Nintendo Switch Support

Supervise your child's gameplay

You can use a smart device to supervise your child's gameplay and set rules for how your child plays Nintendo Switch. This can be helpful if you're concerned about how long your child plays for and what sort of games they play.

If you want to take advantage of this feature, you'll need to download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app free of charge.

Nintendo Switch Parental Controls

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If you don't own a smart device, you can still set some Parental Controls restrictions using your console.

Checking what's been played and for how long

You can use your smart device to check what games your child plays and how long they play for.

Knowing what your child is playing and how often could help you work out what they're interested in and could give you something fun to talk with them about.

Set a daily play time limit

You can set a limit to how long the console can be used each day. If you set a daily play time limit, a notification will appear on the screen of the Nintendo Switch console when time's up.

Set restrictions on gameplay features

Nintendo Switch features can be restricted based on your child's age. The features that are restricted differ depending on which of the three levels you set: "Young child", "Child" or "Teen".

For example, selecting "Child" restricts games rated for ages 13 and up, as well as features such as posting screenshots on social networks and communicating with other users within a game.

Custom settings are also available so you can tailor restrictions to your needs. This way you can restrict games rated for the exact age of your child and can also restrict features, such as posting screenshots to social networks and communicating with users, independently of age rating.

Features that can be restricted using Parental Controls

You can set it so that the following features can only be accessed by entering a PIN:

• Change region
   
• Adjust date and time
   
• Restore factory settings
   
• Save data & screenshots
   
• Delete users
   
• Internet settings
   
• Link to a Nintendo Account
   

If you have more than one child…

It's not possible to set Parental Controls restrictions individually for each user. Any settings apply to all people using the Nintendo Switch console. If you have more than one child using the console, please make sure you set restrictions appropriate for the youngest child.

Enabling the "Suspend Software" feature will make the console go into sleep mode as soon as the set time is reached. You could work out what sort of rules you'd like to set together with your child.

Follow the advice below if you forget your Parental Controls PIN.

You can confirm your PIN using the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app, if it's linked to the console. Your PIN is also sent to you via email when you set it up or change it. You can do this even if you delete the app.

If the console isn't linked to the app, you can receive a master key that lets you choose a new PIN.

If the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app is linked

 
You can confirm your current PIN by going to "Settings" in the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app and selecting "PIN".

If the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app is not linked

 
You'll have to set a new PIN using the console.

1. On the HOME Menu you can either touch the wide, orange Parental Controls icon or open System Settings and select "Parental Controls", then "Set Parental Controls".
    
2. Then select "Forgot PIN" on the PIN entry screen by pressing the + Button or the − Button.
    
3. You'll receive an enquiry number, which you can provide to Customer Support to receive a master key which is used to reset your PIN.
    
4. Please contact Nintendo Customer Service to receive the master key. When getting in contact, please make sure to have your Nintendo Switch console available.
    
5. Select "Enter Master Key" to input the key provided by Customer Support and choose a new PIN.
    

Caution when resetting your PIN

 
If you enter a master key to reset your PIN while the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app is linked to the console, the app will be unlinked, and play activity and play time restriction settings will be deleted.

Console settings for gameplay restrictions will continue to exist.

• Once the Nintendo Switch console has been linked to the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on a smart device, the PIN can only be changed through the smart device app.
   

Nintendo Switch

1. Select “System Settings” on the HOME Menu.
    
2. Scroll down to highlight “Parental Controls,” then select “Parental Controls Settings.”
   • NOTE – If you don’t see this option, it means that your system is currently linked to the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, and the PIN must be changed there.
      
3. Enter the Parental Control PIN number for the system.
   • If you have forgotten the PIN number, it will need to be reset.
      
4. Select “Change PIN.”
    
5. Enter a new 4-8 digit PIN number for the system, then select “OK.”
    
6. Enter the PIN number again to confirm.
    

Smart device

1. Launch the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your iOS or Android device.
    
2. Select “Console Settings” in the upper-right corner.
   • If you have more than one Nintendo Switch console linked to the app, tap the (+) icon in the upper-right corner to choose the correct system.
      
3. Select “PIN.”
    
4. In the “Change PIN” section, tap the “New PIN” field.
    
5. Enter the new 4-8 digit PIN that you want to set, then tap the orange check mark on the screen to confirm.
    
6. The new PIN will be set as soon as the Nintendo Switch console connects online.
    

The following features are available, depending on whether you use the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on a smart device or the console's Parental Controls menu.

• Enter a PIN to temporarily lift restrictions
   
• Adjust settings using a smart device
   
• Adjust settings using the console
   

Enter a PIN to temporarily lift restrictions

Touching on the HOME Menu will take you to a screen where you can enter your PIN. If you have linked the console to the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, you can check your PIN by selecting "Settings" in the app and then selecting "PIN". Entering this PIN will let you temporarily lift Parental Controls restrictions.

If you have not linked the console to the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, you will need to enter the PIN that you set when choosing Parental Controls settings on the console if you would like to temporarily lift Parental Controls.

The restrictions will be lifted until the next time the console enters sleep mode. Press to check what features are available while restrictions are temporarily lifted.

Adjust settings using a smart device

You can configure how the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app works in the Settings menu.

If the app is linked to two or more consoles…

Select the console you would like to adjust the settings for, then select "Settings".

Adjust settings using the console

You can adjust settings by selecting System Settings on the HOME Menu and then selecting "Parental Controls". If the console is linked to the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, you won't be able to use the console to change settings made in the app.

How to reset restrictions

From the HOME Menu Select Systems Settings:

1. Select Parental Controls
    
2. Select Parental Control Settings
    
3. Enter your PIN Number to proceed
    
4. Select Change Settings
    
5. Set new and / or alter current Restrictions
    
6. Once complete select SAVE
    

A Nintendo Account (belonging to a user aged 18+) is required to use the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.

Linking a Nintendo Account to the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app allows parents to manage and monitor Nintendo Switch usage through a smart device.

An Internet connection is required to link the console and the app. Data charges may apply.

1. Download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your iOS or Android device.
    
2. Get the Registration Code from the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your smart device. Click here for steps
   1. On your smart device, launch the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app and select “Next” on the title screen.
       
   2. Tap “Sign In / Create Account.
       
   3. The application will launch http://accounts.nintendo.com in the device Internet browser.
       
   4. Sign in to your existing Nintendo Account or create a new one.
       
   5. Your Nintendo Account nickname will appear on the screen. Select “Use this account” to confirm.
       
   6. You will be returned to the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls application. Select “Next.”
       
   7. A Registration Code will appear on the screen of your smart device.
       
3. Use the Registration Code to link your Nintendo Switch system to your smart device. Click here for steps
   1. On the Nintendo Switch console, select “System Settings” from the HOME Menu.
       
   2. Scroll down to highlight “Parental Controls,” then select “Parental Controls Settings.”
       
   3. Select “Use Your Smart Device.”
       
   4. Select “Yes” to verify that you have the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.
       
   5. Enter the six-digit Registration Code from your smart device. Select “OK.”
       
   6. Select “Register” to link the Nintendo Switch to your smart device.
       
4. Once the link is complete, you can use the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app to set parental controls restrictions.
   • An Internet connection is required for the Nintendo Switch console to sync to the app.
      

Up to three Nintendo Switch consoles can be added to the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.

1. On your smart device, launch the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your iOS or Android device.
    
2. Tap the + icon in the upper-right corner. 
    
3. Tap "Add a Nintendo Switch Console."
    
4. Tap "Next" to get the Registration Code for the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.
    
5. Use the Registration Code to link the Nintendo Switch console.
    

When notifications are turned on, you will receive push notifications on your smart device, which include a summary of play activity once a month.

1. On your smart device, launch the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your iOS or Android device.
    
2. Tap the + icon in the upper-right corner. 
    
3. Tap “Notification Settings.”
    
4. Tap the slider to enable or disable notifications from the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.
    

Up to three Nintendo Switch consoles can be added to the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.

1. On your smart device, launch the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your iOS or Android device.
    
2. Tap the + icon in the upper-right corner. 
    
3. A list will appear of all linked consoles. Locate the console that you want to switch to, and tap it to make it the active console for the app.
   • If you’re not sure which console is correct, tap the Info icon next to each one to see the system’s serial number.
      

Parental Control restrictions on the system will usually be removed when the app is unlinked. If you still want to restrict certain features, you will need to reset the restrictions after the app has been removed.

Unlinking the app will not affect Nintendo eShop restrictions that have been set up through a Nintendo Account.

Do you want to use the Nintendo Switch console or your smart device to remove the link?

• Nintendo Switch:
  1. On the Nintendo Switch console, select “System Settings” from the HOME Menu.
      
  2. Scroll down to highlight “Parental Controls,” then select “Unregister App.”
     • This option will only appear if the system has been linked to the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.
        
  3. Enter the Parental Control PIN.
      
  4. Select “Unregister.”
      
  5. Select “OK” to return to the System Settings.
      
• Smart device (Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app):
  1. Launch the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your iOS or Android device.
      
  2. Tap the + icon in the upper-right corner. 
      
  3. A list will appear of all linked consoles. Locate the console that you want to remove, and tap the Info icon next to it. 
      
  4. Tap “Unregister.”
      
  5. Read through the information on the screen, then tap “Unregister” again.
      
  6. The app will no longer be linked to the Nintendo Switch console.
      

Only Nintendo Accounts that were added as an existing account can be removed from the parent / guardian’s account.

Nintendo Accounts that were created as a Nintendo Account for a child (usually age 12 and under) cannot be removed from the parent / guardian’s account – even if the Nintendo Account user is over age 13.

When an account is released, all Nintendo eShop restrictions will be lifted and account history will not be visible to the parent / guardian anymore.

1. Log into your existing parent / guardian Nintendo Account (this is the Nintendo Account for any user aged 18+).
    
2. Click “Nintendo Account” in the upper-left corner of the screen to access your account settings.
    
3. Select “Parental Controls.”
    
4. Select the Nintendo Account that you want to release from your account.
    
5. Select “Stop managing this account.”
   • If this button does not appear (just below the Nintendo eShop settings), it means that the Nintendo Account was initially added as a Nintendo Account for a child, and it cannot be released.
      
   • You can verify which accounts were added as children by clicking “Child accounts” in your profile - any accounts listed here cannot be released.
      
6. Review the information, and select “Stop managing account” to confirm.
    
7. Once released, the Nintendo Account will no longer appear in the “Child account management” section of your profile.
    

Parental controls can be managed on the Nintendo Switch system or through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls application for smart devices.

Nintendo eShop restrictions can only be managed through the parent / guardian’s Nintendo Account profile settings on a PC or smart device (accessible by signing in to http://accounts.nintendo.com).

Nintendo Switch system:

1. Select “System Settings” on the HOME Menu.
    
2. Scroll down to highlight “Parental Controls,” then select “Parental Controls Settings.”
    
3. Enter the Parental Control PIN number for the system.
   • If you have forgotten the PIN number, it will need to be reset.
      
4. Press the X Button (“Reset”) to remove the Parental Controls settings and PIN number.
    
5. Select “OK” to return to the system settings.
    

Smart device application:

To completely remove the Parental Controls settings, you will need to unlink the app from the Nintendo Switch console.

• All Parental Controls restrictions will be removed from the console when the app is unlinked.
   

The parental controls for Nintendo Switch allow you to manage which features and games your child can use on their system. You can set restrictions through the Nintendo Switch console or with the more extensive Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app.

You can also set restrictions for Nintendo eShop through your Nintendo Account.

Key Points:

• Parental controls can restrict the download and use of certain content, set play time limits, and restrict the use of certain features on Nintendo Switch. 


• Parental controls are set for the system – not the user. Once set, the same restrictions will be in place for everyone that uses the system.


• The parent / guardian chooses a 4-digit PIN when setting up the parental controls. The PIN will be used in the future whenever a restriction needs to be bypassed or changed.


• Parental controls can also be managed on your smart device, via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls application. Some features (such as play time limits) can only be managed through the smart device application. Please note that an Internet connection is required to use this feature. 

What kind of parental controls does Nintendo Switch have?

• Parents can use the on-device parental controls to set restrictions on game content, social media posting, and communication with other users.


• Parents can choose from three pre-set options (Child, Pre-Teen or Teen) or create Custom settings.


• Additionally, parents can download and use the more extensive Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, available for free on iOS and Android devices. Using the app, parents can also set daily limits for how long the system can be played, and view the games that have been played on the system, and for how long. Parents can even set a cutoff time, such as no gaming allowed after 9 p.m.


• Nintendo eShop purchases can be restricted through the parent / guardian’s Nintendo Account profile settings on a PC or smart device (accessible by signing in to http://accounts.nintendo.com).
   

What is the difference between the parental controls on the system and on the smart device application?

• The core parental controls (game content restrictions, limiting communi cation between players, and social media restrictions) can be set on both the system and through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls application.


• With the smart device application, you can also set play time limits, view the games that have been played on the system, and even set a daily cut-off time.


• Additionally, Nintendo eShop purchases can be restricted through the parent / guardian’s Nintendo Account profile settings on a PC or smart device (accessible by signing in to http://accounts.nintendo.com).
   

What happens when the daily time limit is reached?

• When the daily time limit is reached, you can choose to either have the system suspend the game or simply have a notification appear on the screen.


• If the game is suspended, the system will go into sleep mo de immediately, and the player will not be able to continue their game. The system cannot be played again until the restriction is lifted or the daily time period has passed. Players can usually resume from the same spot once the restriction has been lifted.
   

How much does it cost to download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app?

• The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app is available for free on iOS and Android devices (data fees may apply). A Nintendo Account is required to use the app.
   

Can I manage the restrictions for my system on two different smart devices?

• The restrictions can only be managed by one Nintendo Account. However, you can link the same Nintendo Account to the application on multiple smart devices. Then, you can manage the restrictions through each device that the Nintendo Account is linked to.
   

Can I manage the restrictions for multiple Nintendo Switch systems on one smart device?

• Yes. You can link up to three Nintendo Switch systems to the same smart device.
   

What are the requirements for the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls application?

• iOS Users
  • Supported on iPhone 5 or newer
     
  • Supported on iOS 9 or newer
     
• Android users
  • Supported on Android 4.4 or newer
     

• The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app is compatible with smart devices which use the iOS and Android operating systems.
   
• Parental controls are set for the whole Nintendo Switch console, not for each individual player.
   

Complete These Steps:

1. From your smart device, visit either the App Store (iOS) or the Google Play Store (Android) and search for "Switch Parental Controls."
    
2. From the search results select the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, and then select the appropriate option to download/install the application.
    

Update Details:

Ver. 1.1 [Released 07/19/17]

In order to use these features, you will need to update the Nintendo Switch system version to 3.0.0 or later.

• User play time can now be viewed in more detail.
  • You can now view information about time and software played separately for each Nintendo Switch user, as well as time not spent playing games such as using the HOME Menu. ( Games that don’t have the user selection sequence will be displayed as “No user selected”.)
     
  • You can view the times when Parental Controls were temporarily disabled.
     
  • You can check what software was downloaded, and you will receive a push notification on your smart device when new software is downloaded on the console.
     
• Monthly summaries now have more detailed information.
  • You can view information such as the number of days and amount of time played for each user.
     
  • In addition to viewing how many days the console was used in a month, you can now check the amount of time as well.
     
  • ”Versus last month” has been added so you can compare the time played this month with the previous month.
     
  • ”Share” button was added for you to share monthly summaries among family members.
     
• "Disable Alarms for Today” has been added in the settings.
  • This feature disables all alarms on the console for the rest of the day and can be used when you want to let your child play for longer than normal on special occasions such as their birthday or on a holiday. (Enabling this will show the active time in “Time Played”.)