It is one of the major selling points of the Nintendo Switch that it can switch between games at any time. The handheld console can be converted into a home console by slotting it into a dock. In fact, if the Switch surpasses the record levels achieved by Sony’s PlayStation 2, it will become the best-selling console of all time. There’s no comparison between it and Xbox One or PlayStation 4, which are its generational competitors. As a result, sometimes there is a common issue that arises in the form of the Nintendo Switch dock not working.
It is true that there are times when the Nintendo Switch dock not working is one of the most frustrating experiences you can have. Despite being able to play games in handheld mode, your Nintendo Switch may not be working, or even the green light may not be on. It is possible that your Nintendo Switch dock is not working, and the following tips will help you troubleshoot the problem.
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Which is the most effective approach to resolving the Nintendo Switch Dock Not Working issue?
1. You need to update your Nintendo Switch in order to fix the Nintendo Switch dock not working issue.
As a first step, updating your Nintendo Switch is always a good idea, so make sure to do so if possible. There is only one docking station with an Ethernet port that can update its firmware, but it must be in good working order to do so.
2. Is there a dock for the Nintendo Switch that you are using?
Amazon has a bunch of third-party docks for your Switch, and they’re a lot cheaper than the Nintendo original, so it’s tempting. There are plenty of stories about third-party docks bricking or damaging Switches.
It’s a worst-case scenario, but it’s possible that a recent Switch system update may have broken your third-party dock. There’s a good chance Nintendo changed something that the dock maker wasn’t expecting, so the Nintendo Switch Dock might not be wroking.
The short answer is to contact the manufacturer of the third-party dock or buy an original Nintendo dock if you’re having trouble.
3. Power Cycle Your Switch to resolve the Nintendo Switch dock not working problem.
The best solution you can take with regards to troubleshooting the Nintendo Switch dock not working issue is to power cycle the Switch, the dock, and your whole system.
Select Power Off from the power options menu after holding the power button for a short while.
Allow any residual power to discharge for a few minutes by removing the power adapter from the wall. Check if everything is working again once you have plugged it back in and turned on your Nintendo Switch dock.
4. The Correct Order for Cables is the key to resolving the Nintendo Switch dock not working problem.
When connecting a dock to your TV, there might be a wrong order that could affect everything. Make a complete start-over by unplugging everything and connecting it in this exact order.
- In order to use the dock, you will be required to plug it to a power source.
- Then you’ll have to ensure that the power adapter is inserted firmly into the wall outlet.
- HDMI cables should be connected to HDMI inputs on televisions.
- There is a need to ensure that docking stations are connected to the opposite end of the HDMI cable.
- If you are using an HDMI cable, make sure it is connected to the correct HDMI port on your TV.
- The switch should be inserted into the socket.
There is no reason why the Nintendo Switch dock should not be working and displaying its output on your TV if everything goes smoothly. Make sure the power cable connectors and the cable itself are not damaged while you are doing this.
5. The Nintendo Switch dock must be connected to an HDMI cable.
It is usually either a working HDMI cable or it is not, although a damaged HDMI cable may work intermittently.
Make sure your HDMI cable does not have any physical damage. You can try it with a different device and with a different cable to see if it works.
6. It is recommended to use the official HDMI cable in order to resolve the Nintendo Switch Dock not working problem.
Due to the fact that HDMI cables are standardized, it doesn’t matter what HDMI cable you use to connect your Switch to your TV. It is possible, however, that some off-brand cables may not support HDCP or other strict HDMI standards that the Switch requires.
You still have the original Nintendo HDMI cable that came with your Switch. There may be something odd about the non-Nintendo cable that wasn’t apparent from testing it with other devices.
7. If you don’t have a dock, you can use a friend’s dock or a Nintendo Switch.
Switches and docks should be swapped out if you own several Switches and docks to figure out which part of the setup is causing the Nintendo Switch dock not working issue. If another dock works, but the original does not, there may be something not right with the dock itself.
8. Make sure the Nintendo Switch Dock Power Supply is working.
When your Nintendo Switch dock is not working, it is most likely due to a lack of power. You should first check that the USB-C AC adapter is plugged in properly and that the wall outlet is working.
Connect your Switch directly to the dock by removing the power cable from the dock. In this case, as long as the Switch indicates it’s charging, the adapter is providing power.
The power from your adapter is a great start, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the dock will be powered. While docked, the Switch consumes more power than when charged or used handheld. Your power adapter may not be able to deliver sufficient power.
In terms of how it negotiates power and how much power it provides, Nintendo’s power adapter isn’t standard. This is why it cannot be used with Samsung or other Android phones with USB-C ports. A non-Nintendo power adapter may not provide enough power for the dock. Make sure you use an official or third-party Switch adapter.
9. TV Output Resolution Configuration should be changed.
There are three video resolution choices available on the Nintendo Switch: 480p, 720p, and 1080p. You should be able to use all three options on almost any TV, and 1080p is the best choice 99% of the time. However, it is still likely that one or more of these resolutions may not be supported by your TV.
A 1080p signal may not be supported by older 720p TVs or monitors, but this is unlikely. If you are experiencing problems with these standard resolutions, you might want to try different outputs.
- Selecting the HOME Menu is the only way to access System Settings.
- From the left-hand menu, select TV Output.
- Select the TV Resolution option from the menu.
- Select one of the three options instead of Automatic.
You can try putting your Nintendo Switch in the dock after each change to see if it resolves the Nintendo Switch dock not working issue.
10. Make sure that Power State Matching is disabled.
The Match TV Power State option may need to be disabled in the TV settings described above. You only need to plug the Switch into the dock or turn on the Switch to turn on the TV. Also, it puts the Switch in sleep mode when you turn it off.
Especially when troubleshooting Nintendo Switch Dock not working issues or turning on the TV turns the Switch off, this can be confusing. The feature should be temporarily disabled until you can resolve the Nintendo Switch dock not working issue.
11. You should clean the ports on your dock and switch.
In comparison to the old USB standards, USB-C is a huge improvement. In addition to being reversible and compact, it can carry a lot of power and data, and it is becoming almost universal. There is only one significant flaw: dirt builds up on the surface.
Lint, debris, and dirt get pushed into USB ports and plugs when USB-C smartphones are inserted. A cushion is eventually formed within the port after this buildup, which prevents contact between the cable and the port.
Make sure all gunk has been cleaned out of the Switch’s USB-C port and around the dock’s plug. You should be very gentle with metallic objects such as pins when using a wooden or plastic toothpick.
It is likely that there is a fault with the Nintendo Switch Dock and it is not working.
If you have tried all feasible diagnostics steps and are still unable to fix Nintendo Switch dock not working, you may have to accept that it is faulty and needs to be replaced. A free repair or replacement may be available if your Switch is still under warranty (or if you purchased the dock separately). The best thing to do would be to contact a local Nintendo Service Center to arrange an appointment.
Even though Nintendo Switch docks are relatively expensive, you can’t do much to fix the problem of the Nintendo Switch dock not working. In the event that the electronic components are faulty and the unit is out of warranty, the entire unit must be replaced.
The best thing to do is avoid third-party docks that are not certified by Nintendo, as this can brick your Switch. Consider refurbished or used Switch docks before purchasing a new one.
Many people sell off their docks because they have broken or replaced their consoles, and buying a used dock is a great option. As a result, there’s not much that can go wrong with them.
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