Dealing with a frozen Nintendo Switch can be frustrating, but these simple solutions can resolve most issues. Start by restarting the console by holding the power button for 12 seconds. If you see a dead screen, charge your Nintendo Switch for at least 30 minutes to fix the issue. You can also exit and reopen the game if the Nintendo Switch freezes during the game.
For hardware resets, docking and redocking the console, along with maintaining a stable internet connection, can fix bugs. For hardware-related problems, detach and reattach Joy-Cons and clean the console’s slots. If none of these steps work, get professional Nintendo Switch repair services to start enjoying your uninterrupted gaming sessions again.
Solutions To Unfreeze Your Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch freezing can cause trouble in your gaming sessions. Try these effective methods to unfreeze your Nintendo Switch:
Solution 1: Turn It Off and On Again
The most common fix for a frozen Nintendo Switch is to restart the device.
- First, hold the power button for at least 12 seconds to power it off.
- Once it’s shut down, press the power button again to turn it back on.
Solution 2: Charge the Battery
Your Switch won’t turn on, possibly because the battery is dead, so charge your console to turn it on.
- Place your console inside its dock or use the USB-C cable to connect for direct charging.
- Allow your Switch to charge for at least half an hour.
- You can then restart it and see if it is working fine.
Solution 3: Exit the Game
Sometimes, it’s not the console, but the game causes a freeze. Then, click on Exit to close the game, and follow these steps:
- Press the Home button.
- Then, go to the game and choose the close option.
- Next, open the game and see if this problem persists.
Solution 4: Console Docking and Redocking
If your Switch is not responding, opt to dock and re-dock it.
- Take the console out of the dock.
- Wait a few seconds and put it back in.
Solution 5: Ensure a Stable Internet connection
A weak internet connection might freeze games or applications. Avoid this by ensuring a stable connection. If the connection is weak, reset your router or go closer to the Wi-Fi source for better connectivity.
Solution 6: Reattach the Joy-Cons
If the console freezes, pull out and reinsert the Joy-Con controllers to restart it. Remove the controllers from the Switch, wait, and reattach them to resolve minor hardware issues.
Solution 7: Disconnect Wired Controllers
If using a wired controller, pull it out of the Switch, wait, and plug it back in. Some wired controllers have unstable connections that will affect the system and cause it to freeze.
Solution 8: Check for a Damaged Card
A damaged card can prevent the Switch from reading data, which might lead to console freezing. Look at the card for visible damage and replace it if required. To avoid future problems, purchase digital game versions from the Nintendo e-shop and download them onto the Switch linked to your account.
Solution 9: Install a System Update
A corrupted system update may result in frequent crashes or freezes. This occurs when the update process is interrupted, causing incomplete installation. To ensure your system runs smoothly, manually check for updates.
- First, go to the Settings and select System.
- Then, choose System Update and install the available update.
Why Is My Nintendo Switch Freezing?
Nintendo Switch freezing can cause trouble turning on your console, waking it up from the Sleep Mode, and running games smoothly. These are the most common reasons behind switch freezing:
- Dead Battery: A drained battery is a common reason for the Nintendo Switch freezing or unresponsiveness as it fails to perform basic functions like running games.
- Software Glitches: Temporary software glitches due to overloaded memory or corrupted data can cause the Switch to freeze during gameplay.
- Faulty SD Card: If your Nintendo Switch relies on an SD card for extra storage, scratches or corrupted files on the card may interfere with system performance.
- Incomplete System Updates: If a system update is incomplete, it can lead to console instability, causing problems like freezing and crashing.
- Damaged Game Cartridge: A damaged game cartridge can disrupt the console’s ability to read game data causing the system to freeze.
Read More: Why Your PS5 Overheats? Repair Solutions That Work
Conclusion
Resolving a frozen Nintendo Switch is now easy with these effective solutions. Restart the console (hold the power button for 12 seconds), charge the battery (at least 30 minutes), and exit and reopen the frozen game to fix the issue. Dock and re-dock the console to reset minor bugs and ensure a stable internet connection to prevent freezing during online gaming. For hardware issues, detach Joy-Cons, remove wired controllers, and clean game or SD card slots. If nothing works, get professional Nintendo Switch repair services to get it fixed in no time.
