What to do when your Nintendo Switch won't connect to your TV

Whether you're playing Pokemon Legends: Arceus® or Splatoon® 3 on your Nintendo Switch®, it's fun to use a TV screen as your monitor. But if your Switch is not connecting to your TV, it's game over for playing on the big screen. Don't worry, we can walk you through some simple steps to get your devices working together.

At Asurion, we help you get the most out of your tech—from fixes for Nintendo Switch charging issues to connecting wireless headphones to your TV. Here's our guide to what to do when your Switch isn't coming up on your TV.

Why won't my Nintendo Switch connect to my TV?

Designed to be completely portable, the Nintendo Switch Lite®, can't connect to your TV. But for other Switch models, there are several reasons your connection isn't working:

• Faulty cable
• Cables plugged in out of order
• Incorrect TV input
• Wrong dock positioning
• Broken TV or dock

Here are a few simple fixes that may solve the problem.

Reset your Nintendo Switch

A simple reset can fix software issues with your gaming system, including those that may be preventing it from connecting to your TV. Try these two steps:

1. Press and hold the Power button (for approximately 15 seconds) until your Switch turns off.
2. Press the Power button to turn it back on.

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Check your cables

Your Nintendo Switch connects to your TV using the Switch dock, which requires two cables: the Switch AC Adapter (USB-C) and an HDMI cable. Here are two important tips:

• Use only the original Nintendo power cables that come with new systems—an off-brand cord may not properly power your Switch.
• Make sure the cables are in good shape—dirt, exposed or frayed wires, a bent adapter, or bent pins may prevent your Switch from connecting. If you see damage, you should replace the cord.

Plug in the cables in the correct order

If your Switch isn't coming up on your TV screen, you may have plugged in the cables in the wrong order. Connect the power adapter first, followed by the HDMI cord. Try disconnecting, then reconnecting your cables following these steps:

1. Remove your Nintendo Switch from the dock.
2. Plug the USB-C connector of the Switch AC adapter into the port labeled AC Adapter on the dock.
3. Plug the AC Adapter into a wall outlet.
4. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the dock port labeled HDMI Out.
5. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable into your TV.
6. Place your Switch back into the dock—make sure the Switch screen is facing the front panel of the dock.
7. The system should begin to charge and display video on your TV screen. If it does not, press the Power button on the console.

Use the correct TV input

Still seeing a blank TV screen? Confirm that your TV input setting matches the HDMI port you are using to connect to your Switch.

1. Check the port where you plugged in the HDMI cable to find the label identifying the HDMI input.
2. Turn on your TV.
3. Press Input on your remote until the TV displays the port to which your Switch is connected—most TVs display the port name or number onscreen when switching between inputs.
4. If the HDMI port isn't labeled, press HDMI 1 on your remote and wait for the TV to display the signal coming from the Switch.
5. If it doesn't work, move to HDMI 2 and so on until you find the right connection.

If you're still wondering “why won't my Nintendo Switch connect to my TV," here's a Nintendo Switch fix: If your TV has multiple HDMI ports, try changing the HDMI port your Switch is plugged into. The port you're using may be damaged.

Check the position of the Nintendo Switch in the dock

It's important to securely attach your Switch to its dock to connect it to your TV. Try removing and reseating your Switch with these steps:

Reset the AC Adapter

If your Switch is still not connecting, try to reset the AC adapter and confirm that the console works in handheld mode.

1. Turn off the TV and disconnect all cables from the dock.
2. Reset the AC adapter by disconnecting it at the wall socket and the dock for at least 30 seconds.

Make sure you are using the recommended Nintendo Switch AC adapter (Model No. HAC-002) and the Nintendo Switch dock (Model NO. HAC-007) or the Nintendo Switch dock with LAN port (Model No. HEG-007).

1. With the Switch undocked, connect the AC adapter to the console and directly to a wall outlet.
2. If you don't see an image, press the Power button on the console.

Try a different TV or dock

The last thing to try, if you have access to other devices, is to connect your Switch to another television or monitor. If your Switch connects, you'll know the TV was causing the problem. If you're still getting no connection, try connecting your Switch to a different dock. If it connects, you'll need to replace the dock.

Having trouble keeping your game going? Check out our guide on what to do if your Switch keeps crashing or won't charge.