How To: System & Accessories
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of the system that you would like assistance with.
of the system that you would like assistance with.
Housing & Hinge
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Screen & Image Questions
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Power & Battery
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Cameras
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Buttons
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Game & SD Card Slots
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Speakers & Audio Inquiries
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Microphone
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SD Card
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Motion Sensors
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Wireless
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Transferring Games to the Nintendo 3DS
The availability to transfer DSiWare to a Nintendo 3DS is available through the current system update. Click here for information about performing the system update.
How to Clean the System Housing
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to clean the system housing.
Important Note!
Do Not: Spray liquids directly on the system.
Do Not: Submerge the system in liquid.
What to do:
- Lightly moisten a cloth with Windex or Simple Green.
- Wipe down the system.
Related Articles:
How to Clean the System ScreensHow to Clean the Buttons
How to Clean the Camera Lens
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How to Calibrate the Touch Screen
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to calibrate the Nintendo 3DS Touch Screen.
Important Note! If tapping to make selections isn’t working, press and hold (L + R + X) while powering the system on to jump directly to calibration.
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Tap "Other Settings."
- Tap "Touch Screen."
- Tap the calibration circles until the calibration is complete.
- Tap "OK" to save and exit.
Related Articles:
Touch Screen Doesn't Work or Isn't Calibrated Properly
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How to Adjust the Screen Brightness
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to adjust the brightness of the Nintendo 3DS screens.
What to do:
- Select the Screen Brightness icon in the upper left corner of the HOME Menu.
- Tap on the desired brightness level.
- Tap "OK."
Related Articles:
Touch Screen Doesn't Work or Isn't Calibrated Properly
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How to Clean the System Screens
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to clean the Nintendo 3DS Touch Screen and 3D Screen.
Important Note!
- Do Not: Use any solvents or cleaners of any kind
- Do Not: Submerge the system in water or other liquids
- Do Not: Pour water directly on the screens
What to do:
- Slightly dampen a soft, cotton cloth with water ONLY and wipe off the Touch Screen and 3D Screen.
- Using a dry portion of the same cloth, wipe the screens dry.
- Using a loop of transparent tape, dab at any remaining dust or smudges.
- Repeat steps 1-3 if necessary.
Related Articles:
Either Screen Has Dust or Debris Under the ScreenEither Screen Has Scratches or Is Worn (Residue From Screen Protector)
Either Screen Has a Small, White (or Other Color) Dot on the Screen
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How to Adjust the 3D Effect
Description:
Information on adjusting the 3D effect on the Nintendo 3DS.
Information:
The Nintendo 3DS system is equipped with a 3D depth slider that lets you select the level of 3D you enjoy the most. The 3D effect can be scaled back or even turned off completely, depending on your preference.
To turn 3D effect off, slide the Depth Slider to the lowest setting, labeled "Off."
Related Articles:
Making the Most of the Nintendo 3DS Experience
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How to Charge the System Battery
Are you using the charging cradle or the AC adapter?
Applies To: The Charging Cradle
What to Do:
- Insert the AC adapter plug into the AC adapter connector on the back of the charging cradle.
- Place the Nintendo 3DS system on top of the charging cradle. The system will click into place.
- Plug the AC adapter into a wall outlet.
- The recharge LED will be lit orange when the system is charging, and will go out when charging is complete.
Applies To: The AC adapter
What to Do:
- Insert the AC adapter plug into the AC adapter connector on the back of the system.
- Plug the AC adapter into a wall outlet.
- The recharge LED will be lit orange when the system is charging, and will go out when charging is complete.
Related Articles:
Charge Doesn't Last Very Long or Unable to RechargePower LED How to Change the System Battery
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How to Remove, Reseat, or Replace the Battery
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to change the Nintendo 3DS Battery Pack.
Applies To: Nintendo 3DS
Important Note!
Do not: Attempt to remove the battery cover with anything other than the recommended type and size of screwdriver.
Do not: Over tighten the screws. This may result in stripping them or cracking the housing.
Need: A #00 Phillips-head screwdriver will be required to change the battery pack.
What to Do:
- Hold the POWER Button down until the system turns off.
- Remove any Game Cards from the system.
- Turn the four Phillips-head screws on the bottom of the system counter clockwise to remove the battery cover.
- Remove the battery pack from the system.
- Wait at least 10 seconds, and then insert the new battery pack (or old battery if you are reseating it).
Important Note: Ensure that the gold contacts on the battery touch the gold contacts on the system.
- Replace the battery cover and tighten the four screws, being careful not to over tighten.
- Turn the system back on to verify correct battery installation.
- You will need to go to System Settings and reset the time and date. (How to)
Applies To: Nintendo 3DS XL
Important Note!
Do not: Attempt to remove the battery cover with anything other than the recommended type and size of screwdriver.
Do not: Over tighten the screws. This may result in stripping them or cracking the housing.
Need: A #00 Phillips-head screwdriver will be required to change the battery pack.
What to Do:
- Hold the POWER Button down until the system turns off.
- Remove any Game Cards from the system.
- Turn the two Phillips-head screws on the bottom of the system counter clockwise to remove the battery cover.
- Gently pry on the small slots on each side near the L and R Buttons. Once the cover begins to separate from the system, continue prying the cover open, moving towards the front of the system.
- To avoid damage to your system, do not use excessive force.
- Remove the battery pack from the system.
- Wait at least 10 seconds, and then insert the new battery pack (or old battery if you are reseating it).
- Replace the battery cover and tighten the two screws, being careful not to over tighten.
- Turn the system back on to verify correct battery installation.
- You will need to go to System Settings and reset the time and date. (How to)
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How to Clean the Camera Lenses
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to clean the Nintendo 3DS camera lens.
Important Note!
Do Not: Use any solvents or cleaners of any kind
Do Not: Submerge the system in water or other liquids
Do Not: Pour water directly on the lenses
What to do:
- Slightly dampen a soft, cotton cloth with water and wipe off the camera lenses.
- Using a dry portion of the same cloth, wipe the camera lenses dry.
- Using a loop of transparent tape, dab at any remaining dust or smudges.
- Repeat steps 1-3 if necessary.
Related Articles:
Unable to Take 3D Pictures
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How to Calibrate the Outer Cameras Manually
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to calibrate the two outer cameras on the Nintendo 3DS.
Important Note!
- If Parental Controls are set up to restrict the 3D feature, proper calibration cannot be completed.
- Manual Calibration should only be used if Automatic Calibration is unavailable.
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Tap "Other Settings."
- Tap "Outer Cameras."
- Move the 3D Depth Slider to its highest position and tap "Next."
- Tap "Manual Setup."
- Tap "Next" and set the system down on a flat surface.
- Take a photo of a simple, flat shape with a clear outline.
- Adjust the image using the touch screen controls to line up the photo and image on the upper screen.
- Tap "Test 3D."
- View something nearby to verify calibration then tap "OK."
Related Articles:
3D Image Troubleshooting
Unable to Take 3D Pictures
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How to Calibrate the Outer Cameras Automatically
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to calibrate the two outer cameras on the Nintendo 3DS.
Important Note! If Parental Controls are set up to restrict the 3D feature, proper calibration cannot be completed.
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Tap "Other Settings."
- Tap "Outer Cameras."
- Move the 3D Depth Slider to its highest position and tap "Next."
- Tap "Automatic Setup."
- Tap "Next" and center the cameras on an unobstructed subject that is 65 feet (20 meters) or father away.
For best results:
- Ensure the subject is brightly light.
- Try selecting an outdoor subject or object to ensure enough distance.
- Ensure the subject can be easily distinguished from the background objects.
- When the three dots on the upper screen light up, the camera will automatically calibrate.
- Next, focus the camera on an unobstructed subject close-by.
- Adjust the Nintendo 3DS system's distance from the subject until the image on the upper screen is clear and in 3D.
- Tap "OK" when the image is clear to save the settings, and exit calibration.
Related Articles:
3D Image Troubleshooting
Unable to Take 3D Pictures
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How to Clean the System Buttons
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to clean the Nintendo 3DS System Buttons.
Important Note!
Do Not: take a part the system housing.
Do Not: use liquid or abrasive cleaners.
Need: 1 clean, dry toothbrush.
What to do:
- Turn off the Nintendo 3DS system.
- Remove any game cards, and disconnect the AC Adapter.
- Turn the system screen-side down.
- Using the toothbrush, gently and thoroughly brush the area around the buttons.
Related Articles:
Any Other Button Is Sticky or Stuck
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How to Calibrate the Circle Pad
Description:
Step by step instructions on calibrating the Circle Pad.
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Tap "Other Settings."
- Tap "Circle Pad."
- Make two or three full rotations, then tap "Next."
- Move the Circle Pad in all four directions and confirm that the color of the triangles changes to green, then tap "OK" to return to the HOME Menu.
Related Articles:
Circle Pad Is Not Responding
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How to Perform a Mic Test
Description:
Step by step instructions on testing the system microphone.
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Tap "Other Settings."
- Tap "Mic Test."
- Speak into the microphone. The microphone is operating normally when colored volume bars appear inside the microphone icon.
- Tap "Finish" to return to the Other Settings menu.
Related Articles:
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How to Insert SD Cards
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to insert an SD card into the Nintendo 3DS
Important Note! In the down position, the SD card write-protection switch will prevent you from saving or erasing data on the card. In the up position, you can save and erase data on the card.
What to do:
- Open the SD card slot cover.
- Ensure that the SD card is facing label-side down and insert it into the SD card slot until it clicks into place.
- Close the SD card slot cover.
Related Articles:
How to Transfer Data Between SD CardsHow to Transfer Data to SD Cards
How to Save Music Files to an SD Card
How to Remove SD Cards
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How to Remove SD Cards
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to remove the SD Card from the Nintendo 3DS
Important Note!
Make sure the system is powered off.
Never remove a MiniSD or MicroSD Card while the adapter is still in the system.
What to do:
- Open the SD Card slot cover.
- Gently push on the SD Card until it clicks.
- Release the card and it will partially eject.
- Slide the SD Card out of the system.
- Close the SD Card slot cover.
Related Articles:
How to Transfer Data Between SD Cards
How to Transfer Data to SD Cards
How to Save Music Files to an SD Card
How to Insert SD Cards
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How to Lock or Unlock an SD Card
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to adjust write-protection for an SD Card.
What to do:
- Set the lock slider to locked or unlocked.
- The down position will enable write-protection, locking the card.
- The up position will unlock the card, enabling you to save and erase data on the card.
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How to Format an SD Card
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to format an SD Card for use with the Nintendo 3DS.
Important Note!
- The SD card that came with the Nintendo 3DS system will already be formatted for use.
- Formatting and SD card will erase any data that is on the card.
Information:
If you are formatting your SD Card used with a Nintendo product, use the tool found here. Nintendo products strictly adhere to the SD Card standard.
Instructions on using this tool can be found at the bottom of this page. Please select "FULL (OverWrite)" when formatting the card.
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How to Enable Wireless Communication
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to turn on wireless communication.
Important Note! The Nintendo 3DS system's wireless communication cannot be enabled while playing a Nintendo DS or Nintendo DSi game.
What to do:
- Push the wireless switch on the right side of the Nintendo 3DS up.
- Verify that the wireless LED is on.
Related Articles:
How to Disable Wireless Communication.
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How to Disable Wireless Communication
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to turn off wireless communication.
What to do:
- Push the wireless switch on the right side of the Nintendo 3DS down.
- Verify that the wireless LED is off.
Related Articles:
How to Enable Wireless Communication.
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How to Transfer Software From One Nintendo 3DS to Another Nintendo 3DS
Description:
Step by step instructions for how to transfer data from one Nintendo 3DS to another Nintendo 3DS.
Important Notes!
- An active internet connection is required to process the transfer.
- Plugging in the system is not required to proceed, but it is recommended. The transfer can take more than forty minutes to complete.
- The target and source systems are required to have the latest system update before the transfer can begin. (How to)
- The target and source systems are required to be set to the same regional settings before the transfer can begin. (How to)
- If the system's regional settings are changed, you must launch the Nintendo eShop at least once before proceeding with the system transfer.
The following video will give you a helpful overview of the system transfer process.
What To Do:
Source System
- From the HOME Menu tap the System Settings Icon and then "Open."
- Tap "Other Settings."
- Tap "3" and then "System Transfer."
- Tap "Transfer from Nintendo 3DS."
- Read the information about the transfer and tap "Agree"
- The number of transfers will display. Tap "Yes" to initiate the transfer.
- Tap "Send from This System."
Target System
- From the HOME Menu tap the System Settings Icon and then "Open."
- Tap "Other Settings."
- Tap "3" and then "System Transfer."
- Tap "Transfer from Nintendo 3DS.
- Read the information about the transfer and tap "Agree"
- The number of transfers will display. Tap "Yes" to initiate the transfer.
- Tap "Receive from Nintendo 3DS."
Source System
- Select the system that will receive the transfer.
Target System
- Tap "Yes" to accept the transfer.
Source System
- Read the transfer information and tap "Next" to continue.
- Tap "Yes" to confirm.
- Tap the blue "Transfer" button to continue.
Target System
- Tap "Delete" to confirm deletion of all Nintendo 3DS data on the target system's SD Card. Tap the blue “Delete” button to begin the transfer.
- If "Do Not Delete" is selected, the Target system will request to perform the transfer without deleting the Nintendo 3DS data on the SD Card. Tap "Yes" to begin the transfer.
- When the transfer is complete, tap "OK" to restart the system.
Source System
- Remove the SD Card from the source system as it will now be used in the target system.
- If the target system has a higher capacity SD Card than the source system, you may choose to transfer your content to the higher capacity SD Card instead. (How to)
Related Articles:
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How to Transfer DSiWare to the Nintendo 3DS
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to perform a system transfer from the Nintendo DSi to the Nintendo 3DS.
Important Notes!
- You must have access to both the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Nintendo eShop in your country of residence.
- Before starting this process make sure you that the "Nintendo 3DS Transfer Tool" has been downloaded on the Nintendo DSi. (How To)
- To complete the system transfer you will need both your Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DSi systems, the wireless data transfer application for the Nintendo DSi, and access to the Internet.
The following video will give you a helpful overview of the system transfer process.
What To Do:
On the Nintendo 3DS:
- Select the System Settings icon from the HOME Menu and tap "Open."
- Tap "Other Settings" and then tap "System Transfer."
- After the system connects online, tap "Transfer from Nintendo DSi" and then "Next."
- Then tap "Receive from Nintendo DSi."
On the Nintendo DSi/DSi XL:
- Tap "Nintendo 3DS Transfer Tool."
- After the system connects online, tap "Transfer to Nintendo 3DS" and then "Next."
- Now tap, "Send from This System."
- The name of the Nintendo 3DS that will receive the data will appear on the touch screen of the Nintendo DSi. Tap it to proceed.
On the Nintendo 3DS:
- Tap "Yes" to confirm that you want to receive the information from the Nintendo DSi listed on screen.
On the Nintendo DSi/DSi XL:
- Tap either "Full Transfer" or "Custom Transfer."
- Tapping "Full Transfer" will transfer the Wi-Fi Configuration Data, Photos and Recordings, and any purchased Nintendo DSiWare.
- Tapping "Custom Transfer" will allow you to select what you want to transfer to the Nintendo 3DS.
- After selecting what you want to transfer, tap "Transfer" and then "Next."
- Tap "Transfer" again to confirm each type of data that will be transferred
- Finally, tap "Transfer" one last time to confirm the transfer and complete the process.
On the Nintendo 3DS:
- After the transfer is finished, tap "System Settings" to return to the Nintendo 3DS settings menu.
- The games must now be download from the Nintendo eShop. (How To)
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