Nintendo Switch settings and support guides

System

Keep your device current and configure core system behavior.

• System UpdateNintendo periodically releases system updates that patch security issues, improve stability, and are often required before a new game, amiibo feature, or online service will work at all.

Privacy & Security

Control which apps can access your camera, microphone, and data.

• Parental ControlsParental Controls can limit which games and content a profile can access by age rating, set daily play-time limits, and restrict messaging and screenshot sharing — configurable either on the console or from a companion smartphone app.

Network & Internet

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and network connection settings.

• Wireless / Wi-Fi ConnectionThe console connects to the internet exclusively over Wi-Fi unless the official dock is paired with a USB-Ethernet adapter, so a stable wireless connection is essential for updates, downloads, and online multiplayer.

Display & Sound

Screen, audio, and alert preferences.

• Sleep Mode & Power OptionsSleep Mode pauses the console in a low-power state so it resumes instantly, and its timing, along with a few charging-related power options, can be adjusted to balance convenience against battery wear.

Storage & Backup

Manage space, back up your data, and stay protected against loss.

• microSD Storage ManagementDownloaded games, screenshots, and captures can quickly fill the console's built-in storage, and a microSD card lets you expand capacity and move software between internal storage and the card.
• Save Data Cloud Backup (Nintendo Switch Online)An active Nintendo Switch Online membership enables automatic cloud backup of most game save data, protecting progress if the console is lost, damaged, or replaced, and allowing save data to carry over to a new Switch.

Accounts & Family

Account sign-in, sync, and family/parental controls.

• Nintendo Account & User ProfilesEach person using the console gets their own local user profile, which can be linked to a Nintendo Account for online play, eShop purchases, save data cloud backup, and Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Devices

Mice, keyboards, trackpads, printers, and other connected hardware.

• Joy-Con Pairing & CalibrationJoy-Con controllers pair automatically when attached to the console's rails, but need to be manually re-synced over Bluetooth when detached, and occasionally recalibrated if stick drift or misregistered motion is noticed.

Help and tools

• Troubleshooting
• FAQ & Help
• Device info & diagnostics
• Contact & feedback