Nintendo Switch Online errors and common problems

Can't join online matches: NAT type, slow speeds or the home network

Means

The Switch is online but cannot join matches, or drops when a match starts. Nintendo ties this to your NAT type, slow download speeds and problems in the home network.

First step

Run System Settings > Internet > Test Connection and note the NAT type and speeds. All steps

Lag in online play: Slow internet, weak Wi-Fi or interference

Means

Characters jump around, controls respond late, or you drop after lag. Nintendo says latency comes from slow internet, a weak wireless signal, interference or slow network devices.

First step

Run a connection test on the console and check for at least 3 Mbps down and 1 Mbps up. All steps

Membership not recognized: Wrong account picked or console needs a restart

Means

You pay for Nintendo Switch Online but a game still asks you to buy it. Nintendo says the console needs a full restart and the game must use the account that holds the membership.

First step

Turn the console fully off with Power Options; Sleep Mode is not enough. All steps

Can't sign in to account: Forgotten password, email or sign-in ID

Means

The Nintendo Account will not accept your details. Nintendo notes the message The email address/sign-in ID or password is incorrect can also show when the account only allows sign-in ID login.

First step

Make sure you use the right sign-in method, and try your email address instead of the sign-in ID. All steps

2110-3127: Connection test fails because of DNS

Means

The console cannot get online over Wi-Fi or a cable. Nintendo says this code points to a DNS problem, either a wrong DNS entry on the console or trouble at the provider.

First step

Restart the console. All steps

2618-0516: Match-making fails because of NAT type

Means

The console cannot finish match-making with other players. Nintendo says your network is likely not good for peer to peer play because of its NAT type.

First step

Go through Nintendo's NAT troubleshooting steps if it happens every time or with one player. All steps

2811-7503: Service busy or briefly down

Means

An online feature such as the eShop will not open. Nintendo says this usually comes from a short service outage or heavy traffic.

First step

Wait a while and try the service again. All steps

2137-8056: Cannot reach the eShop server

Means

Downloads or the Nintendo eShop fail with a message that the server cannot be reached. Nintendo links it to maintenance, a busy network or a weak signal.

First step

Check support.nintendo.com/networkstatus for eShop maintenance, and try later if nothing is posted. All steps

2618-0513: Match-making fails on the current network

Means

Match-making with other players fails. Nintendo says the network is not good for peer to peer play, because of the provider, slow speeds or the NAT type.

First step

Try match-making again; it may work on a second try. All steps