A frozen Nintendo Switch can be a real buzzkill, leaving you frustrated for all the right reasons. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common reasons for a frozen Switch screen and provide detailed step-by-step instructions on how to fix it.
With these troubleshooting steps and handy tips, you’ll soon be able to enjoy your favorite Switch games in no time. So, let us dive in and get the beloved Nintendo Switch back to its smooth self.
Also, read: How To Reset A Frozen Nintendo Switch?
Why Is My Nintendo Switch Freezing?
The common reasons for a freezing Nintendo Switch are as follows:
- Software Glitches or Bugs
- Overheating
- Corrupted Game Data
- Dust or Debris Buildup
- Low Battery
- Controller Issues
- Incompatible Accessories
How To Fix Nintendo Switch Freezing Issues?
The simple troubleshooting steps discussed below will help you to overcome the freezing issues on your Nintendo Switch. So, go ahead and try out these troubleshooting steps:
Also, read: How To Delete Save Data On Nintendo Switch?
1. Force Restart The Console
When nothing is working and the Nintendo screen is frozen, Force restarts the console. Hold down the power button on the top of the Switch for about 12 seconds to force it to shut down. Then, press the power button again to turn it back on.
Check for the issue after you have done this. If it persists then go to the next trouble shooting step.
2. Dock and Undock
If your Switch is docked, undock it and then redock it. This can sometimes reset the System and resolve the issue. Once you dock the console and it returns to its normal functioning position, you can continue with your gameplay.
This happens because when you are docking and undocking a Nintendo Switch it forces the console to switch off the video output mode for a brief period of time that in turn forces helps the console to break from a freeze.
The moment you dock the Switch, the display gets changed from the handheld screen to the TV. While undocking it reverses the entire process and the Switch display back to the handheld screen.
But if it doing this does not fix the problem, go to the next solution.
3. Charge The Console
Ensure that your console is fully charged. A low battery can sometimes cause the System to freeze. So, charge the console and check. Sometimes, the charger of your Nintendo Switch can become faulty.
You can use a different USB Type C charger to charge the Nintendo Switch. Once fully charged, try to turn it on to see if this fixes the issue.
Insufficient power doesn’t allow the Nintendo Switch to function properly so if there isn’t enough battery then the system will start malfunctioning or it won’t function at all. So, dip in power causes the Nintendo to freeze.
Make sure you are charging the Switch from a stable power source properly as this can help you to effectively deal with the Nintendo switch issue.
4. Detach And Attach The Joy-Cons
If your Nintendo Switch screen is frozen, you can try detaching and reattaching the Joy-Con controllers as a troubleshooting step.
When you detach the Joy-Cons it momentarily disrupts the connection between them and the console. Re-attaching it helps them to re-establish the connection which in some cases clear up the minor glitch thereby causing it to freeze.
Here’s how to do detach and re-attach the Joy-Cons:
- Hold the Nintendo Switch securely in one hand.
- Locate the small round release button on the Joy-Con you wish to detach.
- Press and hold the release button.
- While holding the release button, gently slide the Joy-Con upwards to detach it from the console.
- Wait for some time, then take the Joy-Con you wish to attach.
- Align the Joy-Con rails with the console’s rails.
- The “+” and “-“ symbols on the Joy-Con should match the symbols on the console’s rail.
- Gently slide the Joy-Con downwards until you hear a click, indicating that the Joy-Con is locked in place.
If the screen remains frozen after reattaching the Joy-Con controllers, you may have to perform a hard reset by holding down the power button for about 12 seconds or until the System powers off. Then, turn it back on to see if the issue is resolved.
5. Check The Battery
The Nintendo Switch can also freeze if the battery is faulty. So, Force shut down the console and then open the back case and check the battery for any physical damage or if it is swelled up.
A faulty battery or a battery that is degrading and is slowly nearing the end of its lifespan may not be able to successfully provide the stable power and thus it results in fluctuations, dips that in turn causes glitches and freezes.
In this case, you can replace the battery and then power on the Switch to check whether it performs normally.
6. Update The Switch In Maintenance Mode
Running a system update in Maintenance Mode will ensure that you have the latest bug fixes that will help you to address the issues that are may be causing the freezes on your Nintendo switch.
Also, the Maintenance Mode is known to bypass the normal system startup process and allows the update to overwrite the corrupted files.
To update the Switch in maintenance Mode follow the steps:
- Force turns the Nintendo Switch off.
- Then press the Volume up and down buttons simultaneously and hold them.
- Next, press the Power button.
- Only release the buttons if the Nintendo Switch boots up into Maintenance Mode.
- Once the system boots up. Select System Update from the options.
- This will initiate the System to search for the latest updates.
- Once the System Update prompt appears, select the Update option.
- Click on OK to confirm your action. The issue should be fixed once the System is updated.
- If you cannot update the System, check the screen.
How To Prevent My Nintendo Switch Screen From Freezing In The Future?
Below are some of the tips that will help you to prevent your Nintendo Switch screen from freezing in the future:
- Keeping the Switch’s software up-to-date is essential as it addresses the freezing issues, and the latest firmware includes bug fixes.
- Overheating can cause a frozen screen on your Nintendo Switch. So, avoid overheating your Switch to get the best possible result.
- Low internal storage space can also contribute to freezing issues. Make sure it has got enough space for proper functioning.
- Too many apps or games running in the background can interfere with the Switch’s resources and lead to freezing.
- Corrupted game data can also, at times, lead to freezing issues. So, look for the corrupted game files frequently and remove those from time to time.
- Faulty or disconnected controllers can, at times, lead to freezing issues. Replacing or repairing the controllers can help you deal with a frozen Switch.
- Dust and debris in the ports and vents can also be a contributing factor that can lead to freezing. Make sure the Switch is clean and there isn’t any dust build.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use A Frozen Switch While It’s Charging?
Yes, you can use a frozen Switch while it is getting charged.
2. Is There Any Way To Back Up The Switch’s Data?
You can back up Switch’s data by saving it to Nintendo’s cloud storage service, but it requires a paid subscription.
Wrapping Up
Now that you have a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting techniques don’t panic. Instead, work through the steps calmly. Also, keep your Nintendo Switch updated and well-maintained, and then use it wisely and carefully.