If you’re wondering how to connect your Nintendo Switch to a TV, we’re here to help you with this simple step-by-step guide, including some FAQ and troubleshooting if you’re having any issues. Connecting your console to a TV opens up a whole new world of gaming experience, allowing you to enjoy your favorite games on the big screen. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a newcomer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know!
For more Switch-related help, be sure to check out our guide to which is the best Nintendo Switch console. We also have all the latest news and rumors on the Nintendo Switch 2, as well as a guide to all the best Switch games for you to peruse.
Here’s how to connect Nintendo Switch to TV:
How do I connect a Nintendo Switch to TV?
To connect your Nintendo Switch to the TV, just follow these instructions:
- Connect the Nintendo Switch dock to a power source.
- Connect the Nintendo Switch dock to the TV using an HDMI cable.
- Turn on the Nintendo Switch.
- Properly place the Nintendo Switch into the dock.
- Turn on the TV.
- Switch to the correct channel for the HDMI connection you have chosen.
- The Nintendo Switch should now appear on the TV.
Why won’t my Nintendo Switch connect to the TV?
If you’re having trouble getting your Nintendo Switch to connect to the TV, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:
Is your Nintendo Switch dock plugged into the power?
You don’t need to plug in the Nintendo Switch to run it in handheld mode, thanks to the internal battery, but to connect to the TV, the dock has to connect to a power source. Make sure you connect the plug to a power outlet, and then insert the USB-C power cable into the dock before placing the Switch in the dock.
Is your Nintendo Switch dock connected to the TV with the HDMI cable?
Another simple thing to miss is to ensure that your Nintendo Switch dock has the HDMI cable plugged into both the dock and the television. Once you connect it to the television, choose the right channel for the HDMI connection you are using to run the Nintendo Switch.
Is your Nintendo Switch properly connected to the dock?
The Nintendo Switch is designed to sit comfortably into the Nintendo Switch dock, but occasionally the system can miss the connection and instead will just sit in the dock without appearing on the television. Make sure you line up the USB-C connection on the bottom of the Switch to the port on the bottom of the dock, and the Nintendo Switch should connect to the TV.
Try a different HDMI cable or connection
If you still have issues connecting your Nintendo Switch to the TV, it may not be the fault of the Nintendo Switch itself. One thing to try is changing either the HDMI connection or the cable itself. Most TVs have several different connections, so input the Nintendo Switch to a different HDMI port on the television and see if this helps.
If the issues persist, it may be the HDMI cable. The one that comes in the box with the Nintendo Switch should be in perfect working order, but if you have a used Switch, something could be amiss. Try an HDMI cable that you know works by connecting it to another device, and then test it with the Nintendo Switch.
Check the TV settings on your Nintendo Switch
Still having trouble? Power up the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode and check the TV settings. From the home menu, go into system settings, click TV output, and from there set TV Resolution and RGB Range to automatic.
Ensure your Nintendo Switch is updated
If all of the above doesn’t work, check whether your Nintendo Switch and dock are up to date. To update your Nintendo Switch, open system settings, scroll down to ‘system’, and select ‘system update’ to check for new updates.
Why is my Nintendo Switch dock not working?
If your Nintendo Switch dock doesn’t appear to be working and none of the above steps have helped, it could be due to one of the following reasons:
- Physical damage (from liquids, drops, bumps, etc).
- Cable damage (faulty cables, power surges).
- Insufficient power supply.
- Software glitches within the dock.
If you’ve checked all of your cables and updated your Switch and it’s still not working, you should contact Nintendo Customer Support for your region.
Can you connect Nintendo Switch to TV without a dock?
Yes, you can connect your Nintendo Switch to your TV without a dock. Even if you don’t have the original Nintendo Switch dock or a third-party dock, you can still connect your Switch to your TV by using a USB-C to HDMI adapter.
Can I connect a Nintendo Switch Lite to the TV?
Sadly, despite being part of the Nintendo Switch family, the Nintendo Switch Lite cannot connect to a television and is purely a handheld device. The Nintendo Switch Lite doesn’t contain the necessary components to connect to a television.
So please, don’t try to force your Nintendo Switch Lite into a Nintendo Switch dock, as it doesn’t work and you might scratch your console. Luckily, many other portable gaming consoles can work with your TV, including the Steam Deck.
Alright, Switch players, this guide should set you on your way, and hopefully, you’re now busy gaming on the TV as you read this. If you’re looking for fresh titles to play on that screen, check out our guide to the best Nintendo Switch games to find your next gaming fix!
