Nintendo Switch Displays Blank Screen! How to Fix? [SOLVED]

Is your Nintendo Switch turning on with a sound, but you are greeted with a completely black screen, or is it not making any sound and showing a black screen?

Whatever your problem is, follow this guide to know what to do when you see a Nintendo Switch black screen.

Also read: FIX: Nintendo Switch Won’t Wake Up From Sleep!

What Causes Nintendo Switch Black Screen?

Table of Contents

Nintendo Switch can display a black screen due to the following reasons:

Damaged Screen
Corrupted Cache

Low Battery
Faulty Charger
Faulty Port

Software issues

What To Do When Your Nintendo Switch Displays A Black Screen?

To fix a black screen on the Nintendo Switch, follow the methods below.

This step-by-step guide will help you to fix the issue quickly.

1) Try Soft Resetting Your Nintendo Switch

If you see a black screen after turning on the Nintendo Switch, perform a soft reset.

This will reboot the Switch, and all the services will be reloaded.

A soft reset keeps all your personal data and apps unchanged on the device.

Here is how to perform a soft reset on the Nintendo Switch:

Press & hold the Nintendo Switch’s power button for 20-30 seconds.

Then, release the power button.
Press it again and see if this can start the Console. If you again see nothing on the screen, perform a hard reset.

2) Hard Reset Your Nintendo Switch

If nothing appears on the Console’s screen and it remains black, perform a hard reset.

Here is how to perform a hard reset on your Nintendo Switch:

Disconnect the AC adapter from the Nintendo Switch and the wall outlet.
Keeping the adapter unplugged, press the Power button on the top left side and hold it for 20 – 25 seconds.

Release it and again press the Power button once and see if this can turn it on.
If the Nintendo Switch still does not turn on and displays a black screen, reset the AC Adapter.

3) Reset The Adapter

When your Nintendo Switch does not display anything on the screen and is black, reset the AC adapter.

If the problem is arising due to the AC adapter, resetting it can fix it.

Here is how you can reset the AC adapter:

First, disconnect the AC adapter from both ends. Wait for a few minutes.
While waiting, check the number of the adapter model. It should be HAC-002 else it will not be compatible.
Next, look for any sign of physical damage.

If you see any sign of damage on the cable or any part of the adapter, replace it with a new one.
Then plug the new adapter into the Console and the wall outlet. Now turn on the Nintendo Switch and see if the issue is fixed.

4) Use Another Charger

Sometimes the charger of your Nintendo Switch can become faulty.

So, you can use a different USB Type C charger and charge the Nintendo Switch.

Once fully charged, try to turn it on and see if this can fix the issue.

5) Check The Battery

The Nintendo Switch can show a black screen if the battery is faulty.

So, check the battery for any physical damage or if it is swelled up.

You can replace the battery and then power on the Switch. See if the Nintendo Switch turns on now. If it again shows a black screen, update the System.

6) Update the Switch In Maintenance Mode

If you hear a sound while turning on the Nintendo Switch but see a black screen, then you can update the system software in recovery mode.

This will remove the cache files from the System. If, due to any corrupted cache, you are getting such a problem, then it should get fixed.

This can fix the issue. To do so, follow these steps:

Turn the Nintendo Switch off.
Then press the Volume up and down buttons simultaneously and hold them. Next, press the Power button.
Do not release the buttons unless the Nintendo Switch boots up into Maintenance mode.

Once the system boots up. Select Update System 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. Once the System is updated, the issue should be fixed. If you cannot update the System, check the screen.

7) Check The Screen

Like your PC monitors or laptops, the Nintendo Switch screen can also get damaged.

If you hear a sound, the battery is fully charged, but still, nothing is displayed on the screen, then there is a probability that the screen is damaged.

If you have dropped the Switch or there are cracks on the screen, then this issue can arise.

In this case, you need to repair it or get it replaced. So, consult an expert to do that.

8) Check The Port

Sometimes due to a faulty USB-C port, the Nintendo Switch do not get charged. As a result, it does not turn on, and you see a black screen.

Sometimes dirt can clog the USB-C port and create issues. So follow these steps to clean it up:

Using a flashlight, check if dirt and dust have accumulated in the port.

You can use compressed air, cotton buds, or a toothpick to clean the port.

But be careful and make sure not to cause any damage else that will bring up further issues.

It is recommended that you should not insert any metal into the port as it can cause fatal damage to it.

You can also open the Switch to check if any internal damage is caused.
Look for the liquid damage indicator near the port on the motherboard.

It will turn red if it is damaged. If you see any sign of damage, take the help of an expert to replace the motherboard.

For a faulty port, you can repair it from the local repair shop and see if this could fix the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

What is an orange screen of death on a Nintendo Switch?

If your Nintendo Switch gets stuck on an orange, black, and blue screen, then it means that the Switch needs immediate repair. You can contact Nintendo support, as they provide online repair.

How long is a Nintendo warranty?

You get a 12-month warranty for your Nintendo Switch. Generally, the games and accessories carry a maximum of 3 months warranty, but Nintendo provides a year-long warranty for its Switches.

Why my Nintendo Switch is charging, but it is not turning on?

If your Nintendo Switch is charging and is not turning on, check if the AC adapter is damaged and needs a replacement. Sometimes, the Nintendo Switch screen can also get damaged and cause such issues.