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How to Fix Nintendo Switch Dock Not Working (Simple Solution)

How to Fix Nintendo Switch Dock Not Working (Simple Solution)

Since the Nintendo Switch came out, the included dock has been a popular feature. Not only does this dock allow you to easily charge your console, but it also lets you play games with friends on your TV screen. However, some people have issues with the dock occasionally not working when they attach their Switch.

There are a few different ways you can fix your Nintendo Switch dock if it isn’t working properly. Power cycling is a common solution, as are performing hard resets and adjusting the power and HDMI cables. If the problem persists, the best course of action is to have your dock checked by Nintendo for issues.

Below, we’ll discuss common solutions for fixing your Nintendo Switch dock, so it works properly. Keep reading to learn the various tips and tricks!

Why It’s Important to Fix Your Nintendo Switch Dock Right Now

The Nintendo Switch dock is included in the box when you purchase a Nintendo Switch console. One of its uses is to simply charge your Switch. The other, more popular use is to display gameplay on your TV screen so you can easily play games with groups of friends.

In order to display your game screen on your TV, you need to attach three things to your dock:

  • An HDMI cable
  • Your Nintendo Switch
  • An AC power adapter

In theory, the dock is very simple to use. However, some people have either occasional or constant issues that cause the dock to stop working, seemingly out of nowhere.

How to Fix the Nintendo Switch Dock

It can be very frustrating to attach your Switch to its dock, only to find that it won’t connect or display content on your television screen correctly.

There are a few things that cause the Nintendo Switch dock to stop working, either periodically or altogether. These include:

  • HDMI issues
  • An error state
  • Bad configurations
  • Type of power outlet
  • Cables in the wrong order

Now, let’s discuss some solutions that may help you get your dock to work correctly again.

HDMI Issues

If your dock is charging your Switch but cannot display gameplay on your television screen, the problem could lay with your HDMI cord. Check to be sure it’s plugged in correctly and that your TV is set to the right input. If you’re still having issues, try using a new HDMI cable.

An Error State

Sometimes, your Nintendo Switch Dock simply fails to connect with either the Switch or your TV. If this is the case, power cycling the dock may solve the problem. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Unplug both the HDMI cord and power adapter from your dock.
  2. Press and hold the dock’s power button for 10-15 seconds.
  3. Wait about 30 seconds, then turn your TV and Switch both off and back on.
  4. Plug everything back in and try connecting the device again.

Power cycling is the oldest trick in the book, and it may help in this situation.

Bad Configurations

Having bad configurations stored on your Switch’s computer chip could cause connectivity issues with your dock. Try resetting the cache on your Switch, or perform a hard reset.

To reset the cache, follow these steps:

  1. From your Switch’s home menu, select “System Settings” then “System.”
  2. Choose “Formatting Options” from the System menu.
  3. Select “Reset cache” to remove any bad configurations.

If you want to perform a hard reset, press and hold your Switch’s power button until the device resets. It could take a while, but once it finally powers down, turn it back on.

Type of Power Outlet

One thing about the Nintendo Switch dock is that it seems to prefer being plugged directly into a wall outlet. If you have it plugged into a plug strip or extension cord, try moving the power cord to a wall outlet and see if that solves your issue.

Cables in the Wrong Order

Some Switches have a coding bug that causes the order of how the cables are plugged in to affect how the docks behave. Unplug every cable from your dock and remove the Switch. Then, plug the power cable in first, followed by the HDMI cable, and finally, insert your Switch.

A Faulty Dock

If nothing else works, the problem could simply lay within your dock. The dock may have never worked properly in the first place, or years of wear and tear could have caused it to malfunction.

The best course of action in this scenario is to have it checked by Nintendo. You could bring it to a Nintendo store near you or call customer service to see where you can send it off to be checked. Depending on the issue and any active warranties you have, they may fix the dock or send you a replacement for free.

Final Thoughts

It’s incredibly frustrating to put your Nintendo Switch on the dock to charge or to connect it to your television to play games with friends, only to find that it does not work. Thankfully, there are several fixes you can try that may solve this issue. Most are easy, and in the worst-case scenario, you can always have it checked for problems by a Nintendo representative.