Getting a black screen? Try these steps.
One of the best things about the Nintendo Switch is the ability to play on its built-in screen for on-the-go gaming and then plug into a bigger screen at home for a more cinematic experience.
But getting the Switch 2 to play nicely with a TV isn’t always foolproof, and there are some compatibility-related snags you might run into. If you encounter a black TV screen or an unresponsive console, there are a few key things you can try yourself before pinging Nintendo Support.
Make sure your power source is working
Nintendo recommends turning off your TV and disconnecting all cables from the Switch 2 dock to begin the troubleshooting process. That means unplugging the AC adapter completely from the dock and wall outlet, removing the handheld from the dock, and keeping everything unplugged for about 30 seconds.
The Switch 2 Dock has three ports on the back behind its removable panel. The top port is for AC power. After removing everything, you can plug the AC adapter back into the dock and then into the wall socket. Make sure the handheld screen is facing the front of the dock and fully retracted.
It might seem obvious, but it’s important to check that your dock is fully connected and receiving power via its AC adapter to establish a TV connection. Split cables can cause power issues, so check for any fraying or visible damage.
If the cable looks good, make sure that the USB plug side of the AC adapter is fully seated in the port and plug the other end of the power supply into the wall. A dead wall outlet will not be able to charge your handheld or connect to an external display.
But if you suspect your wall outlet might be the problem, check to see if your outlet is supplying power by trying to charge another device using a different charger in the same socket.
If your Switch 2 does not use the Nintendo AC adapter that came with the device, make sure that any third-party AC adapter meets the console’s power needs. The Switch 2 requires more power than the original Nintendo Switch. It needs an adapter that supplies a minimum of 54W to support a continuous TV connection. Nintendo is selling Switch 2 accessories, including compatible AC adapters for $35 each on its official website, in case any of your components are missing or broken.
Test the HDMI connection
Check the compatibility of your AC adapter and make sure it can charge your handheld, then proceed to resolve the HDMI connection to your TV.
Plug one end of an Ultra High Speed (UHS) dual-ended HDMI cable into the HDMI-out port on your Nintendo Switch 2’s dock. The Switch 2 comes with a UHS HDMI cable that supports 48Gbps bandwidth and HDMI 2.1 connections. Third party cables may also work if they support UHS. You won’t be able to use a lower speed HDMI cable or the cable that came with a first generation Nintendo Switch, unfortunately.
Plug the other end of your UHS HDMI cable into an HDMI-in port on your TV. It is best to use an HDMI 2.1 port, as it allows up to 8K resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate (or 4K at 120Hz) compared to the HDMI 1.0 ports. While UHS HDMI cables are technically backward compatible with HDMI 1.0 ports, the port limits the output quality, and 4K resolution and high refresh rates are not possible. However, you have to have a fairly old device to have HDMI 1.0. The 2.0 specification (which supports 4K) was released in 2013.
However, your TV model may not have its HDMI port type marked, so you need to verify with your manufacturer if your TV has HDMI 2.1 ports. Most LG OLED TVs, for example, have multiple HDMI 2.1 ports that are more than enough to support the Switch 2, which can transmit either a 4K video output at a 60Hz refresh rate or 1080p at a 120Hz refresh rate.
Check your TV’s HDMI settings
It’s also worth digging into your TV’s HDMI settings if your Switch still won’t connect. Turn on your TV with your normal remote and look under Picture Settings, Advanced Settings or Output Settings menus to see if your TV offers an Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), a Game mode, HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color or Input Signal Plus to activate the port the Switch 2 is connected to.
Then select the HDMI input that corresponds to the port where you inserted the cable. If the Switch 2 doesn’t automatically show up on the screen, try pressing the handheld’s screen power button while it remains in the dock. And make sure your controllers are charged so they can connect to your device.
If you’re still having trouble, Nintendo suggests testing another UHS HDMI cable, other HDMI ports on your TV, or another TV, if possible, to determine what’s causing your connection problem.
Check the handheld and its settings
If your Switch 2 still won’t connect to your TV, it could be due to a problem with the handheld, its software or settings. Remove the handheld from the dock and try to turn it on. Make sure the latest software update is installed and update the device if necessary by navigating to System Settings > System > System Update.
You can also try changing your settings via the Switch 2 handheld’s menu. Try to change System Settings > Display > TV Resolution to Automatic or the resolution that matches your TV output. Also switch on System Settings > Display > Match TV Power Stateas this can automatically turn off the TV screen when the console is powered up and docked. However, it should be noted that older TVs may not be able to wake up with this feature.
Contact support
If you’ve tried all of the above and are still having trouble getting your Switch 2 to work with your TV, contact Nintendo Support for help. You may need to email your dock and console so that Nintendo can look into the problem for you.