If you’ve experienced your Nintendo Switch turning off when docked then you aren’t alone. Many users have faced this issue before and luckily there are a few solutions that you can try before having to go a more expensive route of returns and replacement. So below we’ll walk you through the 5 best solutions for when your Nintendo Switch expectantly turns off when docked.
Check your Switch HDMI Cable for damage
The first thing you should do is check the HDMI cable’s connection to your TV and the Switch dock. If this is faulty it can cause your TV to disconnect from the dock and shut your Nintendo Switch down. You should also check the integrity of the cable. And ensure that it’s not damaged or that the ports on your switch and TV are intact and don’t have any debris or dust in them.
You should also be sure that your arent using any after-market cables to connect your Switch. This can not only cause the Switch to not detect the cable. But it can also cause damage to your devices as the cable may not be the correct version. Resulting in an unstable connection, causing the devices to shut down.
Check your TV and Switch’s Resolution When Docked
Once you’re sure that the HDMI cable is not the issue, you should check the video settings on both your TV and Switch. This is because the resolution of some TVs may be lower than what the Nintendo Switch currently runs, and when your device can’t connect it will not display anything. So fiddle around with the Switch video display settings until you find one that matches your TV’s resolution or vice versa.
Test your Switch and Dock on different TVs
Try connecting your Nintendo Switch and dock to a new TV or monitor if the previous fix doesn’t work to determine the exact source of the problem. If your Switch functions on other displays, you might need to examine and adjust the TV’s settings until you find one that works.
If you can’t find a setting that works, then it’s likely the cable isn’t accepted by your specific TV. This is because some TVs are quite picky in terms of which HDMI input they receive. So try different HDMI cable versions. More specifically, try the 1.4 and 2.0 version cables as these are the only ones compatible with the Switch.
Check your Switch dock Power Source
If your Nintendo Switch dock is connected to an extended power outlet or to one with ten other things plugged into it, it can cause the dock and the device to shut down randomly. To alleviate this, make sure your dock is plugged directly into a wall socket for a secure power connection.
This issue can also affect the battery of the Switch and damage it over time. Especially if you’ve had your dock plugged into an unsecured power source for a while. So a relatively cheaper option is to purchase a new battery for the Switch and plug the dock directly into a wall outlet to test it. To do this, you’ll need to open up the Switch, which does void the warranty if your device still has it. In that case, we recommend contacting Nintendo to return the device for battery repairs.
Contact Support
Last but not least is the tried and true method of contacting support. This option is best if you are still under your 12-month warranty and can get your Switch sent to Nintendo to test and fix the issue. This might be the most time-demanding solution, but well worth it. As Nintendo can often reimburse you with a new device if yours has a factory flaw, or repair any issue that began to develop after purchasing.
