How to Fix Nintendo Switch Black Screen Issues

Have a blank screen on your Nintendo Switch but hear sounds from the console’s speakers? Is it difficult to turn on the Nintendo Switch or does it refuse to wake up after going to sleep? This guide will walk you through the troubleshooting methods for Nintendo Switch black screen.

Upon release in 2012, the Nintendo Wii U received mixed reviews from many users. As a result, Nintendo reimagined its home products and introduced the Nintendo Switch in 2017. It’s a cross between a game console and a TV. You can play games on it by connecting it to your TV, or use it as a portable wireless console and portable device.

However, several users have reported that Nintendo Switch turns black after turning it on or waking up from sleep. Users can sometimes hear sounds coming from the console but see nothing on the screen. Let’s see why your Nintendo Switch is not working and what is causing it.

Content:

1 Why is the Nintendo screen not working?
2 Fix Nintendo Switch 2023 black or blank screen issues
3 tips to keep your Nintendo Switch running smoothly

Why is the Nintendo screen not working?

If a black screen appears on your Nintendo Switch, it could be caused by one of the following issues.

Low battery

The hardware components of the Nintendo Switch are almost identical to those of a smartphone. On the other hand, the Switch will display a dark screen if the screen is damaged, but you can still hear sounds from the console’s speakers. As a result, if your console’s battery is low, the screen can be a source of dimming.

Console damage

After turning on the console, you may notice a dark screen. This is because in this situation, the battery indicator appears for a fraction of a second, indicating that the battery is not sufficiently charged to turn on the console.

Software issues

The black screen on the switch is due to a temporary glitch in the software.
The charging adapter or console dock has failed.
Due to a malfunctioning hardware component, the game console is out of order and needs to be repaired or replaced.

Fix Nintendo Switch 2023 black or blank screen issues

Quick fix

Now is not the time to give up on your ambitions to play Zelda or Donkey Kong on the Nintendo Switch. There is something you can do to fix the problem. While there is no guarantee that this fix will solve your problem, there is no risk in trying it as it is just a device reset. In this way, you will not cause any program to crash due to its use. Also, it won’t lose any data. So there is nothing to be afraid of. Since I have seen how this remedy works on other people, I decided to share it with you.

The troubleshooting procedures mentioned below can solve the black screen issue on your Nintendo Switch.

You must first rule out other problems identical to this one. For example, you have a fixed black screen in front of you. So, take your Nintendo Switch to a dark place and then look around the screen to see what kind of light is coming from it.
Its great news if you see any light. Since this is only a minor software issue, if you see a light, please reset by pressing the power button for at least 12 seconds. Keep in mind that this may take more than 12 seconds, so just wait until the lights on the screen turn off.
Wait a few seconds after turning off the Nintendo Switch before pressing and holding the power button until it turns on. That’s all; your Nintendo Switch will now work normally.

Force restart your Nintendo Switch

The first suggested solution to the black screen issue on Nintendo Switch is to perform a hard reset. To do this, follow these steps:

Connect the console AC adapter to the battery and charge it for 15 minutes.
Then press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds.
Turn on the switch by pressing the power button and see if the problem persists.

Try a soft switch

A soft reset may be all it takes to get your Nintendo Switch working again.

Hold down the power button for 20 seconds.
Press and hold the power button.
To restart the console, press the power button.

Try another reset

If a soft reset doesn’t work, try resetting the AC adapter in addition to a soft reset:

Disconnect the AC adapter from the wall outlet and switch.
Wait at least 30 seconds for it to turn off.
Hold down the “power button”at the top left of the console for 20 seconds while the AC adapter is unplugged.
To turn on the console, press the power button once.

Reset AC adapter

Resetting your Nintendo Switch is another easy way to fix a black screen. To do this, first unplug the AC adapter at both ends. After that, open it for 30 seconds before using the AC adapter to charge the Switch’s battery. Then, hopefully, the charger will start charging the box and turn it on.

Check the Nintendo Switch AC adapter.

If resetting the AC adapter does not work, please make sure you are using the correct AC adapter model, such as Model No. HAC-002. If you don’t have an AC adapter, borrow one from a friend or family member who plays Nintendo Switch. Charge your console for at least 3 hours using a borrowed AC adapter.

Replace your adapter with an original one from the Nintendo Online Store if the Nintendo Witch turns on again and you no longer see the black screen. If not, check the charging capabilities of your docking station and replace if necessary.

Do a soft reset without deleting saved data

A soft reset is one of the main ways to troubleshoot black screen issues on your console. You will lose saved data, videos, and screenshots if you perform a soft reset, but you will not lose saved data, videos, or screenshots.

To do this, go into recovery mode on the console and follow these steps:

Make sure the Nintendo Switch is completely turned off, which means it is not in sleep mode.
Hold down the power button for 12 seconds to turn off the Nintendo Switch.
Now hold down the power and volume buttons until the recovery option appears.
Select “Restore factory settings without destroying saved data”from the list of options (you may need to enter your PIN if parental controls are set up).
After reading the instructions, click “Next”at the bottom of the page.
Wait for the console to complete the task.
Finally, turn on the switch normally to see if the issue is resolved.

Check your device for damage

Gently wiggle the power cord where it connects to the console if your Nintendo Switch still won’t turn on. Cable rattling or lost? Is there any melted, burnt, or discolored plastic near the power cord or port? In this case, the console may need to be replaced.

Check the power cable for damage

If your Nintendo Switch still won’t turn on, gently wiggle the power cord at the console connector. Is there any rattling or slack in the cable? Is there melted, charred, or discolored plastic near the power cord or port? You may need to replace the console.

Check if your screen is damaged

The Nintendo Switch features a touchscreen made from smartphone components. However, the console may not turn on if the screen is broken and the screen will display a black screen.

There may be a screen issue if the console still loads successfully, but the screen remains blank.

Try a different power source

If your console and power line are in good working order, the outlet or surge protector may be faulty. To resolve this issue, try plugging the device into a different outlet.

Contact Nintendo for Repair

Assume that the black screen on your Nintendo Switch persists despite checking charging accessories, forced restart, and soft reset. In this case, you should contact Nintendo and request a system repair.

Also, make sure Nintendo checks your AC adapter and charging dock. They can run tests to rule them out as the source of the problem. If you can’t get to the Nintendo Store, you can always contact them through their website.

A few tips to keep your Nintendo Switch running smoothly

To keep your Nintendo Switch in good working order, follow these guidelines:

Run the latest software updates regularly to avoid potential issues and keep your Switch ready to play.
Keep them plugged into your Switch console when you’re not using your controllers so they charge when you’re ready to play.
Store the Switch in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated area away from the ground.
Keep the console away from direct sunlight and any heat sources.
Clean the console regularly with compressed air, paying particular attention to the power connector, vents and grilles on the machine.

Back up your Switch data to an external hard drive at least once a month so you don’t lose your hard-earned stats if you ever need to factory reset your device.

I hope this article helped you solve the black screen issue on Nintendo Switch. First, troubleshoot by fixing battery issues such as a broken AC adapter or charging station. If that doesn’t work, try other suggestions.