A reset would be the fastest and easiest way to fix problems with your Nintendo Switch if you’re having issues. A Nintendo Switch can be reset three ways: Softly, Factory, or Hardly. First try whichever reset you think will fix your problem. Find out which reset is best for you and how to do it.
Nintendo Switch Reset: Why You Might Need It
A Nintendo Switch reset can be prompted by anything from a software glitch to a hardware error. If you’re having problems with your Switch, the ways to reset it vary. There are a few ways to reset your phone:
Any minor software issues, like a crash or unreadable cartridge, can be fixed with a Soft Reset. Most issues can be fixed with a soft reset. If you want to wipe all the data from your Switch, you can do a factory reset. Putting your Switch in a resalable state plus resetting any software makes it resalable.
If your Switch is having problems navigating, you can hard reset it. It’s also possible to hard reset your Switch and keep your saved data. It’s great to know how to reset Nintendo Switch, but if you’re having trouble with it you should double-check the most common problems first. You might not need to reset your Nintendo Switch for the issue you’re having.
1. Nintendo Switch soft reset
Let’s look at how you can reset your Nintendo Switch now that you know the three most common ways, along with the issues that may cause a certain type of reset. Following these steps should fix some light software issues on your Nintendo Switch:
- Keep your Nintendo Switch powered up by pressing and holding the Power button.
- Your Nintendo Switch should shut off after 10 to 15 seconds.
- Wait a few seconds after switching off your Switch.
- Restart your Nintendo Switch by pressing the Power button again.
Once you fully turn your Nintendo Switch on, the Soft Reset is done, effectively refreshing any software or background processes causing the problem.
Although it might seem as easy as turning your Switch off and on, holding the Power button for 10 to 15 seconds will perform a soft reset instead of just a simple restart. So make sure you hold the Power button long enough so a Soft Reset happens.
2. What you need to know about factory resets
It may be necessary to try a Factory Reset if a Soft Reset didn’t resolve your issue. You can also wipe your Switch’s data if you want to sell it. Here’s how to Factory Reset your Nintendo Switch:
- Select System Settings on your Nintendo Switch’s main menu toolbar.
- Highlight System on the left.
- Select Formatting Options under System at the bottom.
- Choose Restore Factory Settings from the list.
- Then you’ll be prompted to delete all your data. By selecting Next, you’ll confirm the Factory Reset.
As soon as you confirm a Factory Reset, all your accounts will be removed and your data will be wiped. You’ll be able to use or resell your Nintendo Switch once it’s done.
3. The Nintendo Switch hard reset
Lastly, if you can’t access parts of your Nintendo Switch or you’re having a functional issue, you’ll need to do a Hard Reset. Saved data can also be kept or removed this way. This is how you Hard Reset your Nintendo Switch:
- Make sure your Nintendo Switch is off.
- You need to hold the Volume Up, Volume Down, and Power buttons simultaneously.
- After that, you’ll be in Maintenance Mode.
- If you don’t want to delete your save data, select Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data or Initialize Console.
After reverting to factory settings and either removing or keeping saved data, your Nintendo Switch will restart, hopefully fixing your issue. A Nintendo Switch update might also help you fix or prevent further problems if your console still has problems despite resetting.
Nintendo Switch Reset and Maintenance
It’s awesome to know how to reset your Nintendo Switch in multiple ways so you can troubleshoot issues. As well as periodic updates and improvements to navigation, the Nintendo Switch lets you keep it healthy. The more you know about system shortcuts and how to maintain your Switch, the longer it’ll last.
