Do you have a blank screen on your Nintendo Switch, but you can hear sounds from the console speakers? Is it difficult to turn on your Nintendo Switch, or does it refuse to wake up after being in sleep mode? This guide will walk you through troubleshooting techniques for the Nintendo Switch black screen issue.
After its release in 2012, Many users met the Nintendo Wii U with mixed reviews. As a result, Nintendo reimagined its home products and introduced Nintendo Switch in 2017. It’s a cross between a game console and television. You can play games on it by connecting it to your TV, or you can use it as a portable wireless console and handheld device.
However, several users have reported that the Nintendo Switch goes black after turning on or waking up from sleep mode. Users can sometimes hear sounds coming from the console, but they cannot see anything on the screen. Let’s see why your Nintendo Switch isn’t working and what’s causing it.
Why is Nintendo Screen Not Working?
If a black screen appears on your Nintendo Switch, it could be caused by one of the following issues.
A Dead Battery
The hardware components of the Nintendo Switch are almost identical to those of a smartphone. On the other hand, Switch will display a dark screen if the screen is damaged, but you can hear sounds from the console speakers. As a result, if your console’s battery is down, the screen could be the source of the blackout.
Console Damage
After turning on your console, you may notice a dark screen. This is because the battery indicator appears for a split second in this situation, indicating that you have not charged the battery sufficiently to power up your console.
Software Issues
- The dark screen on the Switch is due to a transient fault in the software.
- The charging adaptor or dock for the console has failed.
- Because of malfunctioning hardware components, the game console is broken and needs to be repaired or replaced.
Fix Nintendo Switch Black or Blank Screen Issues 2024
Quick Fix
This is not the time to surrender to your ambitions of playing Zelda or Donkey Kong on the Nintendo Switch. There is something you can do to solve the problem. Although there is no assurance that this fix will solve your problem, there is no risk in attempting it because it is only a device reset. Therefore, you will not cause any program to malfunction due to using it. Furthermore, it will lose no data. So there’s nothing to be afraid about. Because I’ve seen this remedy work for other people, I figured I’d share it with you.
The troubleshooting procedures mentioned below can fix the black screen issue on your Nintendo Switch.
- You must first rule out other issues that are identical to this one. For example, a motionless black screen is in front of you. So, take your Nintendo Switch somewhere dark, and then examine the screen to see any light coming out of it.
- Its wonderful news if you see any light. Because it is only a minor software issue, if you see the light, do a reset by pressing the power button for a minimum of 12 seconds. Remember that it could take longer than 12 seconds, so simply wait until the screen’s light turns off.
- Wait a few seconds after turning off your Nintendo switch before pressing and holding the power button till it turns on. That’s it; your Nintendo Switch will now function normally.
Force Reboot Nintendo Switch
The first suggested option to fix the black screen issue on Nintendo Switch is to execute a force reset. To do so, follow these steps:
- Connect the console’s AC adapter to the battery and charge it for 15 minutes.
- Then, for 10-15 seconds, press and hold the Power button.
- Turn on the Switch by pressing the Power button and observe if the problem still exists.
Try a Soft Switch
A soft reset may be all that is required to get your Nintendo Switch running again.
- For 20 seconds, hold the Power button.
- Press and hold the Power button.
- To restart the console, press the Power button.
Try Another Reset
If the soft reset doesn’t work, try resetting the AC adapter in addition to the soft reset:
- Remove the AC adapter from the wall socket and the switch.
- Allow at least 30 seconds for it to be unplugged.
- Hold the “Power button” on the top left of the console for 20 seconds while the AC adapter is unplugged.
- To turn on the console, press the Power button once.
Reset AC Adapter
Resetting the Nintendo Switch is another easy option to fix the black screen. First, unplug the AC adapter from both ends to accomplish this. After that, open it for 30 seconds before using the AC adapter to charge the Switch battery. Then, hopefully, the charger will begin to charge the console and turn it on.
Check Nintendo Switch AC adapter
If resetting the AC adapter doesn’t work, make sure you’re using the correct AC adapter model, such as Model No. HAC-002. If you don’t have an AC adaptor, borrow one from a Nintendo Switch player friend or family member. Charge your console for at least 3 hours with the borrowed AC adapter.
Replace your adapter with the original one from the Nintendo online store if the Nintendo witch turns back on and you no longer see the black screen. Otherwise, examine your dock’s charging capabilities and, if necessary, replace them.
Do a Soft Reset without Deleting Saves Data
A soft reset is one of the primary alternatives for troubleshooting the black screen on your console. You will lose your saved data, video, and screenshots if you perform a soft reset, but you will not lose your saved data, video, or screenshots.
To do so, go to the recovery mode on the console and follow the steps below:
- Make sure the Nintendo Switch is turned off entirely, which means it isn’t in sleep mode.
- Hold the Power button for 12 seconds to turn your Nintendo Switch off.
- Now hold the Power and Volume buttons until the recovery option appears.
- Select “Restore factory settings without destroying save data” from the list of options (You may need to enter your PIN if parental controls are set up).
- After reading the instructions, click “Next” at the bottom of the page.
- Wait for the console to finish the task.
- Finally, turn on the Switch in regular mode to see if the problem is resolved.
Check your Device for Damage
Wiggle the power cord where it connects to the console gently if your Nintendo Switch still won’t switch on. Is the cable rattling or lost? Is there any melted, burnt, or discolored plastic in the vicinity of the power cord or port? If this is the case, your console might need to be replaced.
Check your Power Cable for Damage
If your Nintendo Switch still won’t come on, gently jiggle the power cord at the console’s connection. Is there any rattling or sagging in the cable? Is there any melted, charred, or discolored plastic near the power cord or port? You may need to replace your console.
Check if your Screen is damaged
The Nintendo Switch sports a touch screen made of components found in smartphones. However, the console may not power on if the screen is broken, and the screen will display a black screen.
There could be a screen problem if the console still loads successfully but the screen remains blank.
Try a Different Power Source
If your console and power line are in fine working order, your outlet or surge protector may be faulty. To troubleshoot this problem, try plugging your device into a different outlet.
Contact Nintendo for Repairs
Suppose the black screen on your Nintendo Switch persists despite verifying the charging accessories, force restarting, and doing a soft reset. In that case, you should contact Nintendo and request that the system be repaired.
Additionally, make sure that the Nintendo techs examine your AC adapter and charging dock. They can do tests to rule them out as the source of the problem. If you can’t get to a Nintendo store, you can always contact them through their website.
Few Tips to keep your Nintendo Switch Running Smoothly
To maintain your Nintendo Switch in good working order, follow these guidelines:
- Regularly run the most recent software updates to avoid potential issues and keep your Switch ready to play.
- Keep them connected to your Switch console when you’re not using your controllers so they’ll be charged when you’re ready to play.
- Store your Switch in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated environment away from the ground.
- Keep your console out of direct sunlight and away from any heat sources.
- Clean your console with compressed air regularly, paying particular attention to the power port and the vents and slats on your machine.
Back up your Switch data to an external hard drive at least once a month to ensure that you don’t lose your hard-won stats if you ever have to factory reset your device.
Hopefully, this article has assisted you in resolving the black screen problem on your Nintendo Switch. First, troubleshoot by addressing battery issues, such as a broken AC adapter or charging station. If that doesn’t work, try the other suggestions.
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