Get the App
Better experience on mobile
A step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve connection issues between your Nintendo Switch and TV.
Having your Nintendo Switch fail to connect to your TV can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're ready to dive into a gaming session. You're not alone—this is a common issue reported by many Switch users across forums and support channels. Whether it's a blank screen, no signal, or audio issues, this problem can stem from a variety of causes like faulty cables, incorrect settings, or hardware issues.
This guide is designed to help you diagnose and fix the problem with clear, actionable steps. We'll walk you through 8 potential solutions, starting with the simplest checks (like cable connections) and progressing to more complex troubleshooting (like dock or hardware issues). By the end, you'll either have your Switch displaying on your TV or know if it's time to consider a repair or upgrade.
Stick with us to get back to gaming as quickly as possible, with minimal hassle. Let's troubleshoot together!
Difficulty: easy | Time: 2 minutes
Start by ensuring all HDMI cables are securely plugged in. Unplug the HDMI cable from both the Nintendo Switch dock and the TV, then firmly reconnect them. Make sure there’s no visible damage to the cable or ports.
Why this works: Loose connections are a common culprit for display issues. A secure connection ensures the signal can travel properly.
What you should see: If this fixes it, your TV should display the Switch home screen within a few seconds after powering on.
Warning signs: If the screen remains blank or flickers, move to the next step as the cable or port might be faulty.
Difficulty: easy | Time: 2 minutes
Use your TV remote to cycle through the input sources (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2) and ensure the correct HDMI port is selected for your Switch dock.
Why this works: TVs often default to the wrong input if multiple devices are connected, preventing the Switch signal from displaying.
What you should see: The Switch screen should appear once the correct input is selected.
Warning signs: If switching inputs doesn’t work, the issue may lie elsewhere—proceed to the next step.
Difficulty: easy | Time: 5 minutes
Turn off your Switch by holding the power button for 3 seconds and selecting 'Power Options' > 'Turn Off.' Unplug the dock’s power adapter and HDMI cable for 30 seconds, then reconnect everything and power on.
Why this works: A power cycle can reset temporary glitches in the dock or console.
What you should see: After rebooting, the TV should display the Switch if this was a minor glitch.
Warning signs: If there’s still no display, there could be a deeper issue with settings or hardware.
Difficulty: easy | Time: 5 minutes
Swap out the current HDMI cable with another one to rule out a faulty cable. If you don’t have a spare, borrow one or purchase a reliable option.
Why this works: HDMI cables can wear out or become damaged, interrupting the signal.
What you should see: A working cable should restore the display immediately.
Warning signs: If a new cable doesn’t help, the issue might be with the dock or TV port.
Tools needed: Spare HDMI cable
Difficulty: medium | Time: 5 minutes
Go to 'System Settings' on your Switch, select 'TV Settings,' and set 'TV Resolution' to 'Automatic' or manually match your TV’s resolution (e.g., 1080p or 720p).
Why this works: A mismatch between the Switch output and TV capability can cause a blank screen.
What you should see: The display should appear after adjusting the settings and restarting the console.
Warning signs: If the screen is still blank, compatibility or hardware issues may be at play.
Difficulty: medium | Time: 10 minutes
Connect your Switch dock to a different TV using the same or a new HDMI cable. Ensure the input source is correct on the new TV.
Why this works: This helps determine if the issue is with your original TV’s HDMI port or settings.
What you should see: If it works on another TV, the problem is with your original TV’s setup or port.
Warning signs: If it doesn’t work on a second TV, the dock or Switch may be faulty.
Difficulty: medium | Time: 5 minutes
Examine the dock for bent pins in the USB-C connector or other visible damage. Also, ensure the green LED on the dock lights up when powered on.
Why this works: Physical damage or power issues with the dock can prevent TV output.
What you should see: If the LED is on and there’s no damage, the dock should function. If it works after reseating the Switch, you’re good.
Warning signs: No LED or visible damage suggests a faulty dock—consider a replacement or repair.
Difficulty: medium | Time: 10-15 minutes
Go to 'System Settings' > 'System' > 'System Update' on your Switch to check for and install any available updates. You may need to connect to the internet in handheld mode if the TV isn’t displaying.
Why this works: Firmware bugs can cause connectivity issues, and updates often include fixes.
What you should see: After updating, restart the Switch and check if the TV displays the image.
Warning signs: If the issue persists post-update, it’s likely a hardware problem requiring professional help.
If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps and your Nintendo Switch still won’t connect to your TV, it might be a sign of permanent hardware failure in the console or dock. Common red flags include no LED on the dock, visible damage to ports, or failure to display on multiple TVs even with new cables. If your Switch is over 3-5 years old, internal components like the USB-C port or GPU may be failing due to wear and tear, and repairs can be costly—often ranging from $100 to $200 through Nintendo or third-party services.
Compare this to the cost of a new Switch, which starts around $200-$300 depending on the model. If your device is out of warranty (typically 1 year from purchase), you’re looking at full repair costs, which might not be worth it for an older unit. Additionally, if you’ve experienced other issues like Joy-Con drift or battery degradation, upgrading to a newer model (like the Switch OLED) could provide a better long-term solution with improved features.
Safety isn’t a major concern with this issue, but avoid forcing cables or using damaged docks, as this could worsen the problem or cause electrical hazards. Check Nintendo’s support site to see if your device qualifies for any extended warranty programs before deciding on repair vs. replacement.
🛒 Buy Nintendo Switch OLED Model on Amazon
🛒 Buy Nintendo Switch (Neon Blue/Red Joy-Con) on Amazon
🛒 Buy Nintendo Switch Lite on Amazon
🛒 Buy Replacement Nintendo Switch Dock Set on Amazon
This is the premium Switch model with a better screen and improved dock, reducing connectivity issues.
Price Range: $340-$360
Key Benefits:
A standard replacement with reliable performance at a more affordable price than the OLED model.
Price Range: $290-$310
Key Benefits:
A budget-friendly handheld option if TV docking isn’t your primary need.
Price Range: $190-$210
Key Benefits:
If only the dock is faulty, this official replacement is a cost-effective fix without buying a new console.
Price Range: $55-$65
Key Benefits:
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Nintendo Switch – OLED Model w/White Joy-Con White Console Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | 4.7 4.7 | |
Nintendo Joy-Con (L/R) - Neon Red/Neon Blue Neon Red and Blue Joy-Con (L)/(R) Rank #2 | 💰 Budget Pick | 4.8 4.8 | |
 Nintendo Switch Lite - Blue Blue Lite Console Rank #3 | — | 4.8 4.8 | Check price |
Nintendo of America Nintendo Switch Dock Set - Nintendo Switch; Rank #4 | — | 4.3 4.3 |
