Some Nintendo Switch owners may experience slow wifi issue from time to time. While this may be one of the common issues for this device, the problem for many is usually temporary. If you are one of the unlucky owners with a slow wifi performance on your console, this troubleshooting guide may help.
Causes of slow wifi on Nintendo Switch
There are a number of possible factors that can cause your Nintendo Switch slow wifi issue. Learn how what these factors are below.
ISP-side internet connection issue.
Slow download and upload speeds can be caused by an issue outside your Nintendo Switch console, such as issues coming from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). In other words, the problem might be entirely out of your hand and may only be fixed by waiting for the problem to get fixed.
To check if there’s an ISP issue, try doing a connection test on your console. Here’s how to do that:
- From the HOME Menu, select the System Settings icon.
- Scroll down through the System Settings menu and select Internet.
- Select Test Connection.
- Wait for the test results.
There are a number of items that should be shown such as Connection Name, SSID, Internet Connection, Global IP Address, NAT Type, Download Speed, and Upload Speed.
Make sure that you take note of the results for Download and Upload Speed.
Network equipment problems.
A slow modem or router can affect the performance of your wifi. At other times, a network equipment like a router can become unresponsive and cut the connection. Make sure that your modem or router are updated and working normally to avoid wifi issues on your wireless devices.
Weak wifi signal.
If your Nintendo Switch is located far from the router, or if there’s a significant barrier in between it and the router, the wifi signal may be affected and can result in slow connection issues. Remember, wifi signal works best if there’s minimal or no interference. Also, router wifi signal may become weak beyond 30 feet. Try using the console closer to the router to improve wifi connection speed.
In case your Nintendo Switch wifi is not working, you can visit our troubleshooting guide for that one.
Wifi signal interference.
As mentioned above, signal interference can impact wifi performance. Metal objects, glass, thick, steel-reinforced walls, and other wireless devices are some of the common causes of signal interference in homes.
Multiple devices using your wifi.
Even if there’s no ISP issue, your router may still not give fast enough connection speed if there are too many wireless devices using it. Devices that stream videos, music, or online gaming can consume significant bandwidth. Try to disconnect other wireless devices to see if that will help fix the slow wifi issue on your Nintendo Switch.
Software bug.
Some wifi problems on Nintendo Switch are caused by software glitch. You can try to factory reset your console if the other solutions in this guide won’t help. You can do the reset as the last option. If that won’t work either, the console may have a hardware issue.
Hardware malfunction (rare).
Although hardware malfunction is not as widespread as other causes, it can still occur. If your Switch’s wifi is still slow after doing all the solutions in this guide, you can assume that bad hardware is the cause. Unfortunately, you’ll either have to send the console in for repair or replacement.
Troubleshooting Nintendo Switch slow wifi issue
Below are the set of solutions that you can to fix slow wifi on your Nintendo Switch.
Do an internet connection test.
Follow the steps provided above to run a connection test on your console. If your download and upload speeds are way below the ones you’re paying for, there may be an ISP-side issue causing the problem.If the test result says you’re getting your supposed download and upload speeds, continue with the rest of the troubleshooting steps below.
Move your Nintendo Switch console closer to the router.
Weak wifi signal can impact wifi performance. Try gaming on your Nintendo Switch in the same room where your router is located and see if that will work. If wifi works faster when it’s next to the router, you should eliminate the things that block wifi signal.
Reboot the console.
Press the Power button for about 3 seconds, select Power Options, and follow it up by Restart. This should restart the console and hopefully clears the bug that causes wifi to slow down.
Power cycle the wireless router.
Turning off and back on the router usually fixes network troubles. Make sure that you disconnect your modem or router (if separate from the modem) from the wall outlet for about 30 seconds. Afterwards, turn the router back on and before attempting to reconnect your Nintendo Switch.
Minimize or eliminate objects or devices that may interfere with your wifi.
If you have a lot of heavy or thick things like filing cabinets, walls, glass, metal objects between your router and console, make sure to remove or move them away. Other wireless devices like cordless phones or wireless routers can potentially interfere with your wifi. Try to turn them off and see what happens.
Use 5GHz band on your router.
If your router supports dual band (2.4GHz and 5GHz), try switching to another one and see if that will fix the issue. Consult your router documentation or contact the manufacturer for support.
Update router firmware.
If the issue persists after doing the listed solutions above, you may have to troubleshoot your networking equipment such as the router. Make sure that your router’s firmware is up-to-date. You can also try to factory reset it to see if that will fix the problem.
Suggested readings:
- How To Fix Xbox One Won’t Update | System Update Won’t Install
- How To Fix PS4 Wifi Not Working Issue | Won’t Connect
- Easy Ways To Fix PS4 Flashing Blue Light Issue | No Power
- Easy Fix For Xbox One Controller Won’t Turn On | No Power
Get help from us
Having Issues with your phone? Feel free to contact us using this form. We’ll try to help. We also create videos for those wanting to follow visual instructions. Visit our TheDroidGuy Youtube Channel for troubleshooting.