Nintendo Support

Parental Controls Overview / FAQ

The parental controls for Nintendo Switch allow you to manage which features and games your child can use on their system. You can set restrictions through the Nintendo Switch console or with the more extensive Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app.

You can also set restrictions for Nintendo eShop through your Nintendo Account.

Key Points:

  • Parental controls can restrict the download and use of certain content, set play time limits, and restrict the use of certain features on Nintendo Switch. 

  • Parental controls are set for the system – not the user. Once set, the same restrictions will be in place for everyone that uses the system.

  • The parent / guardian chooses a 4-digit PIN when setting up the parental controls. The PIN will be used in the future whenever a restriction needs to be bypassed or changed.

  • Parental controls can also be managed on your smart device, via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls application. Some features (such as play time limits) can only be managed through the smart device application. Please note that an Internet connection is required to use this feature. 

What kind of parental controls does Nintendo Switch have?

  • Parents can use the on-device parental controls to set restrictions on game content, social media posting, and communication with other users.

  • Parents can choose from three pre-set options (Child, Pre-Teen or Teen) or create Custom settings.

  • Additionally, parents can download and use the more extensive Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, available for free on iOS and Android devices. Using the app, parents can also set daily limits for how long the system can be played, and view the games that have been played on the system, and for how long. Parents can even set a cutoff time, such as no gaming allowed after 9 p.m.

  • Nintendo eShop purchases can be restricted through the parent / guardian’s Nintendo Account profile settings on a PC or smart device (accessible by signing in to http://accounts.nintendo.com). 

What is the difference between the parental controls on the system and on the smart device application?

  • The core parental controls (game content restrictions, limiting communi cation between players, and social media restrictions) can be set on both the system and through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls application.

  • With the smart device application, you can also set play time limits, view the games that have been played on the system, and even set a daily cut-off time.

  • Additionally, Nintendo eShop purchases can be restricted through the parent / guardian’s Nintendo Account profile settings on a PC or smart device (accessible by signing in to http://accounts.nintendo.com). 

What happens when the daily time limit is reached?

  • When the daily time limit is reached, you can choose to either have the system suspend the game or simply have a notification appear on the screen.

  • If the game is suspended, the system will go into sleep mo de immediately, and the player will not be able to continue their game. The system cannot be played again until the restriction is lifted or the daily time period has passed. Players can usually resume from the same spot once the restriction has been lifted. 

How much does it cost to download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app?

  • The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app is available for free on iOS and Android devices (data fees may apply). A Nintendo Account is required to use the app. 

Can I manage the restrictions for my system on two different smart devices?

  • The restrictions can only be managed by one Nintendo Account. However, you can link the same Nintendo Account to the application on multiple smart devices. Then, you can manage the restrictions through each device that the Nintendo Account is linked to. 

Can I manage the restrictions for multiple Nintendo Switch systems on one smart device?

  • Yes. You can link up to three Nintendo Switch systems to the same smart device. 

What are the requirements for the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls application?

  • iOS Users

    • Supported on iPhone 5 or newer 

    • Supported on iOS 9 or newer 

  • Android users

    • Supported on Android 4.4 or newer