How to Reset Nintendo Switch (2024)

This article explains how to reset a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite. The steps for resetting a Switch OLED are a little different.

How to Perform a Hard Reset (Factory Reset) on a Nintendo Switch

If your console won't start up or come out of sleep mode, perform a hard reset before anything else. If you're selling it or giving it away, factory reset it first. Here's how.

1. First, turn off your Nintendo Switch. Then, with the system powered down, hold the power button until the console resets. This step can take up to 15 seconds.

2. Release the power button, then press it once to start the console like normal.

3. Your console should boot up without any issue.

How to Reset the Nintendo Switch's Cache

Like any internet-connected device, the Nintendo Switch has a cache that stores your IDs, passwords, and browsing history. Sometimes, you might want to delete this information so that no one else can check it or simply due to security concerns. Here's how:

1. On the Nintendo Switch home screen, select Settings.

   

2. Scroll down and select System on the left menu.

   

3. Scroll to the bottom of the screen, and then select Formatting Options.

   

4. Select Reset Cache.

   

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   To delete the keyboard's learned predictions, select Reset Keyboard.

5. A warning that you can't restore the data will pop up. Select Reset.

   

How to Reset Your Nintendo Switch Without Losing Your Game Saves

Suppose you need to reset your Nintendo Switch more comprehensively than simply clearing the cache. In that case, delete everything from the console except for game save data, screenshots, videos, and user information.

1. Turn off the console. Hold down the power button until you see Power Options, then select Turn Off.

2. Hold down the volume up and volume down buttons,then press the power button.

3. Continue holding the buttons until Maintenance Mode loads on the Nintendo Switch.

4. Choose Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data, then select OK.

5. Wait for the console to finish resetting, restoring it to factory settings.

How to Reset Your Nintendo Switch to Factory Settings Using Maintenance Mode

If you're selling your Nintendo Switch, restore it to factory settings and delete your files so the new owner can't access your data.

1. Use the previous instructions to put the Switch into Maintenance Mode.

2. From there, select Initialize Console > Continue.

3. Wait for the console to finish erasing your data.

How to Factory Reset Nintendo Switch From the Settings Menu

Alternatively, you can perform a full reset from the console's Settings menu. Here's how.

1. On the Nintendo Switch home screen, select Settings.

   

2. Scroll down and select System on the left menu.

   

3. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and select Formatting Options.

   

4. Choose Initialize Console, and then select OK.

   

5. Wait for the console to finish erasing your data.

   This process also unlinks your Nintendo account from the system.