Trusted Reviews is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Learn more.
How to reset a Nintendo Switch console
In This Article
If you’re looking to sell your Switch, or just want a clean slate to start over, you will want to know how to reset your console.
While resetting yourNintendo Switchmay feel a little scary at first, it is a fantastic way to wipe away any unused games or software that is cluttering up your console.
You can back up your Switch console before resetting it, as after the reset, everything will be wiped from your device. This includes game progress, screenshots and data, so you will want to make sure that you have saved anything that’s important to you.
Thankfully, the process of resetting your Switch is a lot easier than you may expect. We’re going to be running through the process in just a few simple steps, so make sure you read on to find out more.
What you’ll need:
The Short Version
Step1
Go to Settings
Turn on your Switch and go to the Settings button from the main menu on the home screen.
Step2
Go down to System
Scroll down to the bottom of the Settings page and click System.
Step3
Tap Formatting Options
Scroll down to the bottom again and tap on Formatting Options.
Step4
Choose Restore Factory Settings
At the bottom of the page, choose the Restore Factory Settings button.
Step5
Tap Next
We recommend that you read through the terms and conditions so you understand how factory resetting your Switch works. Once you have, click Next to continue.
Step6
Tap Next
Your Nintendo Switch will connect to the internet so it can unlink your Nintendo Account or Accounts. Tap Next to continue.
Step7
Choose Restore Factory Settings
You will now be given the option of restoring the factory settings on your Switch. Once you are sure, click Restore Factory Settings.
Troubleshooting
Everything is wiped once you reset a Nintendo Switch, including memory, software and screenshots. We recommend backing up your Switch before resetting it if you want to save any of your progress or data.
You can reset your Switch as many times as you need, there is no limit.
You might like…
Gemma joined Trusted Reviews as a staff writer after graduating from Leeds Beckett University with a Journalism degree. She’s worked with national outlets, covering breaking news stories to reviews fo…
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Why trust our journalism?
Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
