How To: System Settings
Please select a topic
- Internet Settings
- Parental Controls
- Data Management
- Other Settings
- How to Calibrate the Circle Pad
- How to Perform a Mic Test
- How to Change the System Region Settings
- How to Calibrate the Outer Cameras Manually
- How to Calibrate the Outer Cameras Automatically
- How to Format the System Memory
- How to Perform a System Update
- How to Change the Date
- How to Change the Time
- How to Change the Language Setting
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the setting that you are having an issue with.
the setting that you are having an issue with.
Parental Controls
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Data Management
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Other Settings
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For assistance connecting your Nintendo 3DS online, please click here to go to our Wi-Fi support information.
How to Set Up Parental Controls
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to Setup the Parental Controls for the Nintendo 3DS system.
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Select Parental Controls from the System Settings menu and tap "Yes."
- Enter the four-digit PIN, and tap "OK."
- Enter the PIN a second time and tap "OK."
- Select a secret question and tap "OK."
- Enter the answer and tap "OK."
- Tap "Set Restrictions."
- When restrictions are complete, tap "Done" to save the settings.
Related Articles:
How to Change Parental Controls
How to Reset Parental Controls
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How to Reset Parental Controls
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to reset Nintendo 3DS Parental Controls
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon from the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Tap "Parental Controls."
- Tap "Change."
- Input the PIN that was created during the initial set-up and tap "OK."
- Tap "Clear Settings."
- Tap "Delete."
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How to Change Parental Controls
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to change the Parental Controls for the Nintendo 3DS system.
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Select Parental Controls from the System Settings menu.
- Tap "Change."
- If Parental Controls have not been previously set up, the initial settings will need to be entered. (How to)
- Enter the four-digit PIN, and tap "OK."
- Select "Set Restrictions."
- Select the category to change restrictions.
- When changes are complete, tap "Done" to save the settings.
Related Articles:
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How to Delete Data From the Nintendo 3DS
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to delete save data or applications from the Nintendo 3DS.
What type of data do you wish to delete?
Applies To: Nintendo 3DS data
Important Note!
- Built-in applications cannot be deleted or removed from the HOME Menu. This includes:
Nintendo eShop AR Games Nintendo 3DS Camera Mii Maker Nintendo 3DS Sound Face Raiders StreetPass Mii Plaza Activity Log Download Play System Settings - Note: Deleting a game or application that was downloaded from the Nintendo eShop will also delete the associated save data permanently.
- Note: Once deleted, pre-installed software (Mario Kart 7, Swapnote, Fire Emblem: Awakening) and Nintendo eShop purchases can be redownloaded at no cost. (How to)
- Note: The save data for retail games is located on the game card. See the game's manual for information on deleting this save data.
What to Do:
- From the HOME Menu tap the System Settings icon , then "Open."
- Tap "Data Management."
- Tap "Nintendo 3DS."
- Tap "Software" to select a game or application.
- Tap "Extra Data" to select associated save data.
OR
- Select the data you would like to delete.
- Tap "Delete."
- Tap "Delete" again to confirm.
Applies To: Nintendo DSiWare data
Important Note!
- Built-in applications cannot be deleted or removed from the HOME Menu. This includes:
Nintendo eShop AR Games Nintendo 3DS Camera Mii Maker Nintendo 3DS Sound Face Raiders StreetPass Mii Plaza Activity Log Download Play System Settings - Deleting a game or application will also delete the associated save data permanently.
- Once deleted, Nintendo eShop purchases can be redownload at no cost.
What to Do:
- From the HOME Menu tap the System Settings icon , then "Open."
- Tap "Data Management."
- Tap "DSiWare."
- Tap "System Memory" to delete data saved to the system memory.
- Tap "SD Card" to delete data saved to the SD Card.
OR
- Select the data you would like to delete.
- Tap "Delete."
- Tap "Delete" again to confirm.
Related Articles:
How to Format the System Memory
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How to Transfer Data To SD Cards
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to transfer DSiWare or Game Save data to SD Cards.
What type of data are you trying to move?
Applies To: Nintendo 3DS Data
Important Note! Data being transferred to an SD Card is only useable on the system it came from.
What to Do:
- Insert the SD card into the system and turn the system on.
- Select the System Settings icon from the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Select "Data Management."
- Tap the Nintendo 3DS button, and then select "Software" or "Extra Data."
- Tap the data that will be moved to the SD card.
- Tap "Move" to transfer the data to the SD card.
- Repeat steps 5 and 6 for any remaining data to be moved.
Applies To: Nintendo DSiWare Data
Important Note!
Data being transferred to an SD Card is only useable on the system the data came from.
What to Do:
- Insert the SD card into the system and turn the system on.
- Select the System Settings icon from the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Select "Data Management."
- Tap the Nintendo DSiWare button.
- Tap the data that will be moved to the SD card.
- Tap "Move" to transfer the data to the SD card.
- Repeat steps 5 and 6 for any remaining data to be moved.
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How to Transfer Data Between SD Cards
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to transfer data from one SD Card to another SD Card.(Looking for instructions on transferring software from one Nintendo 3DS to another Nintendo 3DS? Click here for help.)
Important Note!
Need: Two compatible SD cards or SDHC cards
Need: An SD Card slot on a PC or Mac or a commercially available SD card reader/writer
Do Not: Alter, move, or erase files in the Nintendo 3DS folder.
Do Not: Overwrite data by recopying to the same SD card.
What to do:
- Insert the SD card with the Nintendo 3DS data into the SD card slot or the SD card reader/writer.
- Open Windows Explorer (for PC) or Finder (for Mac) and access the SD card.
- Highlight the data and drag it to the desktop.
- Eject the first SD card.
- Insert the second SD card into the slot or reader/writer.
- Using Windows Explorer or Finder, locate and access the SD card again.
- Drag the data from the desktop to the second SD 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 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.
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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.
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How to Change the System Region Settings
Description:
Step by step instructions on changing the Nintendo 3DS system's region setting.
Important Note: Countries that are outside of the region where the device was purchased will not be listed. You cannot change this setting to a country that is outside of the region in which the device was purchased.
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Tap "Other Settings."
- Tap "Profile."
- Tap "Region Settings."
- Select the country and tap "OK."
- Select the region and tap "OK" to return to the profile menu.
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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."
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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.
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How to Format the System Memory
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to format system the memory on the Nintendo 3DS.
Note: If the system will be sold or given to someone else, remove the Nintendo eShop account before formatting the System Memory.
Note: If the system is not being sold or given away, this process does not erase the licenses for any games purchased in the Nintendo eShop. For information on removing your Nintendo eShop account, click here.
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Tap "Other Settings."
- Tap the right arrow three times, and tap "Format System Memory."
- The following information will be lost after formatting the system memory. Once this information has been deleted, it cannot be recovered:
- All data in the System Memory (including Friend List, Notifications, and step count)
- System Settings data
- Built-in software save data
- All photos in the System Memory
- All other extra data
- If your Nintendo eShop account was not removed before formatting, your balance and purchases will still be available. See the note above for information on removing your Nintendo eShop account.
- Tap "Format."
- Tap "Format" again to erase the data.
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How to Perform a System Update
To get the latest available features as well as the most current enhancements to the Nintendo 3DS system's performance, we recommend downloading the most current System Update.
(For the latest information on Nintendo 3DS System Updates, click here!)
Important! Your Nintendo 3DS must be connected to the Internet to perform these steps. (How to)
What to do:
- Turn on your Nintendo 3DS and access the System Settings by tapping the wrench icon.
- Tap "Other Settings."
- Tap the right arrow three times to reach page "4."
- Tap "System Update."
- Tap "OK."
- Tap "I Accept."
- Tap "OK" to begin the update.
- It may take several minutes for the System Update to download. If you feel the update has stopped downloading, you can safely turn off the Nintendo 3DS and repeat these steps to try again.
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How to Change the Date Setting
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to change the Date settings.
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Tap "Other Settings."
- Tap "Date & Time."
- Tap "Today's Date."
- Tap Up/Down Arrows to set the correct Month/Day/Year.
- Select "OK" to confirm.
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How to Change the Time Setting
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to change the Time Settings.
Important Note! The Nintendo 3DS displays in military time, which is based on a 24-hour clock. There is no way to change it to standard time, and there is no built in compensation for Daylight Savings time.
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Tap "Other Settings."
- Tap "Date & Time."
- Tap "Current Time."
- Tap Up/Down Arrows to set the correct Hour and Minute.
- Select "OK" to confirm.
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How to Change the Language Setting
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to change the Language settings.
What to do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Tap "Other Settings."
- Tap "4" at the top of the screen.
- Tap "Language."
- Tap "OK" to confirm.
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How to Set Up Children's Online Privacy Permissions
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to provide parental consent to allow a child 12 years of age or under to use a network service that exchanges personal data.
Is the user 13 years or older?
Applies To: 13 Years or Older
Important Note!
- The approval process may take up to five business days to be completed.
- Children's Online Privacy Protection Act restrictions use the same PIN as Parental Controls.
What to Do:
- From the HOME Menu, select the System Settings Icon and then tap "Open."
- Tap "Parental Controls" and "Change."
- Click here if Parental Controls have not been set up.
- Enter the PIN and tap "Set Restrictions."
- Scroll to the bottom of the list, and tap "Child Online Privacy Protection."
- Tap "Yes."
- Select "Restrict" or "Do Not Restrict."
- If the parent or guardian opts to restrict these features, they will be prompted to go through the approval process when an affected application or game is accessed.
- If the parent or guardian opts not to restrict these features, they will be prompted to confirm the child's age again before removing the restriction.
Applies To: 12 Years or Under
Important Note!
- The approval process may take up to five business days to be completed.
- Children's Online Privacy Protection Act restrictions use the same PIN as Parental Controls.
- Need: An e-mail address and active Internet connection.
What to Do:
- From the HOME Menu, select the System Settings Icon and then tap "Open."
- Tap "Parental Controls" and "Change."
- Click here if Parental Controls have not been set up.
- Enter the PIN and tap "Set Restrictions."
- Scroll to the bottom of the list, and tap "Child Online Privacy Protection."
- Tap "No" and OK" to begin the approval process.
- Enter the parent or guardian's birthday and tap "OK"
- The system will connect to the Internet for age verification.
- Information on the restrictions are provided after age verification. Tap "Next"
- Tap "Next" again after reading the provided information.
- Tap "OK" to confirm that the process may proceed.
- Tap "OK," enter the first and last name of the parent or guardian and tap "OK" again.
- Tap "OK," use the stylus to sign the Touch Screen, and tap "Next."
- Tap "OK," enter the e-mail that should receive the confirmations, and tap "OK" again.
- Tap "OK."
- The name, signature, and e-mail will display for review.
- Tap "OK" to transmit the information and "OK" again to exit to Parental Controls.
- A confirmation e-mail will be sent to the provided e-mail
- An email with an authentication code and additional steps will be sent either approving or rejecting the submission.
- If the signature is rejected, the process can be restarted. (How To)
- Once the authentication code is received, access the Child Online Privacy Protection restriction again.
- Tap "Enter Code."
- Use the Touch Screen to enter the code provided in the e-mail and tap "OK."
- Tap "OK" again to return to the Parental Controls menu.
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How to Restart the Child Online Privacy Protection Restriction Process
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to restart the Child Online Privacy Protection restriction process.
What to Do:
- From the HOME Menu, tap the "System Settings" icon.
- Tap "Parental Controls" and then "Change."
- Tap "Set Restrictions."
- Scroll down using the scroll bar on the Touch Screen, and then tap "Child Online Privacy Protection."
- Tap "Restart Confirmation."
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the parent/guardian confirmation process.
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