causes software to glitch? ›

Here are some of the most common causes: Outdated Software: Not regularly updating software, especially operating systems and antivirus programs, can lead to instability and glitches. Malware: Viruses and malware can damage files, slow your system, and cause software malfunctions.

How to fix software currently unavailable on Nintendo Switch? ›

If a previously announced software is not yet available in Nintendo eShop, wait for the release time and date, then download it.
  1. Ensure your Nintendo Account is set to the correct country. ...
  2. Try downloading the game or DLC through Nintendo eShop. ...
  3. Check the region compatibility for the software in question.

Why does my Switch keep saying could not start software? ›

Check for corrupt data. Delete the problematic software and then redownload it. If the issue persists and a microSD card is being used with the console, try the following: Format the microSD card.

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