There are three quick ways to reset your Nintendo Switch: a Soft Reset, a Factory Reset, or a Hard Reset. The kind of issue you are experiencing determines which reset you should try first.
If you want to learn how to carry out each type of reset and which is best for you, we can help.
Why You May Need to Reset Your Nintendo Switch
While resetting your Nintendo Switch is a great way to deal with software issues, you may want to double-check the most common problems on the Nintendo Switch to attempt to fix any issues before resetting your console.
If your issue persists, one of these three types of reset options could help you:
If your console is more or less functional and you are experiencing software issues such as your console being unable to read or load games, a Soft Reset would most likely be the best for you. Alternatively, if a Soft Reset doesn’t work, or if you are looking to re-sell your console, you will need to Factory Reset your console. This removes all data from your Switch, puts it in a re-sellable state, and resets any software. Finally, if your console is facing an issue that impedes system navigation or if you want to keep save data, you can attempt a Hard Reset by placing your console in Recovery Mode.
With each type of reset outlined, let’s take a look at how to carry out each one.
1. How to Soft Reset Your Nintendo Switch
To Soft Reset your Nintendo Switch console and attempt to fix light software issues, follow these steps:
Press and hold the Power button at the top of your Nintendo Switch Console for 10 to 15 seconds until your console powers off. Once your console is entirely powered off, wait a moment and press the Power button again. Your Nintendo Switch console will then power back on, and the reset is complete.
While soft resetting your Nintendo Switch may appear as a simple restart, holding the Power button down for 10 to 15 seconds signals for your console to clear any unnecessary data that could be causing software issues.
2. How to Factory Reset Your Nintendo Switch
If a Soft Reset didn’t fix your issue, or if you are looking to sell your console or fully wipe its data, you may need to try a Factory Reset.
To Factory Reset your Nintendo Switch, follow these steps:
From the toolbar at the bottom of your Nintendo Switch’s main menu, select System Settings. From the displayed left-hand tabs, choose System. Scroll to the bottom of the System options until you find Formatting Options and select it.
Navigate down the displayed options and select Restore Factory Settings.
The console will then prompt you that all data will be deleted if you continue. To continue, hit Next.
If done successfully, your console will then remove your accounts and start to wipe your console of all data.
3. How to Hard Reset Your Nintendo Switch
Finally, if you can’t access your Nintendo Switch console or a functional fault prompts you to reset your console but want to keep save data, you can attempt a Hard Reset.
To Hard Reset your Nintendo Switch, follow these steps:
Ensure your console is turned off. Hold the Volume Up + Volume Down and Power button all at the same time. Your console should then boot up in Recovery Mode. From here, you can choose to Update System, Restore Factory Settings Without Deleting Save Data or Restore Factory Settings. To Hard Reset your console, select Restore Factory Settings Without Deleting Save Data or Restore Factory Settings.
Your console will then reset and restart with all its settings restored to their factory defaults, except save data if you choose for it not to be deleted.
If your console issues persist despite a reset, ensuring your Nintendo Switch is updated is another great way of potentially fixing or preventing further problems.
Keep Your Nintendo Switch Problem-Free
Knowing how to perform multiple types of resets on your Nintendo Switch is an excellent way of troubleshooting issues and ensuring the health of your console.
Keeping up-to-date and knowing your way around your Nintendo Switch’s system settings could further enable you to fine-tune your console for your needs and maintain its functionality.
Learning the various shortcuts for settings on your console could further add to your console’s functionality while improving its overall ease of use.
