Nintendo Switch Won’t Connect to TV When Docked-The Easiest Solutions

Playing games on a big television screen is a wonderful experience. But, sometimes, your Nintendo Switch cannot connect to the TV when docked.

While fixing such issues, I have found a few common reasons. I intend to explain all the reasons and their solutions. The problem is very minor and its solutions are very easy.

Table of Contents

Do You Know Why the Switch is not Connecting to the TV?

Before heading towards the solutions, we will learn the causes. It is necessary to understand the problem first.

After complete research, I have found the following reasons why your Switch does not connect to the TV;

Defective connection cable
Faulty ports
Incorrect docking position
Wrong TV input settings
Hardware defects in TV or dock

Please note: Nintendo Switch Lite is not designed to connect to the TV. So, it is useless to troubleshoot it.

How to Fix the Connection Problem?

I have found a few simple and easy hacks. They are going to prove very effective ways. Because all these solutions are tested and verified.

I would suggest the official troubleshooting methods here. If you are serious about fixing your Switch, please apply all the fixes.

1. Reset Your Switch

A reset proves to be a very effective remedy. I have tried it a number of times to fix various issues with my Nintendo. Here is the right method;

Turn ON your Nintendo Switch.
Press and hold the “Power” button for 20 seconds or until the console turns OFF.
Wait a few seconds. Then, press the Power button once to turn it back ON.

2. Inspect the Cords

One obvious reason is the faulty connection cables. As you know, the console needs two cables. One is the AC adapter and the other is the HDMI cable.

So, you have to inspect both these cables. Examine them along their entire length.

Look for any cuts, bends, twists, and exposed areas. Replace the faulty HDMI cable. Because a damaged cable causes signal loss.

3. Use a Different Cable

You may have another HDMI cable or AC adapter in your home. You can also borrow from a neighbor or friend. Use it to connect the console to the TV and dock.

This is the quick way to diagnose the culprit. If the other cable works, your problem is solved. Just replace the defective cord.

Moreover, it is always recommended to use the original power cable that was provided with your console.

Because incompatible cables create issues and damage the device. Likewise, you should always purchase the best quality HDMI cable.

4. Follow the Connection Guidelines Correctly

There is a specific order to make the connection. The problem can be created by connecting the cables in the wrong order.

First of all, you should plug in the power adapter. Then, plug in the HDMI cable. Also, apply the following steps;

Remove your console from its dock.
Locate the “AC Adapter” port on the dock. Plug the USB-C end of the AC adapter into this port.
Next, plug the adapter into the wall power outlet.
Now, locate the “HDMI Out” port on the dock. Connect the compatible end of the HDMI cable to the dock.
Put your Nintendo Switch again into the docking station. The screen of the console should be facing the front panel of the dock.
Turn ON the console by pressing the power button.
The console will start charging and display on the TV screen.

5. Correct TV Input Settings

A TV set has more than one input port. Therefore, it gives different input options. You have to choose the right input from the on-screen settings. Here is how to confirm the correct input;

Turn ON your TV and check the port in which the Switch is plugged via HDMI cable.
On the TV remote, press the “Input” button. You have to switch between all the input options.
The screen will display the port name or number. Eventually, it will show the port name to which your console is connected.
Select or Press HDMI 1 key on the remote. Wait a few moments until the TV displays the signals from the Switch.
Similarly, press the HDMI 2 button and wait for the signals to display.
Try all the options and stop when you get signals.

6. Change the Port

Most TVs have multiple HDMI ports. Maybe some of them are faulty or broken. So, you should plug your Switch into a different HDMI port on your TV.

I recommend trying all the ports. Meanwhile, adjust the input settings. Moreover, make sure the cable is plugged firmly into the port. A loosely fitting cable pin refers to a damaged port.

7. Reset Nintendo Adapter

The problem may be with the AC adapter. Remove the console from the dock. Check if its works in the handheld mode. Then, reset the adapter by the following method;

Turn OFF your TV. Unplug all the cables from the docking station.
Disconnect the AC adapter from the dock and also from the wall outlet.
Leave it for 30-60 seconds.
Now, undock the console. Plug the adapter directly into the console and then into the power source.
The screen should display the charging icon. Press the Power button if nothing is displayed.
In this way, you can reset the adapter as well as check its functioning.

8. Check the Switch Settings

The Switch should be applying the right settings. Otherwise, it cannot connect to the TV. Here is the step-by-step process;

Go to the Home menu and select “System Settings”.
Choose “TV Output” by scrolling down the list.
Next, you will see “TV Resolution” and “RGB Range” on the right-hand side of the screen.
Tweak both settings to Automatic. You can also try other options in both settings. Meanwhile, observe the screen to see if anything appears.
Navigate to “Match TV power state”. Turn it OFF and ON to see the difference.
Trying these different settings can help resolve the problem.

9. Connect to a Different Dock or TV

Almost, all homes have more than one TV set or monitor. For a quick test, you should try to connect the console to a different TV or PC.

If it syncs well, your current TV needs troubleshooting. Likewise, you can try a different dock if possible.

These cross-checks are very helpful in diagnosing the root cause of the issue. Here is how you troubleshoot the TV;

Disconnect your TV set from the wall power outlet.
Leave it for 1-5 minutes.
Now, plug the cable back into the power source.
Press the Power button on the TV or on the remote to turn it ON.
Finally, check whether the console syncs or not.
Check the user manual and reset your TV.

FAQs Regarding Nintendo Switch

Do you have further queries? Read the following questions frequently asked by gamers.

Is it OK to keep my Nintendo Switch docked all the time?

You can leave the Switch in the dock all the time. It will get recharged when not in use. The console does not overcharge. So, keeping it docked all the time does not harm the battery.

How can I confirm that my Nintendo dock is working?

Put your Switch into the dock. Then, check the LED indicator whether is ON or not. Press the Power button on the console if no light glows. A continuous blinking light indicates some problems with the dock.

Can an old dock work with a new Switch?

Yes, an old dock can work with a new Switch. For example, Nintendo OLED is compatible with an old docking station. It will smoothly connect the console to the TV.

Also read: Fixing the Nintendo Switch Hard Reset not Working

Final Words

As you learned, the discussed problem is very easy to resolve. By following my guide, you can fix your Nintendo Switch that does not connect to the TV when docked. I have also written guides on other problems related to Switch. So, you can take help.