How to Delete All Content & Settings on the Nintendo Switch

Instructions on how to format the Nintendo Switch and delete all settings.

Important:

• For consoles with system menu version 10.0.0 or higher, this process takes approximately five minutes to complete.

• Please review the information about what will be lost when you delete all data from the console. Deleted data cannot be recovered.

• If you would only like to delete certain data, you can use the Data Management section of the System Settings.

• An internet connection is required to format the console.

• Any associated Nintendo Accounts will still exist after the console is formatted, and can be re-linked to a Nintendo Switch console and/or managed through http://accounts.nintendo.com.

Complete These Steps:

1. Select “System Settings” from the HOME Menu.

2. Scroll down to “System” and select it.

3. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the menu and select “Formatting Options”.

   • If a Parental Controls PIN has been set for the console, you will be prompted to enter it to proceed. (Forgot PIN?)

4. Select “Restore Factory Settings” to delete all data in the system memory.

5. Read through the information on the screen, then select “Next” to continue.

6. Select “Restore Factory Settings” to complete the process.