If your Nintendo eShop is giving you trouble, fear not. This guide will walk you through some easy steps to get your Nintendo back in working condition. The Nintendo e-shop has a vast library of games and other downloadable content, but when it fails to function as expected, users are left scratching their heads in utter disappointment.
Here, we will examine the common causes of Nintendo eShop problems and provide a step-by-step solution to help you get back to gaming as quickly as possible.
So, let us explore the world of Nintendo Switch eShop troubleshooting together.
Also, read: How To Redeem Nintendo eShop Card?
Why Isn’t My Nintendo eShop Working Properly?
Some common causes for Nintendo eShop not working are cited below:
- Network connectivity issues
- Corrupt or damaged eShop data
- Outdated system software
- eShop server maintenance
- Parental controls or account restrictions
Quick Fixes: Nintendo Switch eShop Not Working
Try out these troubleshooting steps if the Nintendo eShop isn’t working:
1. Reset The Cache
The Nintendo eShop may store temporary data such as login credentials, browsing history, and other downloaded information about the product in its cache. If the cache becomes corrupted or outdated, it will start malfunctioning and, as a result, prevent the eShop from functioning correctly.
Resetting the cache will be successful enough in cleaning the temporary data and forcing the eShop to refresh and resolve the issue.
To do that, here’s what you can do:
- Go to System Settings from the Home screen.
- Scroll down and select System.
- Select Formatting Options.
- Choose Reset Cache.
- Select the user for whom you want to clear the cache.
- Confirm by selecting Reset to clear the cache.
- Once done, check if the issue is fixed; otherwise, move on to the next solution.
2. Enter DNS Settings Manually
Manually entering the DNS settings on your Nintendo Switch will likely help you resolve the Nintendo eShop issue. These servers are slow or, at times, unable to resolve website names into IP addresses, so manually entering a different, reliable DNS server can help you bypass these issues and allow the e-shop to connect properly.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Navigate to System Settings.
- Choose Internet, then tap on Internet Settings.
- Select your Wi-Fi network.
- Choose Change Settings.
- Scroll down to DNS Settings and select Manual.
- Enter the Primary DNS as 8.8.8.8 and the Secondary DNS as 8.8.4.4, which is Google’s public DNS.
- Save the settings and test the connection.
- If the eShop is still inaccessible, revert to Automatic DNS settings.
3. Toggle Flight Mode
Toggling the flight mode on Nintendo Switch is another method that can help fix the eShop not working issue and resolve connectivity issues with the console itself.
Activating flight mode on the Switch will temporarily disable all wireless communication and rest the network connection. This will help clear up temporary glitches or conflicts with your network connection that may be interfering with the eShop’s ability to connect to the Internet.
- Swipe down from the top of the Home screen to access the Quick Settings.
- Select Settings.
- Toggle on the button for Airplane Mode.
- Wait for 10 seconds.
- Disable the Airplane Mode and check if the issues persist.
4. Check The Country Settings
If the country settings are incorrect, all you can do is try to change them and see whether it resolves the eShop issue. Checking the country settings and ensuring that they match your actual location will help resolve issues where you are unable to access the eShop or its content.
But before that, it is essential to check the country settings, and the steps for doing the same are discussed below:
- Log into your Nintendo Account and check whether the country setting is correct.
- Once you have updated the country setting on your Nintendo Account to a country where the Nintendo eShop is available, it’s time to power off your console and then power it back on.
- After powering the System back on, check whether you can access the Nintendo Switch eShop from the HOME Menu.
- You may need to re-enter your Nintendo Account login.
5. Change Your Device Country In Nintendo Switch
Changing the device country will allow you to see the games or applications available in that specific Region’s eShop, and it is also known to restrict purchases based on your physical location or payment method.
Here are the steps for changing the device country in Nintendo Switch:
- Using your Nintendo Switch, go to the Settings area.
- Select System, then tap on Region.
- Select a Region where eShop is available. You can select The Americas.
- Select Next to continue.
- To view the EULA, select View End-User License Agreement.
- Once you are finished viewing the EULA, tap on Accept to agree. By selecting Accept, you acknowledge that you have gone through and agree to be bound by the End-User License Agreement.
- If you disagree, it is not recommended that the region setting be changed this way.
- Once you have changed the Region, try to access eShop and check it.
6. Power Cycle the Console
By power cycling the console, you can completely turn it on or off, which can help you potentially resolve eshop issues.
Power cycling the console can also be an essential troubleshooting if your Nintendo eShop isn’t working.
This is how you can do it:
- Hold the Power button on the top of the console for 3 seconds.
- Select Power Options and then Turn Off.
- Wait a few minutes, then press the Power button to turn it back on.
- Try reconnecting to the Internet.
- Once your System is connected to the Internet, try to access it.
7. Connect to a Different Network
If the issue is network-specific, connecting it to a different network will help you isolate the actual issue and troubleshoot it.
- Attempt to connect your Nintendo Switch to a different Wi-Fi network. This will help you determine whether the issue is with the console or your primary network.
- Navigate to System Settings.
- Choose Internet, then tap on Internet Settings.
- Select a different Wi-Fi network and check.
8. Install the Latest System Update
Updating the Nintendo Switch system to the latest version is likely compatible with the current eShop functionality and can handle any known issues.
This is how you can update it:
- Go to System Settings.
- Scroll down and select System.
- Select System Update to check for updates.
- Download and install any available updates.
9. Check Other Devices
Verify if any other device can connect to the Internet on the same network. If they also have issues, it’s likely a network problem. Contact your internet service provider for further assistance.
Following these steps, you can identify and possibly resolve the internet connection issues with your Nintendo Switch. If the problem persists, consider contacting Nintendo’s customer support for help.
10. Visit Nintendo’s Website
You will require another device, like your PC or mobile device, to use this method.
- Then, visit the Nintendo Website from Google.
- Log in with your Nintendo account.
- Click on your Profile and then select Settings.
- On the settings page, look at the basic information related to your account.
- Click on Edit next to Profile and change the country. Make sure it supports eShop.
- Save the Settings and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Now check on your Nintendo Switch and see if you get the same error message.
- If you are prompted to sign in to your Nintendo account, do it.
- Type in your password and click on OK. And check whether you have access to the Nintendo eShop.
11. Use a VPN Service
If you can’t access the Nintendo eShop due to regional restrictions or other reasons, you can still use a VPN to bypass these limitations.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that protects your internet connection and privacy online. It does this by creating an encrypted tunnel for your data and protecting your online identity, thereby hiding your IP address and allowing you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots safely.
So, subscribe to a VPN service that supports your Nintendo Switch. Download and install the VPN software on your Windows computer. Connect the Nintendo Switch and try to access the eShop. See if this can fix the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What Error Messages Will I See If The eShop Isn’t Working?
The standard error messages include:
- Error Code 2002-4001
- Error Code 2137-8007
- Error Code 2137-8056
- Error Code 2137-8004
- How Long Do The Nintendo eShop Outages Last?
The server outages typically last from a few minutes to a few hours. However, specific service disruptions may take a little longer to resolve.
- Can I Still Play Games If The eShop Is Down?
Yes, you can still play any games you downloaded from the eShop.
Final Words
Now that you have methodically worked through the potential culprits remain vigilant for any emerging issues and address the eShop problems before they disrupt the gaming experience.