On the covered Nintendo Switch console, 9001-0026 means an error Nintendo ties to this situation: to purchase or redeem a download code for a game, content, or Nintendo Switch Online membership from Nintendo.com. First, note the exact error code and message on the screen and what you were doing when it appeared.
Differential
Likely causes of “Nintendo Switch console code 9001-0026”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
No Nintendo Account is linked to the console
What separates it You cannot buy or redeem
How to confirm Link an account to the console
- 2
The account is not linked to the right user
What separates it The wrong user is signed in
How to confirm Select the user with the linked account
- 3
A code redeemed on an account that cannot receive the game
What separates it The game does not arrive
How to confirm Redeem it on the account that should own it
- 4
A new console not yet set up
What separates it The profile has no account
How to confirm Create or link an account
- 5
A connection issue during linking
What separates it The steps stall
How to confirm Use a steady connection
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The user selected
- Whether an account is linked
- What you were buying or redeeming
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleNote the exact error code and message on the screen and what you were doing when it appeared.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleLink your Nintendo Account to the console you wish to obtain the content on. Use a smart device to scan the QR code to visit the Nintendo Account website. If you do not have a smart device, the link is https://accounts.nintendo.com/. Create your Nintendo Account on the Nintendo Account website. Sign in to your Nintendo Account.
Select Users
ReversibleAnd the right user.
Link a Nintendo Account
ReversibleOr create a new one.
Scan the QR code
ReversibleTo use the account site.
Return to the console
ReversibleAnd finish linking.
Retry the purchase or code
ReversibleAfter linking.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Account needed
- Downloads need a linked account.
- Users
- Link it on the right user.
- Why an account is needed
- Downloads and purchases are tied to a Nintendo Account, so a console user with no linked account cannot buy or redeem a code. The code reports that the account is missing, and the fix is to link one to the user.
- Linking from the console
- In System Settings, choose Users and the user, then sign in or link a Nintendo Account. The QR code on the screen opens the account website on a phone, where you can sign in or create an account and return to the console to finish.
- Then retry
- After linking, go back to the eShop and repeat the purchase or redemption.
- Account first, then purchases
- Linking an account before shopping avoids this code. A new console user should link or create an account as part of setup.
- Region
- The account's country determines the eShop you see and what codes work, so check it when you create the account.
- Creating the account
- Creating a Nintendo Account takes a few minutes on the website, using an email address you can read. Choose the right country, since it controls the eShop store you see, and complete the verification email before returning to the console.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If linking fails, contact Nintendo Support
- !Use a steady connection
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does 9001-0026 mean on a Nintendo Switch console?+
an error Nintendo ties to this situation: to purchase or redeem a download code for a game, content, or Nintendo Switch Online membership from Nintendo.com.
Do I need an account?+
Yes, to get downloadable content.
How do I link one?+
In System Settings, under Users.
Can I use a QR code?+
Yes.