14 Easy Fixes for When Your Switch is Not Connecting to TV

The Nintendo Switch is the most popular console of our time. It’s well-liked for its unique design that lets you use it as both a handheld device and a regular home console. It gives you a wide range of gaming options and comes with detachable controllers called Joy-Cons, allowing you to easily switch between playing alone or with friends.

But like every console issue, you may experience the Switch not connecting to TV. Please don’t panic; we are here today to walk you through all its troubleshooting steps. By the end of this guide, you will be a maestro in resolving this problem on your own. Let’s get started.

Why Your Switch is Not Connecting to the TV

We know the joy of switching the Nintendo Switch from handheld mode to TV. Its multifunctional capabilities have made it more popular among users. But what’s frustrating is when it refuses to connect to the TV. There are multiple reasons for this, such as:

How to Fix Switch Not Connecting to TV

Now that you know the possible reasons, we have described all the troubleshooting methods you can try to use Nintendo Switch on your TV without any hassle:

1. Charge Your Switch

If your Switch is running low on battery, trying to connect to the TV might not work. So, it’s a good idea to make sure it has a decent amount of charge before you link it to the TV. Connection issues may appear when the battery level dips critically low.

2. Restart Switch

A glitch in the Nintendo Switch could also prevent you from connecting it to your TV. As advised by Nintendo, you should try to restart it. A restart eliminates any bugs or glitches and gives the console a fresh start.

First, try soft resetting the console; if that doesn’t work, move on to hard reset.

↪ Soft Reset

1. Press the Power button of your Switch for 15 seconds. 
   

   

2. The Switch will turn off. Wait for a few minutes, preferably a minute.
3. Now, turn it on by pressing that Power button again. 

↪ Hard Reset

1. Press and hold the Power button for 3 seconds. 
2. There will be a menu displayed on your screen; select “Power Options.”
   

   

3. Now, choose “Restart.”
   

   

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3. Restart Your TV

Sometimes, your TV fails to recognize the Switch due to some minor glitches or bugs. It would be best if you tried restarting it. This action will help refresh the TV’s settings and may resolve any temporary glitches that could hinder the connection between the Switch and the TV.

Every TV is different, especially with the influx of streaming devices so make sure to check the manual. But the general steps to restart a Smart TV are:

1. Turn off your TV by going into Settings and selecting “System.”
   

   

2. Now, choose “Restart.”
   

   

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4. Check the Switch and Dock for Any Abnormalities

A faulty Dock or Switch won’t let the connection to a TV be successful. Start by carefully examining the Switch console itself. Check for visible damage, loose components, or any irregularities around the charging port. Make sure that it is securely seated in the Dock, as a loose connection can hinder the TV connection.

Next, inspect the Dock. Examine it for any physical damage, ensuring the connectors inside the Dock are clean and debris-free. Sometimes, gathered dust or dirt can interfere with the connection. Additionally, confirm that the Dock’s USB and HDMI ports are in good condition and not bent or damaged.

READ MORE: How to Fix Nintendo Switch Dock not Working ➜

5. Use Original Nintendo Accessories

One reason for the Switch having issues while linking to the TV is the use of third-party or local accessories. Opting for third-party chargers or subpar USB cables may introduce interference, disrupting the seamless transition from handheld to TV mode.

Always use the original Nintendo accessories when connecting your Switch to the TV. Their reliability and compatibility, explicitly designed for the Nintendo Switch, ensure a seamless and glitch-free setup.

The official AC adapter keeps your console powered up safely. The HDMI cable ensures top-notch connections between your Switch and the TV. And if you go with the official Dock, you can switch between handheld and TV modes smoothly.

6. Use a Different HDMI Port

Using the wrong (or a faulty) HDMI port can cause issues with the connection between the Switch and the TV. Each HDMI port on your television is assigned a specific input channel. If the console is plugged into the wrong port, the TV won’t recognize the signal correctly. This misalignment can lead to a blank screen, resulting in a failed connection between the Switch and the TV.

Nintendo recommends trying a different HDMI port to troubleshoot this problem. Start by unplugging the HDMI cable from both the TV and the Dock. Now, connect the HDMI cable to a different port on your TV. Make sure it’s securely plugged in on both ends. Once that’s done, power on your Switch and check if the TV recognizes the connection.

READ MORE: How to Fix HDMI No Signal ➜

7. Connect the Switch & TV Correctly

The below-mentioned procedure is a Nintendo-verified solution. When you first encounter issues with your console and generic solutions (like restarting the console or TV) don’t help, resort to this fix:

1. Remove your console, AC adapter, and HDMI cable from the Nintendo Switch dock.
2. Unplug the AC adapter from the mains socket, waiting at least 20 seconds before reconnecting it.
3. Unplug the HDMI cable from your television.
4. Connect the AC adapter to the “AC ADAPTER” port on the Dock.
5. Connect the HDMI cable to the “HDMI OUT” port on the Dock.
   

   

6. Insert your AC adapter into a mains socket, ensuring a direct connection without using an extension cord or power strip.
   

   

7. Connect the HDMI cable directly to your television’s HDMI port.
   

   

8. Turn on your TV and select the HDMI input to which your console is connected using your TV’s controls.
9. Turn on your Nintendo Switch once the TV is set to the correct HDMI input.
10. Insert your console into the Dock once the HOME Menu is displayed on your console’s screen.
    
    

    

    

11. Check that the indicator light on your Dock is illuminated after inserting the console. If not, press your console’s Power button again.
    
    

    

12. If the dock light is flashing, there may be an issue with the Dock.
13. Finally, after implementing these steps, check if you can see a picture on your TV screen. This may take some time in certain instances.
    

8. Check the Input on Your TV

If you have chosen a different input source for the HDMI port on your TV other than the one your Switch is connected to, it may result in connectivity problems. So, it would be best if you check the input on your TV by following this procedure:

1. Use the TV remote to access your TV’s input or source menu.
2. Choose the input source that matches the HDMI port to which your Switch is connected.
3. Confirm your selection to set the TV to the chosen input source.
4. Power on your Nintendo Switch and check if the TV recognizes the connection.

9. Reset the AC Adapter

If your Switch is still not connecting, attempt to resolve the issue by resetting the AC adapter and ensuring the console functions in handheld mode. You can do it by following these steps:

1. Turn off the TV and disconnect all cables from the Dock.
2. Reset the AC adapter by unplugging it from both the wall socket and the Dock for a minimum of 30 seconds.
3. While the Switch is in handheld mode, attach the AC adapter directly to the console and plug it into a wall outlet. If there is no display, press the Power button on the console.

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10. Modify TV Resolution Settings

Sometimes, the TV resolution settings are not compatible with the Switch. So, Nintendo recommended adjusting them manually. This approach helps identify the suitable resolution, ensuring a clear and adequately displayed image on your TV screen.

Here’s how you can do that:

1. Take your Switch out of the Dock and switch to Handheld Mode.
2. From HOME, go to “System Settings” > “TV Settings.”
   

   

3. Explore a different “TV Resolution” value, such as “480p.”
   

   

4. Reinsert your console into the Dock and check if the TV now displays a picture.
5. If successful, try higher resolutions like “720p” and “1080p.”

READ MORE: How To Use A Nintendo Switch Pro Controller For PC Gaming ➜

11. Disabling Match TV Power State

Turning off Match TV Power State means your device won’t automatically follow the TV’s power changes. It prevents your device from unexpectedly shutting down when the TV is turned off and also gives you more control over how your device manages power.

Follow the below-mentioned procedure to disable this option on your Switch:

1. Use your console in Handheld mode. 
2. Press any button thrice to unlock it.
3. Navigate to “System Settings” > “TV Settings.”
4. Turn off “Match TV Power State” by clicking on its option. 
   

   

12. Update the Firmware of Switch and TV

An outdated software version of both the Switch and the TV can trigger issues like this. If any of them is running on an older firmware, you could have a problem connecting them. So, it would help if you keep your devices up-to-date.

Here, we will be discussing how you can update Nintendo Switch and Smart TV:

↪ Nintendo Switch

1. From HOME, select “System Settings.”
2. Go to “System” and tap on “System Update.” The system will automatically check and install any recent firmware builds on your console. 
   

   

↪ Smart TV

1. Go to Settings > System > About.
2. Click on “System Software Update.” The TV will look for newer software versions and install them to your system automatically.
   

   

13. Try a Different Dock or TV

If you’re facing challenges connecting your Nintendo Switch to the TV, a practical troubleshooting step is to try using a different Dock or TV (if you have access to other devices). This helps pinpoint whether the issue lies with the Nintendo Switch itself or the specific Dock or TV in use.

READ MORE: Can You Play DS Games on the Switch? Here’s How ➜

14. Initialize Switch Without Deleting Save Data

The last solution is to initialize your Nintendo Switch when all else fails. It’s a risky fix, but it can solve the issue if done correctly. We have mentioned the detailed process of it below. Follow the steps in chronological order to avoid any inconvenience.

1. Turn off your Switch by holding the Power button.
2. Press and hold the Volume Up, Volume Down, and Power buttons simultaneously until you see the Maintenance Mode menu on the screen.
3. Select “Initialize Console Without Deleting Saved Data.”
   

   

4. Tap on “Next” and confirm the initialization by tapping the orange “Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data” button. Your console will be rebooted and act as a new one. You will need to set up language and internet and agree to user agreements. 

Last Effort: Contact Nintendo Support

If you have tried the solutions above and are still unsuccessful in connecting your Switch and TV, we recommend you contact Nintendo Support. They can provide personalized guidance, troubleshoot problems, and offer solutions based on your situation. Visit the official website or reach out to their Consumer Assistance Hotline at 1-800-255-3700.

READ MORE: Is My Nintendo Switch Moddable? How to Check For Patched Units ➜

Wrapping Up

There you have it. A detailed guide to fix the connection issues between your Switch and the TV. While troubleshooting, prioritize official accessories, thoroughly check HDMI connections, and check if the TV is connected to the Switch correctly.

If issues persist, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from Nintendo Support. Navigate through the troubleshooting process with confidence, and soon, you’ll be back to enjoying seamless gaming on your TV.