Hold the power button for 12 to 15 seconds to force it off, then press it once to turn it on. If nothing happens, plug the official Nintendo AC adapter straight into the Switch, not through the dock, and leave it for 30 minutes to an hour. If it charges in handheld mode but not in the dock, the dock or its setup is the likely issue. If it won't charge either way, or the cable feels loose, the USB-C port, the battery or the charging circuit is likely at fault. Our USB-C charging port repairs start at $79.
1. Force it off and on
A Switch that's frozen on a black screen can look completely dead. Press and hold the power button on the top for 12 to 15 seconds, release it, then press it once normally. This forces the console off and back on without touching your games or saves.
These steps are written for the original Switch, the Switch OLED and the Switch Lite.
2. Charge it with the official adapter
If the battery is completely drained, the Switch may not respond, or even show a charging icon, for a while after you plug it in.
- Use the Nintendo AC adapter that came with the console, plugged into a wall outlet. Many phone chargers and computer USB ports don't supply enough power, especially while you're playing.
- Plug it directly into the USB-C port on the bottom of the Switch, not through the dock.
- Leave it for 30 minutes to an hour before trying to turn it on.
- Try a different outlet, and check the adapter's cable for damage near the plug.
If you've been using a third-party dock or charger, switch to the official adapter while you troubleshoot. Some third-party docks have been linked to charging faults on the Switch.
3. Docked vs handheld
Testing both ways tells you a lot:
- Charges in handheld mode but not in the dock: the dock, its power connection or its setup is the likely cause. Unplug everything from the dock, then connect the AC adapter to the dock first, the HDMI cable second, and put the Switch in last.
- Charges in the dock but not with the adapter plugged in directly: look closely at the console's port. A worn port can still make contact with the dock's rigid connector but not with a cable plug.
- Doesn't charge either way: the console's USB-C port, battery or charging circuit is the most likely cause.
If the Switch turns on in the dock and you get a picture on the TV, but the console's own screen stays black, the screen or its connection has failed, not the power. The Switch Lite can't output to a TV, so this test doesn't apply to it.
4. Check the USB-C port
Shine a flashlight into the port on the bottom of the Switch.
- Lint and dust can pack in and stop the plug seating fully. Power the Switch off and gently clear it with a wooden or plastic toothpick. Never use metal.
- The thin tongue in the middle of the port should be straight and centered. If it's bent, cracked or pushed to one side, the port is damaged.
- Look for burn marks or discoloration, and notice whether a cable feels loose or falls out.
The Switch's port takes a lot of strain. The console drops onto the dock's connector every time it's docked, and it often gets played in handheld mode while charging. Docking at an angle, or playing with a cable bent sharply at the port, can bend or crack it.
A damaged port can also take out the chips behind it that manage USB-C power, which is why we check the charging circuit as part of the repair. If you see burn marks or smell burning, stop charging it.
5. Could it be the battery?
Switch batteries wear out like any other. A worn battery may die quickly, shut down with charge still showing, or only work while plugged in. A battery left completely flat for many months can also refuse to charge at all.
- If the percentage climbs normally while charging but falls fast in use, the battery is a more likely culprit than the port.
- If the screen or the back is lifting or bulging, the battery may be swelling. Stop charging it and get it checked.
When to bring it in
- It won't charge with the official adapter in either handheld or docked mode.
- The cable is loose, only works at an angle, or the port looks damaged.
- It gets hot around the port, or there's a burning smell.
- It got wet.
- It only runs while plugged in, or the battery looks swollen.
We diagnose first, so you'll know whether it's the port, the charging chips or the battery before any work starts. Your saves are stored on the console's internal memory, and a port or battery repair doesn't touch them. If you have Nintendo Switch Online, its save data cloud backup is a useful extra safety net for games that support it.
Get it fixed
The diagnosis is free. Pick your console on our booking page to see your price, then choose a store near you or mail it in. See all game console repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Switch show a battery icon but won't turn on?
The battery is too low to start. Leave it charging with the official adapter for at least 30 minutes before trying again. If the icon never changes, or it won't start after an hour, the battery or charging circuit may be at fault.
Can a third-party dock damage a Switch?
Some third-party docks have been linked to damaged charging circuits, particularly ones that don't follow the USB-C power standard closely. Nintendo's own dock and adapter are the safest choice.
Will I lose my games and saves?
No. Saves are stored on the console's internal memory, and a port or battery repair doesn't touch it. Downloaded games can be downloaded again from your Nintendo Account if ever needed.
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