The Nintendo Switch Console Cannot Find Your Wireless Network
Description:
- You are unable to connect your Nintendo Switch console to the internet because your wireless network was not found.
- After searching for wireless networks, your network is not listed under "Networks Found".
- The MAC address on the console is displayed primarily as zeros.
Important:
- If you remain within the internet settings, you can press the Y Button to have the Nintendo Switch console search for networks.
- Perform this search for networks after any changes are made to the Nintendo Switch console or network environment.
Do you see any access points?
I do not see any access points. I see other networks, but I do not see mine.
Possible Solutions:
- Restart the Nintendo Switch console.
To restart the console, hold the POWER Button for three seconds, then select "Power Options", followed by "Restart".
- Ensure your router's wireless security key setting is compatible with Nintendo Switch.
The Nintendo Switch console supports WEP, WPA-PSK(AES), and WPA2-PSK(AES). If your router is using a different security type (e.g. WPA-PSK(TKIP)), you will need to change this security type within your router's settings.
Important:
If you change the security settings of your wireless router, then you may also be required to update the security settings for the wireless devices that connect to your router.
- Move the Nintendo Switch console closer to the wireless router.
If possible, place the Nintendo Switch console within 3 to 5 metres (10 to 15 feet) of the wireless router to improve the signal strength during troubleshooting.
- It may be helpful to remove the Nintendo Switch console from the Nintendo Switch dock while troubleshooting, and then return the console when troubleshooting is complete.
- Power cycle your home network.
Restarting your network devices may resolve this issue if it is related to the devices being unresponsive.
- Review the settings of the wireless router, and ensure the SSID (network name) broadcast option is enabled.
Most wireless networking devices have the option to not broadcast their SSID, making them invisible to devices searching for nearby networks. If the broadcast option is disabled, you can either enable this option on the wireless router, or manually set up an internet connection.
- Move any metal objects or electronic devices away from your Nintendo Switch console and wireless router.
Metal objects and electronic devices may interfere with wireless signals. If you have any of these, such as filing cabinets, speakers, power strips, glass, or cordless phones, next to your console or wireless router, move them away.
- Manually create an internet connection on the Nintendo Switch console.
In situations where the console cannot locate your SSID, you may still be able to connect to the network if you manually enter the network's SSID and wireless password into the Nintendo Switch console's settings.
Situation Not Resolved:
If you are still unable to find your wireless network, this may indicate an issue related to the network environment or wireless router being used.
If you would like to continue troubleshooting potential issues related to the wireless router, contact the router's manufacturer for assistance with performing the following steps:
- Updating the wireless router's firmware
- Resetting the router back to its factory default settings
If possible, also attempt to connect at a different location.
Possible Solutions:
- Ensure your router's wireless security key setting is compatible with Nintendo Switch.
The Nintendo Switch console supports WEP, WPA-PSK(AES), and WPA2-PSK(AES). If your router is using a different security type (e.g. WPA-PSK(TKIP)), you will need to change this security type within your router's settings.
Important:
If you change the security settings of your wireless router, then you may also be required to update the security settings for the wireless devices that connect to your router.
- Move the Nintendo Switch console closer to the wireless router.
If possible, place the Nintendo Switch console within 3 to 5 metres (10 to 15 feet) of the wireless router to improve the signal strength during troubleshooting.
- It may be helpful to remove the Nintendo Switch console from the Nintendo Switch dock while troubleshooting, and then return the console when troubleshooting is complete.
- Power cycle your home network.
Restarting your network devices may resolve this issue if it is related to the devices being unresponsive.
- Review the settings of the wireless router, and ensure the SSID (network name) broadcast option is enabled.
Most wireless networking devices have the option to not broadcast their SSID, making them invisible to devices searching for nearby networks. If the broadcast option is disabled, you can either enable this option on the wireless router, or manually set up an Internet connection.
- Move any metal objects or electronic devices away from your Nintendo Switch console and wireless router.
Metal objects and electronic devices may interfere with wireless signals. If you have any of these, such as filing cabinets, speakers, power strips, glass, or cordless phones, next to your console or wireless router, move them away.
- Manually create an internet connection on the Nintendo Switch console.
In situations where the console can not locate your SSID, you may still be able to connect to the network if you manually enter the network's SSID and wireless password into the Nintendo Switch console's settings.
Situation Not Resolved:
If you are still unable to find your wireless network, this may indicate an issue related to the network environment or wireless router being used.
If you would like to continue troubleshooting potential issues related to the wireless router, contact the router's manufacturer for assistance with performing the following steps:
- Updating the wireless router's firmware
- Resetting the router back to its factory default settings