Factory resetting your Nintendo Switch can be daunting, especially if you are concerned about losing your precious game save data. Here, we will walk you through the steps of performing a factory reset while preserving your data and ensuring a smooth gaming experience on your Nintendo Switch.
So, let us demystify the art of resetting your device and help you breathe new life into your Nintendo Switch.
Also, read: How To Check The Nintendo Switch Controller Battery?
Things To Consider Before Factory Resetting The Nintendo Switch
Before you proceed to reset your Console to its factory defaults, consider the following factors:
1. The factory resetting process for the consoles with the System menu version of 10.0.0 or higher can take more than 5 minutes to complete.
2. Factory resetting the Console will delete all the saved data and games from your System. You cannot recover the data once it has been deleted.
3. You need a good internet connection to reset the Nintendo Switch.
4. The factory reset will clear all network settings, such as saved Wi-fi passwords or VPN configurations.
5. Customized accessibility settings like display or audio adjustments will be reset to default.
6. You can re-link any associated Nintendo account to the Nintendo Switch console after the Console is formatted.
How To Reset A Nintendo Switch To Its Factory Defaults?
To factory reset your Nintendo Switch, follow these steps:
- Go to the HOME Menu and open System Settings.
- Select System from the options.
- From the bottom of the screen, select Formatting Options.
- If you have set any Parental Controls PIN for the Console, enter it when prompted.
- Next, select Restore Factory Settings. This will delete all the data from the system memory.
- Read through the onscreen information and select Next to proceed.
- From the following options, choose Restore Factory Settings to finish the process.
How To Factory Reset The Switch Without Deleting Data?
A factory reset helps to fix issues related to the Nintendo Switch. The entire process completely resets the software. If you want to reset your Console without deleting the saved data, here is how to do it:
- First, press the Power Button on the Nintendo Switch.
- Tap on Power Options and then Select Turn Off.
- To enter Recovery Mode, hold down the Power button, the volume up, and the volume down keys for three to five seconds until you see the Nintendo Switch’s bootup screen.
- First, the Nintendo logo should appear, followed by the bootup screen.
- When the Maintenance Mode screen opens, release the volume buttons.
- Next, select the Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data option.
- Select Next.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process. Once the Factory Rest is complete, the Nintendo Switch will boot its default factory settings.
- You can also select the Initialize Console if you do not want to keep the data.
- Then select Continue.
- Now follow as shown to rest the Console.
How to Soft Reset Your Nintendo Switch?
A soft reset does not delete any data from the System. So, before performing a factory reset, you can soft reset your Console and see if this can fix the issues.
Here is how to soft reset your Nintendo Switch:
- Press & hold the Power button of your Nintendo Switch for about 20-30 seconds.
- Then, release the Power button and press it again.
How To Hard Reset A Nintendo Switch?
If a soft reset cannot help you fix the glitch with the Nintendo Switch, perform a hard reset. Hard reset restarts the Console and clears the temporary data without affecting your game saves or settings.
Here is how to do that:
- Unplugging the AC adapter from the Nintendo Switch and the wall outlet is another practical troubleshooting step.
- While keeping the adapter unplugged, Press and hold the Power button at the top left side of the Console for about 25 seconds.
- Then, release it and press the Power button once to turn on the Console.
Why Do You Need To Factory Reset Your Nintendo Switch?
A factory reset reverts your Switch to its original factory default settings. Due to various reasons, you may need to factory reset your Nintendo Switch.
Some of these are:
- If you have a new Switch model, you want to factory reset the old one.
- If your Switch is experiencing recurring software problems, crashes, or unresponsive behavior.
- If you are experiencing issues with your Joy-Con controllers or other Switch accessories, then a factory reset can help.
- In some cases, updating the Switch to the latest firmware may require a factory reset to ensure a smooth transition to the new software version.
- You want to gift it to a family member or friend and, before that, perform a factory reset to erase all the personal data stored in the System.
- If you wish to sell the existing Nintendo Switch, you should always perform a factory reset before selling it.
- Factory reset is also required to remove parental controls or other restrictions on your Switch.
In case you need to contact Nintendo Switch Customer Support, read through this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will I Lose My Game Savings If I Factory Reset It?
Yes, a factory reset will delete all the game saves and user data on the Console.
2. Can I Factory Reset My Switch If It’s Frozen?
Yes, if the Switch is frozen or unresponsive, you can factory reset it by forcing it into recovery mode.
3. What If I Have A MicroSD Card In My Switch?
A factory reset will not delete data on the microSD card, but installing any games or software on the card will make it unusable.
Takeaways
Leverage the factory reset capabilities, breathe new life into your device, and enjoy the immersive and seamless gaming experience. Drop your valuable suggestions or comments if any in the reply section below. We are looking forward to hear from you.