How To Connect The Nintendo Switch To Public Wifi

The Nintendo Switch System stands out for its portability, allowing you to easily take your system with you wherever you go. But home is where the Wifi is, and things get sticky when you’re trying to use public wifi and your Switch just refuses to connect! So, how do we connect the Nintendo Switch To Public Wifi?

The Nintendo Switch is designed to detect public Wifi networks automatically and prompt you to connect. When doesn’t happen, you will have to connect the device manually by entering the device settings and performing a series of steps to connect your Switch.

In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions to manually connect your Nintendo Switch. We also discovered some other connection ideas and troubleshooting tips to help you out. Let’s get to it, guys!

Manually Connecting Your Nintendo Switch 

To connect your Nintendo Switch to public Wifi by manually entering Public DNS Settings, follow the steps outlined below: 

1. Starting from the Home Screen, use the console controller to select Settings
2. Select Internet
3. Select Internet Settings
4. Select Registered Networks
5. Select Your Network
6. Select Change Settings
7. Select DNS Settings
8. Select Manual
9. Under DNS Settings, You will see two subheadings, Primary DNS and Secondary DNS. Each of these will have a string of numbers next to it. Select Primary DNS.
10. Hold down the B Button on your controller to delete these numbers. 
11. When the list of numbers shows as 0.0.0.0, your screen will show the keyboard option. Enter 8.8.8.8, then select OK
12. Select Secondary DNS and repeat the steps above to delete the previous DNS numbers, then enter 8.8.4.4 and select OK
13. Return to your Home Screen and connect to the Wifi network.

Please Note: The Public DNS used here are subject to Google’s Terms Of Service. If you do not wish to use Google, use your browser to search for Public DNS for other options.

Other Ways To Connect Your Switch

In this section, we’ve provided some general options for connecting your Switch without changing the DNS below: 

Use A Mobile Hotspot: Instead of fighting a public network or changing your settings, try connecting your Switch to the Hotspot on your cellphone or laptop. This acts as a bridge between public networks and your devices, removing the need for access permission to the network. 

Use Your Wifi Provider: Many of the largest Wifi service providers like Xfinity offer their customers the ability to sign in to their account to use any wifi router on their broadband network as part of their service plan. When you look at the available connections, check to see if your provider’s name shows up. If it does, try to connect to it and you should get a screen asking you to enter the email and password for your account. Just log in and your device will connect to any of your provider’s wifi routers under your account. 

The One-Day Pass: If you don’t have a subscription service with the internet service you’re attempting to connect to, search the provider’s name and see if they offer a One-Day Pass to use their service. This allows you to pay a small one-time fee to temporarily access their network wherever it is available. 

It’s Still Not Connecting, What Now?

If you’ve tried all the options we’ve listed, but your Switch is still failing to connect, we’ve provided some troubleshooting tips below, along with an excellent video resource linked here that goes into each option in detail to guide you through:

• Make sure all of the information you are entering is correct if you are attempting to connect to a public wifi that requires login information. Additionally, make sure you are connecting to the correct public network. 
• The connection may be the issue. Select the network, then select Forget Network and search again to reestablish the connection.
• Try to connect another device to the public wifi connection. IF that device also fails to connect, the Wifi is the issue. 

• If you have added a new Micro SD card to your Switch or you do not have one installed, this can cause connection issues. You may need to perform a Console Update to resolve this. 
• If you haven’t fully powered down your Switch for a significant length of time, this will cause connection problems. 
• You may require a System Update and did not receive the notification. Check for an available update. 

Conclusion

When you have a device as versatile as the Nintendo Switch, you want to use it to its full potential, so connectivity is a must. With this article, you can connect with confidence and get back to the business of leveling up on all your favorite games in no time!