Best Fixes for Nintendo Switch Black Screen of Death

Whether you are experiencing a total freeze on your Nintendo Switch with an all-black screen or frozen on the Nintendo logo, we have put together some of the most effective ways you can fix the Nintendo Switch black screen of death.

All form user experience, we have some of the most effective solutions and guides to help walk you through any possible issue with the black screen of death. So let’s get to fixing it!

Common causes

There are meaningful reasons you are here seeking a solution. Maybe your Nintendo Switch is entirely black, suspect of possible internal damage, or you can hear the Switch running, but the screen remains black. Some common issues users face with the Nintendo Switch black screen of death are:

• A technical bug, which requires a simple restart
• The battery is not charging correctly
• Keeping the Switch in Sleep Mode
• Charging the Switch with a low-quality charger

Keep in mind how you take care of your Nintendo Switch. Depending on how well you follow instructions and maintenance will depend on how many issues you will face in the future!

Main solutions to fix the issue

All of the below solutions have been recommended by users with real problems and real solutions to their problems. We will start with the most valuable solutions to benefit you to the least beneficial ones.

1. Let it fully discharge and restart

Many users claim that letting the battery die completely and recharging it can be a big Nintendo Switch black screen of death fix. However, this was tested on a Nintendo Switch older version, so that it might be different for newer versions.

To complete this successfully, you must do the following:

1. Leave the Switch alone for a long time (possibly overnight) to ensure it is dead from battery loss
2. After waiting for the battery to die, plug the Nintendo Switch into the AC Adapter for at least 2 minutes
3. Hold down both volume buttons, including the power button
4. This should bring your Switch into Maintenance mode and surpass the Nintendo logo

If the black screen persists, repeat this method a few more times. Sometimes it will take more than one attempt.

2. Use official charging gear

Whether you are using a docking station or an average USB-C cable for charging, this could seriously damage or cause issues to your Nintendo Switch. One of the main reasons your Nintendo Switch has the black screen of death is the lack of using the official battery charger offered within the Nintendo Switch box.

Here is a step-by-step on properly charging and rebooting your Switch:

1. Charge the Nintendo Switch using the Official adapter/charger. Don’t charge the Nintendo Switch on the Docking Station.
2. Press the power button of the Nintendo Switch once.
3. This time, press and hold the power button for 15 seconds, then release it.
4. Nothing should happen on the switch, no lights, no visual indicator.
5. Let it sit for at least 1 hour (or more which is recommended).

• Once 1 hour (or more) has passed, you can reboot your Switch.

If this still does not fix the black screen situation, consider replacing the battery.

3. Press required buttons to reboot OLED version

If you are experiencing the press-and-hold option not working for restarting your device, consider holding down the power button and pressing the positive volume button twice before releasing the power button. After this, power the Switch back on.

This has been a fix for some OLED Switch owners, as only some experience it on the same device version.

4. Force reboot with power button

Many users still face the black screen issue because they do not hold the power button for an extended time. If your screen is frozen on the black screen, consider the following:

1. Holding down the power button for at least 15-20 seconds,
2. Clicking it once more
3. Rebooting the Nintendo Switch to normal.

This has been a common fix for many users, although it does not fix every problem, so we suggest the above solutions first.

5. Reset the device

A few users have had to experience a Factory Reset to restore their Nintendo Switch to normal completely. To perform a factory reset, you must:

1. With the Nintendo powered off, hold down on both the volume buttons and the power button at the same time.
2. When you release the power button, keep the volume buttons down (this can be a bit difficult, so try to balance your finger in the middle of both buttons)
3. The Nintendo Switch should enter into Recovery Mode.

NOTE: If you have Parental Controls enabled on the Nintendo Switch, you will NOT be able to access Recovery Mode. You must contact Nintendo Support to fix it if you need help remembering the code.

6. Verify stable wall connection

Although it is a simple issue, it can solve many problems with the black screen of death. This issue can be solved by firmly pushing the plug into the wall socket. If, for whatever reason, it becomes loose after being pressed firmly, try to find a wall socket that has a better connection.

If you do not fix this issue and try to go to dock the Switch, it will register that it will be on the dock, but it won’t do anything more than that.

7. Don’t leave in sleep mode

Leaving the Nintendo in Sleep Mode will completely drain the battery of the Switch, which can leave it not to turn on or remain on a black screen. If you keep the Switch in sleep mode, simply charge it for a little while and turn it back on.

If you need to know how to turn off the Switch completely correctly, follow these steps:

1. Hold down the power button for a few seconds until you see power options
2. Select power options and click power off
3. This will completely turn off the Nintendo Switch and refrain it from using battery life.

Making this a constant habit after use will keep your battery lasting longer and prolong its life expectancy.