How to Fix Disconnecting Joy-Cons Nintendo Switch

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

At times while using your switch the Joy-Con may randomly disconnect.

This guide will help you resolve that issue.

2. Manual Update

1. Select System Settings.
   

1. Select System.
2. Select System Update.
   

1. Allow the update to proceed. The system will reboot when ready.

3. Restart

1. Hold the Power Button for roughly 3 seconds.
   

1. Select Power Options.
   

1. Choose either Turn Off or Restart.
   

1. 
   
2. If the console was turned off, press the Power Button again to power it back on.

4. Reset the Joy-Con

1. Press and hold the release button at the back of the Joy-Con.
   

1. Slide the Joy-Con from bottom to top.
   

1. Reset the Joy-Con by pressing the SYNC Button once.
   

1. Press any other button on the controller to power it on again.
2. With the Switch LCD facing you, align the - symbol on the left Joy-Con with the top left corner of console, and align the + symbol on the Joy-Con with the top right corner of the console.
   

1. Using the rail on the side of the console, slide the Joy-Con from top to bottom, until you hear a click.
   

1. If the Joy-Con is still not recognized by the console, try to detach and reattach the Joy-Con to the console a couple times.
2. If at all possible, test another Joy-Con with the console.

5. Charge the Joy-Con

Checking the Charge of the Joy-Con

1. From the Switch Home Menu, select Controllers.
   

1. You can see the charge of each Joy-Con here.
   

Charging the Joy-Con Controllers with the Console

1. You can charge the Joy-Con using the Switch Console.
2. Attach the Joy-Con to the console.
   

1. Plug the console into the charger.
   

Charging the Joy-Con Controllers with the Charging Grip

1. Attach the controllers to the Joy-Con Charging Grip.
   

1. Plug the charging grip either into the Switch Dock or the AC Adapter.
   

6. Wireless Joy-Con Tips

Ensure that the Nintendo Switch console is placed to minimize interference with the Joy-Con. It is best if the Nintendo Switch console is placed out in the open and that it is not:

• Behind a TV
• Near an aquarium
• Placed in or under a metal object
• Pressed against a large amount of wires and cords

Within three to four feet of another wireless device, such as a wireless speaker or a wireless access point.
Check for possible sources of interference and turn them off. Interference can be caused by devices, such as:

• Laptops, tablets, etc.
• Wireless headsets
• Wireless printers
• Microwaves
• Wireless speakers
• Cordless phones
• USB 3.0-compatible devices such as hard drives, thumb drives, LAN adapters, etc.

In most cases it will be enough to move these devices three to four feet away from the Nintendo Switch console and/or Joy-Con controllers. However, if you continue to experience this issue, please power these devices off while using the Nintendo Switch console.

7. What's next?