Unable to Add a New Bluetooth® Audio Device
The information in this article can help if you try to add a new Bluetooth® audio device, such as headphones, to your Nintendo Switch console, but you are unable to successfully add the device.
Note
This article can help if you are trying to add a Bluetooth audio device to your Nintendo Switch console for the first time or after removing a saved device. If you are trying to connect a Bluetooth audio device that you have previously used with the console, follow our steps for Unable to Connect to a Saved Bluetooth Audio Device.
What to do
Update your system to the latest system version.
Restart the console by holding down the POWER Button for three seconds, then selecting Power Options and Restart.
Power off your Bluetooth audio device, then power it on again. Ensure it is charged and in a discoverable state.
Follow the instructions for your specific Bluetooth audio device for help with setting it to discoverable.
Make sure you are not using local wireless features, such as local multiplayer across multiple consoles. Bluetooth audio cannot be used at the same time as local wireless communication.
Make sure that no more than two wireless controllers are paired to the console. Up to two wireless controllers can be paired while using a Bluetooth audio device.
Move your Bluetooth audio device closer to your Nintendo Switch console and ensure that there is no metal or electronic equipment between the audio device and the console.
Return to the Bluetooth® Audio settings in System Settings and select Add Device to search for Bluetooth audio devices in range again. Select your Bluetooth audio device’s name when it is found.
If the issue persists, follow any troubleshooting steps recommended by the device manufacturer.
If you are still unable to resolve the issue, attempt to connect a different Bluetooth audio device using our pairing steps.
Were you able to add a different Bluetooth audio device?
Yes: If another Bluetooth audio device connects successfully, then there may be an issue with the original device. Please continue to use the working device and be sure to check out Nintendo website for all the latest news.
No: If no Bluetooth audio devices can connect successfully, then the Nintendo Switch console may need to be inspected. Please click here to contact us for further support.