The Nintendo Switch Console Cannot Find Your Wireless Network

The Nintendo Switch Console Cannot Find Your Wireless Network

The information in this article can help you when:

• You are unable to connect your Nintendo Switch console online because your wireless network was not found.

• After searching for wireless networks, your network is not listed under "Found Networks."

• The MAC address on the console is displayed primarily as zeroes.

Important

• If you remain within the Internet settings, you can press the Y Button to have the Nintendo Switch console search for networks.

• Perform this search for networks after any changes are made to the Nintendo Switch console or network environment.

Troubleshooting

• Restart the Nintendo Switch console.
  To restart the console, press the POWER Button for three seconds, and then select "Power Options," followed by "Restart."

• Create a new Internet connection.
  Set up a new Internet connection, ensuring that you are attempting to connect to the correct network, and that you are receiving a strong wireless signal from the network.

• Move the Nintendo Switch console closer to the wireless router.
  If possible, place the Nintendo Switch within 3 to 5 meters of the wireless router to improve the signal strength during troubleshooting.

  • It may be helpful to remove the Nintendo Switch console from the Nintendo Switch dock while troubleshooting, and then return the console when troubleshooting is complete.

• Power cycle your home network.
  Restarting your network devices may resolve this issue if it is related to the devices being unresponsive.

• Move any metal objects or electronic devices away from your Nintendo Switch console and wireless router.
  Metal objects and electronic devices may interfere with wireless signals. If you have any of these, such as filing cabinets, speakers, power strips, glass, or cordless phones, next to your system or wireless router, move them away.

• Disable Sleep Mode temporarily and fully deplete the battery of your Nintendo Switch console.

  1. From the HOME Menu select System Settings.

  2. Scroll down the options on the left and select Sleep Mode.

  3. To disable Auto-Sleep while using the console screen, select Never.

  4. Now allow the console to continue running until the battery is fully depleted and it powers off automatically.

  5. Recharge the console battery using the Nintendo Switch AC Adapter.

  6. Power on the console once the battery is fully charged.

  7. On the Nintendo Switch console, select System Settings on the HOME Menu.

  8. Select Internet, and then Internet Settings. 

     • The Nintendo Switch will automatically search for near-by Wi-Fi signals. 

  9. If the console still cannot locate a wireless network, please continue the troubleshooting steps below.

• If you are still unable to find your wireless network, this may indicate an issue related to the network environment or wireless router being used.
  If you would like to continue troubleshooting your network, please contact either your Internet Service Provider (ISP), network administrator, router manufacturer or refer to the router product manual for further assistance with performing the following steps:

  • Ensure your router's wireless security key setting is compatible with Nintendo Switch.
    The Nintendo Switch console supports WEP, WPA-PSK(AES), and WPA2-PSK(AES). If your router is using a different security type (e.g. WPA-PSK(TKIP)), you will need to change this security type within your router's settings.

    • Important: If you change the security settings of your wireless router, then you may also be required to update the security settings for the wireless devices that connect to your router.

  • Review the settings of the wireless router and ensure the SSID (network name) broadcast option is enabled.
    Most wireless networking devices have the option to not broadcast their SSID, making them invisible to devices searching for near-by networks. If the broadcast option is disabled, you can either enable this option on the wireless router, or manually set up an Internet connection via the steps below.

• Manually create an Internet connection on the Nintendo Switch console.
  In situations where the console cannot locate your SSID, you may still be able to connect to the network if you manually enter the network's SSID and wireless password into the Nintendo Switch console's settings.
  
  Complete these steps

  1. Select System Settings from the HOME Menu.

  2. Select Internet, and then Internet Settings.

  3. The Nintendo Switch will automatically search for near-by Wi-Fi signals.

  4. Scroll to the bottom of the networks listed under Networks Found, and select Manual Setup.

  5. Select from the following options, and enter the appropriate network information:

     • Network Name
       Enter the nickname you would like to give this network connection within the Internet settings.

     • SSID
       Enter the SSID (broadcast name) of the wireless router you are connecting to.

     • Security
       Select the router's security type and enter the router's wireless password.

     • IP Address Settings
       Select Automatic to have the IP address settings automatically obtained from the router, or select Manual and enter the appropriate network IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.

     • DNS Settings
       Select Automatic to have the DNS settings automatically obtained from the router, or select Manual and enter the appropriate Primary and Secondary DNS.

     • Proxy Settings
       Select Off if you are not connecting through a proxy, or select Yes and enter the appropriate info for the proxy server, port, and auto-authentication.

     • MTU
       Enter the appropriate MTU value.

     • Connect to a Hidden Network
       Select On to allow the Nintendo Switch console to connect to hidden networks (networks that do not broadcast their SSID), or select Off to not allow this.

  6. Select Save.

  7. Select Connect to this Network to test the saved connection or select Back to return to the Internet settings.

• If you would like to continue troubleshooting potential issues related to the wireless router, contact the router's manufacturer for assistance with performing the following steps:

  • Updating the wireless router's firmware

  • Resetting the router back to its factory default settings

• Connect to the Internet at a different location or access point.
  Try connecting at a friend or family member's home, whom has a broadband internet connection.
  
  If the Nintendo Switch console is unable to detect any access points when tested at multiple locations, it may need to be inspected. Please contact us for support.