Troubleshooting Slow Download and Upload Speeds
Information on how to troubleshoot online connectivity issues related to slow upload and download speeds on Nintendo Switch console.
Important:
- A USB LAN Adapter is required to set up a wired internet connection when using a Nintendo Switch dock without a LAN port.
- A USB LAN adapter can be used with a Nintendo Switch Lite system using a licensed accessory.
- While troubleshooting download and upload speeds, it is recommend that you test your internet connection after making any changes to the settings of your network to determine if the change improved your network connection.
Additional Information:
Slow download speeds are generally the result of:
- Slow internet from the ISP
- Slow or unresponsive networking equipment
- Wireless interference or a weak wireless signal
- Multiple devices on the same network using an excessive amount of bandwidth
What to Do:
- Perform a connection test on the Nintendo Switch console, and take note of the following results:
- Download speed
- Upload speed
- Compare your speeds against the following speeds:
- 3 Mbps download
- 1 Mbps upload
Does your network meet the recommended speeds?
Are you using a wired or wireless internet connection?
- Move the Nintendo Switch console closer to the wireless router.
If possible, place the Nintendo Switch console within 3 to 4 metres 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.
- 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 console or wireless router, move them away.
- Power cycle your home network.
Restarting your network devices may resolve this issue if it is related to the devices being unresponsive.
Situation Not Resolved:
If you are still experiencing latency-related symptoms, this may indicate an issue related to the network environment or wireless router being used.
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
- Power cycle your home network.
Restarting your network devices may resolve this issue if it is related to the devices being unresponsive.
- Attempt to connect directly to your modem.
Connecting the LAN adapter directly to a modem instead of the router will bypass other networking devices and determine if these are causing the issue. After connecting directly to a modem, make sure you restart the device by removing the power cable for a minute.
- Try a different Ethernet cable.
If a second Ethernet cable works, this may indicate the Ethernet cable originally used is damaged or no longer working.
Situation Not Resolved:
If you are still experiencing latency-related symptoms, this may indicate an issue related to the network environment or router being used.
If you would like to continue troubleshooting potential issues related to the router, contact the router's manufacturer for assistance with performing the following steps:
- Updating the router's firmware
- Resetting the router back to its factory default settings
If you continue to experience issues when connecting directly to the modem, you may also wish to contact your ISP regarding any potential issues, especially if you experience similar issues when connecting other devices to the internet.
- Power cycle your home network.
Restarting your network devices may resolve this issue if it is related to the devices being unresponsive.
- Ensure that no other users or applications are using bandwidth on your network.
Devices streaming video content, downloading files or performing other bandwidth intensive tasks may affect the speeds at which other devices can send and receive data over the internet. Turn off any devices or programs you may find running, and then try the speed test again.
- If your test results now meet the recommended speeds, select "Yes" above. Otherwise, see below.
Situation Not Resolved:
If you continue to receive download speeds lower than recommended, please contact your network administrator or Internet Service Provider for further assistance.
If the results received are expected with your service, you may need to upgrade your service for a better experience, or, if the results are not typical, the service provider can likely assist in troubleshooting your internet service.