The Switch 2 connects by Wi-Fi 6 anywhere or by a wired connection only when docked, and Nintendo's requirements article says a mobile hotspot works but the connection may vary with signal strength. When the console seems stuck searching for a wireless network, restart it and, if it does not respond, hold POWER for 20 seconds; then set up the connection again within 10 feet of the router. NAT trouble is dealt with by turning off IPv6 on the connection, and a strict NAT can stop online play with some players.
Differential
Likely causes of “Nintendo Switch 2 cannot connect online or has strict NAT”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The console is stuck searching
What separates it It keeps searching for an access point for an excessively long time
How to confirm Restart it, or hold POWER for 20 seconds if it does not respond, then connect again within 10 feet of the router
- 2
A weak or busy signal
What separates it The console finds few networks or drops in another room
How to confirm Bring it within 10 feet of the router and clear metal objects and electronics
- 3
A hotspot with variable signal
What separates it You use a phone hotspot and the connection varies
How to confirm Nintendo says a mobile hotspot can be used but connection may vary with signal strength; test near the phone
- 4
A wired connection without the dock
What separates it You connected an Ethernet cable but the console is not docked
How to confirm Nintendo says a wired connection needs the console placed in the Switch 2 dock
- 5
A strict NAT type or IPv6 issue
What separates it You connect but cannot join or host with other players
How to confirm Turn off IPv6 Connection in the network settings and power cycle the modem and router
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The error code and NAT type from the connection test
- Whether the console uses Wi-Fi, a hotspot or a wired connection in the dock
- The distance to the router in the room
- The router and modem models that you are using
Try in this order
0 of 9 completedRestart the console
ReversibleHold POWER for at least three seconds, choose Power Options, then Restart. If the console does not respond, hold POWER for 20 seconds and power on again.
Move close and reconnect
ReversiblePlace the Switch 2 within 10 feet of the wireless router, then open System Settings, Internet, Internet Settings. The console searches for nearby signals automatically.
Choose your network
ReversibleSelect the network name (SSID) and enter the password with the on-screen keyboard, then let the console test the connection.
Try airplane mode off
ReversibleIf the console cannot see any network, check Airplane Mode is off in the Quick Settings; Nintendo has a separate article on turning it on and off.
Power cycle the network
ReversibleUnplug the modem and router for 30 seconds, plug in the modem, wait for steady lights, then the router, and search again.
Use a wired connection in the dock
ReversibleConnect an Ethernet cable to the dock and place the console in it. Nintendo says the console must be docked, and recommends also setting up a wireless connection for undocked use.
Turn off IPv6 for NAT trouble
ReversibleChoose your network, Change Settings, toggle IPv6 Connection off, power cycle the modem and router and test the connection.
Check Airplane Mode
ReversibleOpen Quick Settings and make sure Airplane Mode is off. A console in Airplane Mode will find no networks and looks as though its Wi-Fi is broken.
Ask your provider or router maker for the last two steps
ReversibleNintendo says to contact your provider or network administrator to optimize the network for video game systems, and the router's maker for firmware updates or a factory reset.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Connection options
- Wireless (Wi-Fi 6) anywhere, or wired only when the console is placed in the Switch 2 dock with an Ethernet cable and a router.
- Requirements
- High-speed internet service and a wireless router; a mobile hotspot can be used, though signal strength varies.
- Tools and supplies
- An Ethernet cable for the dock, a phone for the router's app and a comparison speed test.
- What to tell your provider
- The error code, the NAT type and whether the test was wired; not a part number.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the console still freezes while searching after a forced restart, request service
- !If no access points appear after the steps, contact your provider about the wireless environment
- !If a specific error code appears, search it on Nintendo Support
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Wireless and wired requirements.
Restart, force off and reconnect.
NAT types and IPv6.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my Switch 2 keep searching for Wi-Fi?+
Restart it, or hold POWER for 20 seconds if it does not respond, then reconnect within 10 feet of the router.
Can the Switch 2 connect by cable?+
Only when docked: Nintendo says a wired connection needs the console placed in the Switch 2 dock, and recommends also setting up Wi-Fi.
What Wi-Fi does the Switch 2 have?+
The Switch 2 has Wi-Fi 6, per Nintendo's specification.
What is a strict NAT?+
A NAT type that may stop you connecting with other players. Nintendo says both your NAT type and the other player's affect the connection.
Does the Switch 2 use the original Switch's network settings?+
System transfers can carry many settings over, but Nintendo says Bluetooth audio settings and custom button mappings do not transfer.
Does Airplane Mode stop the console finding networks?+
Yes. Nintendo has a separate article on turning Airplane Mode on and off; if the console shows no networks, check it is off before you troubleshoot the router.
Why does the Switch 2 need to be docked for a wired connection?+
Nintendo says a wired connection requires the console placed in the Switch 2 dock, because the Ethernet connection runs through the dock.
Should I set up Wi-Fi as well as a wired connection?+
Yes. Nintendo recommends it so you can connect online when the console is not in the dock.
How do I check my connection quality?+
Use System Settings, Internet, Test Connection; it reports success, the NAT type and the download and upload speeds.
Does the router's firmware matter?+
Nintendo suggests, for continued troubleshooting, updating the wireless router's firmware or resetting it to factory defaults through the router's manufacturer.