There's a lot to love about the Nintendo Switch, but its relatively short battery life isn't on that list.
As a mobile device, the Switch is lacking when it comes to lasting power. You can use the console in handheld orientation for up to six hours, but most games are so resource-intensive that you won't reach that point.
If it seems like your Nintendo Switch is not charging, there are three main ways to troubleshoot the issue.
First, make sure you're giving your Switch enough time to charge after the battery died, then, if waiting doesn't work, check the AC adapter to ensure it's working properly by plugging it in and out of the device and outlet. Finally, if it's still not charging, try force resetting your Nintendo Switch.
If your Switch's battery died, and you plugged it in only for nothing to happen, don't worry — this is normal.
When a Switch's battery is fully drained, it can take several minutes to turn back on, even if connected to its charger. Give it up to a few hours to charge and restart. If you haven't used your Switch in days or weeks since its battery drained, it can take even longer to resuscitate, up to 12 to 24 hours.
If the system fails to turn back on even after the given amount of time, ensure the Switch is properly connected to its dock or USB-C charger. Connecting the USB-C cable is a more consistent charging method, since you can directly see whether it's connected or not.
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Check the AC adapter
Assuming you're using the official USB-C power adapter that came with your Switch (and Nintendo highly recommends you do so), you can reset the charger by removing it from its outlet, and from the Nintendo Switch, for about 30 seconds.
Now plug it back into its outlet and the Switch, and see if it charges.
If it doesn't, there are two other things you can try: plugging the AC adapter into a different outlet, or trying a different AC adapter.
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Force reset your Nintendo Switch
If all else has failed, your Switch may be frozen. This means it's time to reset it.
You should hold down the Switch's power button for at least 12 seconds. If it's simply frozen, this will force a shutdown. Once you let go of the button, you can try waiting a minute before pressing the power button again to turn it back on or try to charge it again.
And if that fails, it's time to contact Nintendo.
Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:
How to sync Nintendo Switch controllers with your system, so that up to eight people can play at once
How to charge a Nintendo Switch console in 2 ways, and keep playing while it charges
How to charge a Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con controllers in 2 different ways
How to turn off your Nintendo Switch or put it into Sleep Mode, to save battery or fix software issues
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If your Switch is successfully charging, the green light on the lower left of the dock will appear. If the light doesn't come on, check that the dock is plugged in. If it is and there is still no light, you may have an issue with your dock.
Power off the console and reset the AC adapter by unplugging it from both ends. Leave the AC adapter unplugged for at least 30 seconds. ...
Connect the original AC adapter to the console and then directly to a wall outlet (not to a power strip). If possible, try different wall outlets in different areas.
If your Switch is successfully charging, the green light on the lower left of the dock will appear. If the light doesn't come on, check that the dock is plugged in. If it is and there is still no light, you may have an issue with your dock.
It's easier than you might think to find charging port repairs for your Nintendo Switch. Bring it to your local uBreakiFix by Asurion for a free diagnostic from experts. We understand how irritating it is to deal with glitchy tech that's in need of a repair.
In conclusion, while it's technically possible to charge your Nintendo Switch with a phone charger, it's not the best practice. The power output of most phone chargers is significantly lower than what the Nintendo Switch requires, leading to slower charging times and potential damage to your device.
Your console may have frozen. Press and hold the POWER Button for at least 12 seconds to turn the console completely off. Then press the POWER Button again to turn the console on.
Restarting your Switch is a simple solution—and it often works. First turn off your console, then unplug the charger from the wall and from your Switch. Wait for about a minute, then plug it back in. If this worked, you'll see a charging indicator on the screen.
A faulty cord may be the culprit if your Switch won't turn on. Check it for any dirt, exposed or frayed wires, a bent adapter, or bent pins. If you see any damage, invest in a new cord. Remember, use only an original Nintendo power cable to charge your Switch—an off-brand cord could cause issues with your console.
The Nintendo Switch console takes approximately 3 hours to fully charge when the console is powered off or in sleep mode. Charging time will be longer if the console is in use. Learn more about the battery duration for each console in the Nintendo Switch family.
Make sure that you charge the product at least once every six months. If not charged for an extended period of time, the battery may lose its ability to retain charge. With repeated charges during the life of the product, the amount of time the battery lasts after a full charge will naturally decrease.
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