How to Fix No Picture on Nintendo Switch When Docked

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

There's nothing more frustrating than getting ready to play your Nintendo Switch on your big screen TV, sliding the Switch into its dock, and getting a black or blank screen staring back at you.

This guide will help you restore picture to your TV when your Nintendo Switch is docked. We'll help you determine if this is a simple cabling issue, a software problem, or a hardware issue that may require service.

2. Verify TV Input Channel and Source

Use your TV's remote to make sure that your TV input channel or source is set to the correct HDMI port.

3. Ensure Power and Cabling are Correct

Make sure that your Dock is receiving power. Open the back of your Dock and check the cables.

If the TV output LED on the dock is lit, but there is still no image on the TV screen, try the following:

• Use a different HDMI port on the TV.
• Use a different HDMI cable.
• Use a different TV set.
• If possible, use a different dock.
• If the console works using a different dock, the original dock will need to be repaired.

4. Undock and Test LCD

1. Remove the console from the dock by attaching the Joy-Con controllers and gently pulling the console out.
   

1. Use the Switch normally and test if there is a picture on your LCD screen.
   

5. 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.

6. Switch Dock

1. Open the back of the Switch dock.
   

1. Connect the USB plug from the Nintendo Switch AC adapter into the top terminal of the dock labeled AC ADAPTER, then connect the other end of the AC adapter to a wall outlet.
2. Connect one end of the HDMI cable into the bottom terminal of the dock labeled HDMI OUT, then connect the other end into an HDMI port on your television or monitor.
   

1. Close the back of the Dock.
2. Position the console so that the LCD screen faces in the same direction as the front panel on the dock, then insert the console into the dock.
   

1. Turn the TV set on, and select the correct HDMI input.

7. What's next?

8. Force Restart

1. Hold down the Power Button for at least 12 seconds until the Switch Console turns off.
   

1. Once the Switch has been completely powered off, press the Power Button again to turn it back on.