How to Fix Nintendo Switch Charging Issues

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Nintendo Switch


There are a variety of things that can cause problems trying to charge your device.

  • Bad AC Power Adapter
  • Bad Outlet / Surge Protector
  • Hardware issues

The following guide will provide you some of the following steps to try and resolve the issue.

  • Testing your outlet
  • Testing your charging cable

2. Switch AC Adapter

  1. Connect the USB plug from the Nintendo Switch AC adapter into the USB connector on the bottom of the console.
  2. Connect the AC adapter into the wall outlet.
A nintendo switch showing the ac adapter being plugged into the bottom of the switch


  1. The system will power on after you connect the AC adapter provided.

3. Charging Indicator

How can I tell if my Nintendo Switch is charging?

  • While your AC adapter is plugged into your console, you should see an indicator showing your device is charging.
Charging indicator while in use
  • If the battery is depleted at the time your Switch is plugged in, you will see a power indicator momentarily pop up when the AC adapter is connected to your device. If you see this and the Switch will not power on, allow the device to charge for at least 30 minutes and try to power the unit on again using the power button.
Charging - Powered Off

The Nintendo Switch console requires approximately 3 hours to fully charge.

4. Test Outlet

Try some of the following tips

  • Test the power outlet you're using by plugging in a different device that is known to be working properly into the same outlet.
  • If you are plugging into a power strip or surge protector, try plugging straight into the wall.
Nintendo Switch plugged directly into the wall

5. Test Power Cable

  1. Verify that the original Nintendo Switch AC adapter is being used (model No. HAC-002). If a different power source is being used, or if the original AC adapter is damaged, replacing it with the official Nintendo accessory may resolve the problem.
AC Power Adapter

  1. Because the Nintendo Switch uses a common USB Type-C connector, you may have other charging cables/devices that fit your Switch. However, using the wrong AC adapter could permanently damage your device.
  2. Unplug the charging cable from both the console and the power outlet it is currently connected to and wait for 30 seconds, then reconnect it.
    Some power adapters have a capacitor that can hold a current for a short period of time even after unplugging it from your device. Unplugging it completely will allow all the power to drain from the adapter.
  3. Your power adapter may be malfunctioning or defective if these steps do not work. Replacement of the cable may be necessary.

6. What's next?

7. Dock

  1. Open the back of the dock to expose the connections.
Dock with panel down
  1. Connect the AC adapter to the dock.
Dock with cables being plugged in
  1. Dock the Nintendo Switch to the dock, ensuring that the LCD screen is facing the same direction as the front panel of the dock. Then connect the Nintendo Switch AC adapter into the wall outlet.
Switch being docked with AC adaptor being plugged in