3 Ways to Reset a Nintendo Switch

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If your Nintendo Switch is giving you problems, resetting it may be your best option. Read on to find out which type of reset is best for you.


If you’re having trouble with your Nintendo Switch, knowing how to reset the console may be the quickest and easiest way to fix any issues you might have.


There are three quick ways to reset your Nintendo Switch: soft reset, factory reset, or hard reset. The type of problem you’re having determines which reset you should try first.

If you want to learn how to perform each type of reset and which is best for you, we can help.


Why you might need to reset your Nintendo Switch

While resetting your Nintendo Switch is a great way to deal with software issues, you may want to go through the most common issues on your Nintendo Switch to try and fix any issues before resetting the console.

If your problem persists, one of these three types of reset options can help:

  • If your console is more or less capable, and you’re having software issues, such as your console not being able to read or load games, then a soft reset is likely best for you.
  • Alternatively, if a soft reset doesn’t work, or if you wish to resell the console, you’ll need to factory reset the console. This will delete all data from your Switch, make it resaleable, and reset all software.
  • Finally, if your console is experiencing issues that prevent system navigation, or you want to keep your save data, you can try a hard reset by putting your console in recovery mode.

With each type of reset outlined, let’s take a look at how to perform each.

1. How to Soft Reset Your Nintendo Switch

To soft reset your Nintendo Switch console and try to fix minor software issues, follow these steps:

  • press and hold strength Press the button on the top of the Nintendo Switch console for 10 to 15 seconds until your console turns off.
  • After the console has completely shut down, wait a moment, then press strength button.
  • Your Nintendo Switch console will then reboot and the reset is complete.

While soft resetting your Nintendo Switch may seem like a simple reboot, holding down the power button for 10 to 15 seconds will signal your console to clear any unnecessary data that could be causing software problems.

2. How to factory reset your Nintendo Switch

If a soft reset didn’t fix your problem, or if you’re looking to sell your console or completely wipe its data, you might want to try a factory reset.

To factory reset your Nintendo Switch, follow these steps:

  • From the toolbar at the bottom of the Nintendo Switch main menu, select system settings.
  • From the left tab that appears, select system.
  • scroll to bottom system options until you find formatting options and select it.

  • Navigate down the displayed options and select reset.

  • The console will then prompt you, and if you continue, all data will be deleted.To continue, click Next.

If successful, your console will delete your account and begin erasing all data from your console.

3. How to hard reset your Nintendo Switch

Finally, if you can’t access your Nintendo Switch console or a malfunction prompts you to reset the console but want to keep your save data, you can try a hard reset.

To hard reset your Nintendo Switch, follow these steps:

  • Make sure your console is closed.
  • hold Volume up + volume down and strength button.
  • Then your console should boot in recovery mode.From here, you can choose update system, Factory reset without deleting saved data or reset.
  • To hard reset your console, select Factory reset without deleting saved data or reset.

Your console will then reset and restart with all its settings back to factory defaults, except save data if you choose not to delete it.

If your console issues persist after a reset, making sure your Nintendo Switch is updated is another great way to potentially fix or prevent further issues.

Keep Your Nintendo Switch Trouble-Free

Knowing how to perform many types of resets on the Nintendo Switch is a great way to troubleshoot issues and ensure the health of your console.

Staying current and understanding your Nintendo Switch system settings can further enable you to fine-tune the console and maintain its functionality as needed.

Understanding the various shortcuts set on the console can further increase the console’s functionality while improving its overall ease of use.

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