There are a lot of reasons why your Nintendo Switch controller might be preventing you from playing your favorite titles. Aside from the obvious hardware issues, you might experience this problem because the controller is not correctly paired with your console, due to a missing update, a loose pin, or even the device being in Airplane mode. Below you’ll find a list of troubleshooting steps that you should follow to fix the Joy-Con connection to your Switch before sending it for repair or replacing it.
1. Restart your Switch
If you get this issue while attaching your controller to the Nintendo Switch console, try restarting your console to clear any temporary data that might inhibit the connection with the joycon. This procedure will fix the vast majority of issues caused by an accumulated cache. This fix is also effective in scenarios where the controller isn’t registered, due to the Joy-con being attached while the console is in hibernation Here’s a quick guide on initiating a simple console restart:
2. Install pending system updates
A missing system update can also be responsible for this behavior. (especially if you just brought a new Joy-con that has newer firmware than your console. If you are on the HOME menu or in the Controllers screen and the controller is not displaying as attached to the console even though it clearly is, ensure that you have the latest system update. Note: Unless you’re dealing with special circumstances, your console should automatically download the most recent system update and prompt you to install it. The prompt to update will appear after every console restart. If there is a pending system update, complete the steps below to install it:
3. Disable Airplane Mode
If your Nintendo Switch is in Airplane Mode, certain functionality will be disabled. On top of not having access to the internet, your console will also be unable to connect to the controller even if it’s physically attached to it. If you have a second Joy-Con that’s currently connected, use it to disable Airplane Mode: If you don’t have access to a second Joy-Con, try the following procedure to disable Airplane Mode without a controller:
4. Check your controller batteries
For your controllers to connect to your Switch, they need to be charged and paired. You can charge the controllers by connecting them to the console when the console is hooked to an AC adaptor or resting in the dock. Ensure that both controllers are properly attached by sliding them down the console’s side rails until they click into place on either side of the screen. Make sure you’ve given your controllers time to charge (wait 6 hours or until the orange light at the top of the controller goes off). If they’re still not connected, you may need to change the battery in your console or controller. Once you have given the controller enough time to charge, see if you can reconnect it to your Switch.
5. Check the number of connected controllers
With most Nintendo Switch models, up to eight wireless controllers may be connected to a Nintendo Switch. But bear in mind that this number might vary based on the type of controller, its features, and the software being used. Check the user manual of your model to ensure you have not linked an excessive number of controllers. Typically if you have more than 7 controllers currently connected to your Nintendo Switch, you should look to disconnect one controller and see if the Joy-Con can now be paired with the console. Note: This is typically an issue if you live in an environment where there are multiple Switch consoles and the Joy-Con controllers are being shared. Here’s a quick guide on removing all the unnecessary controllers:
6. Reset your controller
If your Joy-Con controllers have no problems working wirelessly in TV mode or tabletop mode but are not getting recognized while attached to the console, resetting your Joy-Con will most likely fix the issue. Note: This procedure will also be effective in scenarios where the Joy-Con sometime connects to the console but creates a weird tilt or shake and you are unable to calibrate the motion controls. Note: If feasible, try connecting a new controller to see whether the one/s you’re using is defective.
7. Enable Pro Controller Wired Communication
Ensure that Pro Controller Wired Communication is enabled in Settings > Controllers and Sensors if your Switch controller won’t connect to your console. If it is chosen, deselect the checkbox and select it again to see if this resolves the issue. We recommend keeping this option enabled even if you don’t have a PRO controller connected. Note: If you enable this option, your console will always use wired communications protocol when the Joy-con is physically attached to the console. However, one consequence of going this route is that the NFC touchpoint on the Pro Controller will be disabled using wired communications. Here’s a quick guide on how to set up a wired connection so that you can use your controller when playing TV mode:
8. Unpair & Re-Pair your controller
Keep in mind that the 12.00 software update meant that a lot of paired controllers need to be repaired. If you were using an older Joy-con model, you might need to detach it and press the sync button to facilitate paring mode again before you can use it. Note: If you have multiple Joy-con controllers that are no longer corrected to your Switch, follow the instructions below to unpair them before pairing again:
