Nintendo switch connects to network device but not internet

Internet connection issues are a common problem with the Nintendo Switch.

Why Can’t I Connect My Nintendo Switch to WIFI?

There are several reasons why a Switch has problems connecting to WiFi, including the router, wrong password, malfunctioning Switch, and more.

The WiFi on the Switch can also stop working after an SD-card upgrade or a System Update.

Several fixes can be done which will get your Nintendo Switch back online.

5 Fixes When a Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to WiFi

• Restart the Router


Routers sometimes have issues and need to be reset to clear out an error.

This is a common problem, especially in a busy wireless environment.

There is often a power off/on button on the unit, or the router can be unplugged and plugged back in.
 

• Test the Internet with Another Device


Testing the internet with another device is a quick easy way to see if the internet is down.

Any other device can be used such as a smartphone or laptop simply verify the internet is working.
 

• Restart/Reset the System from the Menu Option


If the Nintendo Switch is constantly left in Sleep Mode, the WiFi can sometimes have issues.

Power restarting the system from the menu option clears out old data that otherwise may not get cleared.

This includes system errors or other errors that could cause the wireless not to work.

How To Hard Restart/Reset the Nintendo Switch

1. Hold the Power Button Down

2. Hold the button until a Menu comes up and select Power Options

3. Select Restart or Power Off and Back On

4. After the system restarts, test the WiFi to see if it works.
• Change the Wireless Security Protocol


Changing the WPA security settings often fixes the WiFi issue with a Nintendo Switch.

WPA or WEP is the main way WiFi transmission are secured and encrypted from prying eyes.

Changing the protocol to WPA2 or another protocol such as WEP often will get the Switch back online.

The wireless security can be changed to WEP, which is not as secure as WPA but may not matter to someone just gaming.

How To Change the Change the Wireless Security Protocol on a Nintendo Switch

1. Go to System Settings–> Internet Settings–> Change Settings

2. Select Security

3. Change the Security Protocol to WEP or WPA2

4. Enter You WiFi Password

5. Test your connection and see if it works
• Change the DNS Settings


The DNS setting can also cause the Switch WiFi to have issues stop working.

A DNS (Domain Name System) is where an IP Address number is translated into a website name.

Computers use IP Addresses to go to a website while people use names.

A DNS server translates IP Addresses into readable websites names people understand.

DNS servers are set by an IP number, and can be Country specific, so be sure to Google working DNS servers in your country.

A very common DNS Server IP Numbers are 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 are common but there are many more.

Steps to Change Primary and Secondary DNS Settings on a Nintendo Switch

1. Go to System Settings–> Internet Settings–> Change Settings

2. Scroll down and select DNS Settings

3. Set DNS to Manual

4. Go to Primary DNS

5. Change the Primary DNS number to 1.1.1.1

6. Go to the Secondary DNS

7. Change the Secondary DNS number to 1.0.0.1

8. Save the Settings and test if the WiFi is working.

Why Can’t My Nintendo Switch Connect to 5GHz WiFi?

The usual cause of the Switch not connecting to 5GHz WiFi is the router.

Restarting the router will often solve a no-connection issue.

In some cases, the router may be malfunctioning which can be tested with another device to see if the 5GHz band is working or not.

Another issue may be distance or obstructions as 5GHz does not travel as far as the 2.4GHz band.

The Switch also may be having issues and need a restart.

Summary
When a Nintendo Switch or any gaming device is having WiFi issues, it can be very upsetting.

It is a common problem for the Switch to have wireless problems with many fixes online.

Start by looking at the easy fixes, such as if the internet is working, which while not likely the problem but should to be checked first.

Many users have good luck powering down the unit and power it back on.

Other users have had good luck changing the DNS server number.

Hopefully, one of the fixes above help to solve your device error.

Have you had issues with the WiFi not working on your Nintendo Switch? Let us know your thoughts below.

Why does my Switch connect to the network device but not the internet?