Nintendo Switch Does Not Charge or Turn ON - Fix Like A Pro
By Robert Jones · 2023-01-27
Got a Nintendo Switch that's gone on strike? Won't charge, won't turn on? Happens to the best of us, but often it's a simple fix. Let's get yours back up and running without a trip to the repair shop.
Right, so you've got a Nintendo Switch that's decided to go on strike, eh? Won't charge, won't turn on. Frustrating as anything, I know. I've had more than a few gadgets refuse to play ball over the years, and a dead Switch can throw a serious spanner in the works for a keen gamer. It's a common moan, this one. Plenty of folks find their Switches suddenly go dark. The good news is, often it's nothing too serious. Usually, a bit of common sense and some methodical poking about can bring it back from the brink. Let's get stuck in and see if we can sort yours out without needing a trip to the repair shop. ### **Quick Verdict:** **Most unresponsive Switch issues are fixable with a bit of patience and power cycling.** ### Who it's for: * Anyone with a Nintendo Switch that won't charge or turn on. * Gamers who want to try some DIY fixes before sending it for repair. * Those looking to avoid costly professional repairs. ### Who should skip it: * If you're not comfortable fiddling with cables and power outlets. * If your Switch has obvious physical damage (e.g., a screen smash, water damage). * If you've tried everything here and it's still dead – time for Nintendo support.  *Nintendo Switch Does Not Charge or Turn ON - Fix Like A Pro — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## First Things First: What's the Fuss? Before we start unplugging everything in sight, it's worth a quick think about why your Switch might be sulking. It's usually one of a few things: a dodgy power supply, a completely flat battery, a software wobble, or, worst case, something a bit more serious internally. I've seen it all in the workshop. Sometimes it's a completely knackered power brick, other times it's a charging port that's had a bit too much rough treatment. Knowing the usual suspects helps us narrow down the problem, which means we're not just guessing. ## Let's Get Troubleshooting: Step-by-Step We'll start simple and work our way up. Don't go pulling your hair out just yet. Try each step, and after each one, give your Switch a moment to see if it's come back to life. No point in doing more than you need to, eh? ### 1. Is It Just Hiding in the Dock? Sounds daft, I know, but you'd be surprised. When your Switch is nestled in its dock, hooked up to the telly, the console's screen goes black. That's by design. It's not off; it's just sending the picture elsewhere. So, first thing, pull it right out of the dock. Give it a good look. Still black? Right, onto the next bit. ### 2. The Old Power Cycle Trick Now, this is an absolute staple for any bit of misbehaving electronics. Computers, routers, even the smart thermostat sometimes benefits from a good old