An original Nintendo Switch that will not connect to Wi-Fi, loses its connection or shows a network error has a problem in one of three places: the console, the router or the internet service, and the quickest way to tell is to test the connection from the console. This is the launch model, HAC-001, the 2017 console with a 6.2-inch 1280 by 720 screen and 32 gigabytes of storage, identified by a serial number that does not begin with XK.
The checks in more detail
Its Wi-Fi hardware is the same as on the revised model, and it supports 2.4 and 5 gigahertz networks, so a connection problem is rarely the radio. Start on the console. Open System Settings, Internet, Internet Settings and choose your network; if the password was changed, enter it again, and use the Test Connection option to see the result and any error code. Move the console closer to the router, since a handheld in another room or a dock behind a TV cabinet can have a weak signal. Check the signal strength shown in the list.
Toggle Airplane mode off and on, and restart the console by holding the power button for three seconds and choosing Power Options, Restart. Then the router. Restart it by unplugging for 30 seconds. Check that the Switch is not blocked by a MAC filter or a parental control, and that the router is not set to use only a mode the console does not support. If the router combines 2.4 and 5 gigahertz under one name, try joining the 2.4 gigahertz band if available, or the 5, whichever is stronger.
In Internet Settings, choose Change Settings, set DNS settings to Manual, and enter 8.8.8.8 as the primary and 8.8.4.4 as the secondary DNS to bypass a DNS fault. A wired LAN adapter in the dock gives the steadiest connection, and removes Wi-Fi from the question. A NAT type warning on Test Connection affects online play, and is addressed by enabling UPnP or forwarding ports on the router. If other devices also lose internet, the fault is with the service. Quote the error code to Nintendo Support.
Differential
Likely causes of “Nintendo Switch original model cannot connect online or has strict NAT”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A weak signal
What separates it Low bars or a drop at a distance
How to confirm Move closer or use a LAN adapter
- 2
A changed password or a stale network entry
What separates it The test fails at authentication
How to confirm Forget and re-enter the network
- 3
A DNS fault
What separates it Other devices work but the Switch fails
How to confirm Set DNS manually to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- 4
A router filter or setting
What separates it Only the Switch is blocked
How to confirm Check MAC filters and parental controls
- 5
An internet service outage
What separates it All devices fail
How to confirm Check with the provider
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The error code from Test Connection
- How far the console is from the router
- Whether other devices connect
- Whether the password changed
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedRun Test Connection
ReversibleNote the error code.
Move closer
ReversibleOr use a LAN adapter.
Restart console and router
ReversibleUnplug 30 seconds.
Re-enter the network
ReversibleCheck the password.
Set DNS manually
Reversible8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
Contact Nintendo
ReversibleWith the code.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Test Connection
- It shows the failure point and code.
- DNS
- A manual DNS can bypass a fault.
- Wired is steadiest
- A LAN adapter removes Wi-Fi problems.
- Signal
- Distance and cabinets matter.
- NAT type
- UPnP or port forwarding helps online play.
- Nintendo help
- Quote the error code and serial number.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Do not share your Wi-Fi password in an unsecured message
- !Do not disable router security to test
- !Contact Nintendo if the console cannot see any network
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why will my Switch not connect to Wi-Fi?+
A weak signal, a changed password or a DNS fault.
Does it support 5 gigahertz?+
Yes, as well as 2.4 gigahertz.
What helps online play?+
A wired LAN adapter.
What is NAT type?+
How the router treats online connections.
Will restarting help?+
Often.
What is the model?+
The 2017 launch console, HAC-001.