Nintendo has finally enabled Bluetooth on its Switch consoles, giving gamers the ability to play their favorite games without disturbing their neighbors or tangling their headphone cables. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to use Bluetooth on your Nintendo Switch and offer some troubleshooting tips.
How to Use Bluetooth with Your Nintendo Switch
To use Bluetooth with your Switch, you first need to update your firmware to version 13.0.0. You can do this by going to System Settings in the Start menu and selecting System Update. Once your Switch is updated, follow these steps:
- Go to the System Settings menu and scroll down to Bluetooth Audio (located under Controllers and Sensors).
- Put your Bluetooth audio device in pairing mode and select Pair Device on your Switch screen.
- Select your device once it appears on the screen and wait for it to pair.
- To pair additional devices, follow the same steps.
How to Unpair a Bluetooth Device from Your Nintendo Switch
If you want to disconnect or remove a device, follow these steps:
- In the Bluetooth Audio menu, select the device you want to unpair.
- Select Disconnect Device to stop sharing the Bluetooth connection (the Switch will still remember the device) or select Remove Device to forget it entirely.
Matchmaking Limitations
While you no longer need a Bluetooth adapter to use your wireless headphones with the Switch, there are some limitations to keep in mind:
- The Switch only supports Bluetooth audio, meaning you can’t use a Bluetooth microphone, keyboard, or mouse.
- Bluetooth audio will be disconnected when using local wireless communication from your Switch.
- The Switch can remember up to ten paired devices but can only pair one Bluetooth audio device at a time.
- If you are using a Bluetooth audio device, you can only pair two Switch controllers instead of the usual eight.
- You may experience a Bluetooth audio lag on your device.
Troubleshooting Bluetooth Issues
Some users have reported that the new Bluetooth update is affecting their Switch’s boot times from sleep mode by ten seconds or more. If this happens to you, try the following steps:
- Unpair and delete all saved Bluetooth devices.
- Press and hold the power button until you see the power options.
- Select Power Off to completely shut down your Switch (rebooting won’t help).
- Wait 30 seconds before turning your Switch back on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a Bluetooth microphone with my Nintendo Switch?
No, the Switch only supports Bluetooth audio devices like headphones and speakers.
Can I pair more than one Bluetooth audio device at a time on my Nintendo Switch?
No, the Switch can only pair one Bluetooth audio device at a time.
Enjoy the Benefits of Bluetooth on Your Nintendo Switch
Now that you know how to use Bluetooth on your Nintendo Switch, you can enjoy your games without disturbing those around you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out and ask us.