Nintendo Switch Dock Not Working? What to Do to Fix It

The Nintendo Switch is an incredible console. But like anything else, it isn’t perfect, and you might find things don’t work properly from time to time. If you have a faulty product, you may send it back to Nintendo to be fixed or replaced.

A lot of the time, however, issues can be resolved without having to go through the hassle of sending anything back. If you feel your Nintendo Switch dock isn’t working properly, try these troubleshooting methods before sending your product back to Nintendo.

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Perform a Hard Reset

There are a lot of variables with a product like the Nintendo Switch dock. It requires multiple cables and components. Any of them could fail, making it seem like the dock itself is broken.

We’ve all heard the following advice when having trouble with technology: “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” While it may seem cliché, there is a good reason for it! The first thing you should do if you run into trouble with your Nintendo Switch dock is to perform a hard reset.

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This means removing your Switch, as well as all the cables from the dock, and putting it back together again in the correct order. While you wouldn’t immediately think plugging the cables in a particular order would help, sometimes it is exactly what you need to get your Nintendo Switch dock working again.

Once you have taken all the cables out of your Nintendo Switch dock, reassemble it in the following order:

Using hidden Windows menu

If everything is plugged in the order suggested above, the dock should start receiving power and display the picture to your monitor. This is the biggest issue reported by new Nintendo Switch owners. If you have recently purchased your Nintendo Switch, we have you covered withall the tips a new Switch owner could need.

Use the Process of Elimination

If hard resetting your Nintendo Switch dock didn’t do the trick, it is a good idea to test out all variables to isolate your issue. For example, one of your cords could be malfunctioning, which is a much easier fix than repairing or replacing the entire dock.

Test out each of your components one by one to figure out where the issue lies. First, plug the power cable directly into the wall and check if it starts charging your Switch. If your power cable works correctly, it’s possible to scratch that off your ‘to fix’ list.

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Plug your HDMI cord into another console to make sure it works properly. When doing so, ensure you are plugging your cables into the same location on your TV to eliminate any potential issues with the HDMI ports on your monitor. If your HDMI cable is operating correctly, you may have an issue with the dock or your Nintendo Switch itself.

If possible, try testing out your Nintendo Switch with another dock. If it works fine, you may have a more serious issue with your Nintendo Switch dock. However, you should check a few more things before sending it away for repair.

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Make Sure You Are Using Nintendo Products

If your Nintendo products aren’t working as expected, ensure you are using the recommended products. When you purchase your Nintendo Switch, you will be provided with all the necessary components. Are you still using the Nintendo power cable and HDMI? If not, that could be your issue.

The Nintendo Switch dock uses an HDMI version 1.4 port. But while many HDMI cables will fit that port, they won’t all have the same outputs. An incorrect HDMI cable can cause issues with HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection).

Third-party Nintendo Switch docks can also cause similar problems. If you’re not using recommended components, you should start doing so to ensure your console continues working as expected.

Nevertheless, if you are still eager to use a third-party dock, check out our list ofthe best third-party Nintendo Switch docksto help find a reputable one that will minimize your risk.

Try These Tips the Next Time Your Nintendo Switch Dock Stops Working

Hopefully, these troubleshooting tips cured your Nintendo Switch dock of its ailments. If not, the issue must lie within the Nintendo Switch dock itself. If this is the case, Nintendo products carry a 12-month warranty. So don’t be afraid to send your products in for repair, especially if it is still within the warranty period.

Upgraded to a Switch OLED and unsure whether your original Nintendo Switch dock will work with it? Here’s what you need to know.

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