Resetting your Nintendo Switch: how to reset

Resetting your Nintendo Switch can help you to fix a number of issues. There are three different methods you can use to do this.

Nintendo Switch soft reset: instructions

A soft reset of your Nintendo Switch is useful if the console freezes. With this method, you don’t have to worry about your data.

• You can perform a soft reset by pressing and holding the POWER button on the console for 15 seconds. You will find the button on the top of the Nintendo Switch next to the volume buttons.

• The Switch will then automatically turn off. Wait a moment.

• Press the POWER button again to turn the console back on. This completes the soft reset.

• Note: All reset methods can be used for the normal, OLED and Lite versions of the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch: How to do a hard reset

If you are experiencing software issues, a hard reset of your Nintendo Switch may be worthwhile. This option allows you to restore the console to its factory settings without deleting your data.

• Turn off the Nintendo Switch. Use the handheld mode of your console for the hard reset.

• Now press and hold both volume buttons at the same time. Then press the POWER button.

• The Nintendo Switch recovery menu will then open. In recovery mode, look for the option to reset the console without deleting any save data.

• Confirm the operation. The Nintendo Switch will automatically reset and then turn back on.

• Tip: If you want to be on the safe side with your data, use the Nintendo Switch Online cloud or put the files you want on a microSD card beforehand. Make sure that the microSD memory card is compatible with the console.

Nintendo Switch Factory Reset: Back to factory settings

Use the factory reset to solve serious problems with your Nintendo Switch. This will delete both the firmware and all personal data and settings.

• This means that your save data for all Switch games, screenshots, the Nintendo account link and other save data will be lost. This method is only recommended if you have no other options.

• Open the system settings. Now select the formatting options under Console.

• If you have set a PIN, you must now enter it. Click on the Reset to Factory Settings option.

• Confirm your selection by clicking Next. As a precaution, read the information displayed on your console. Confirm the factory reset again by clicking the Reset to factory settings option.

• If you are unable to start or operate the Switch due to persistent problems, hold down the volume buttons and then press the POWER button, as you would for a hard reset.

• You will then be taken back to the recovery mode. This time, select the Reset to factory settings option to initiate the process.

• The console will then take care of the factory reset. After that, you will need to set up the Switch again.

• Note: For Nintendo Switch consoles with firmware 10.0.0 or later, factory resets can take up to or more than five minutes.