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How to connect your Nintendo Switch to the Internet

Written by KCOM Support on 19/12/2023. Posted in Broadband.

This article is to assist you with connecting your Nintendo Switch to the internet. This will be a step by step guide on how to set this up. There are two main ways to connect a Nintendo Switch to the internet

Connecting an Nintendo Switch via a Wired connection 

Something to note

When attempting to connect your console to the router, gateway or modem, you need to use a long network cable (This should come with your Nintendo Switch, but in case it doesn't, you would require an ethernet cable). Depending on how far away your router is from the console, you may require a longer or shorter ethernet cable. 

If you are connecting your Nintendo Switch console directly to a modem, follow these steps:

  • Connect a wired LAN adapter to the Nintendo Switch dock. 
  • Connect an ethernet cable to the LAN adapter and then connect the other end of the ethernet cable to your router
  • Select 'System Settings' on the HOME menu of the Nintendo Switch console
  • Select 'Internet', and then 'Internet Settings' the Nintendo Switch console will automatically search for nearby Wi-Fi signals 


  • Once the option is available, select 'Wired Connection'
  • Select 'Connect to the Internet via Wired Connection'

Troubleshooting a Nintendo Switch's Internet Connection

  • Step 1: Ensure that other wireless devices can access the internet through your wireless network by visiting a few websites 
  • Step 2: If other devices fail to connect to the internet, check the cables attached to your console and router  
    • Ensure your console is connected directly to your home's internet connection
    • If separate from your console, ensure an ethernet cable is connected from your console into your router's LAN 2/3/4 port. 
  • Step 3: Power cycle your console and router for at least 30 seconds. Afterwards, try going online again with your internet-enabled devices to check whether your internet access was successfully restored.

Something to note

The issue would only be with your internet provider if none of other devices are connecting to the internet. We would then advise you contact us on 01482 606101. If its just the console that is not connecting please contact Nintendo in the first instance. 

Connecting an Nintendo Switch via a wireless connection 

If you are connecting your XBOX console via a wireless connection, follow these steps
  • Place the Nintendo Switch console within 3 metres of the wireless router to ensure a strong wireless signal. 
  • On the Nintendo Switch console, select "System Settings" from the HOME menu. 
  • Select "Internet" , and then "Internet Settings"
    • The Nintendo Switch console will automatically search for nearby Wi-Fi signals 
  • Select the appropriate network name (SSID) from the list 
    • If you are unable to find your network's name, stand closer to the router and press the Y Button on your console to search again. 
    • If the network name is greyed out, this indicates the wireless security type being used is not supported by the Nintendo Switch console 
    • If you are still unable to find your network, this may indicate an issue with the wireless network environment. 
  • If prompted, use the on-screen keyboard to enter the network's wireless password
The Nintendo Switch console will reset the internet connection. Once the test is complete, select "OK" to complete the process.
  • If the Connection test fails, an error code and message will appear which can help you troubleshoot connection errors. 

Troubleshooting for Nintendo Switch internet connection

  • Step 1: Ensure that other wireless devices can access the internet through your wireless network by visiting a few websites 
  • Step 2: If other devices fail to connect to the internet, check the cables attached to your console and router  
    • Ensure your console is connected directly to your home's internet connection
    • If separate from your console, ensure an ethernet cable is connected from your console into your router's LAN 2/3/4 port. 
  • Step 3: Power cycle your console and router for at least 30 seconds. Afterwards, try going online again with your internet-enabled devices to check whether your internet access was successfully restored.

Something to note

KCOM does not guarantee wireless connection. This is because there are many factors that come into play with a wireless connection. We do advise to go through our broadband troubleshooting flow to see if any the guides will assist you with your issues. You can also look into doing a package review as your speeds can affect your connection and we would look into perhaps what we can do to help.        

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