Unstable Connection in GameChat
Follow these steps if you received one of the following error messages during GameChat:
"Video has been turned off due to an unstable connection."
"Video sharing turned off due to an unstable connection."
Note: Even if you resolve the connection issue, video or screen sharing will not be automatically re-enabled. You will need to turn them back on using the GameChat Menu.
Before you start
Visit Nintendo's Network Status page and check for any posted service maintenance or outages.
Outage or maintenance posted that impacts GameChat service
Please wait until the outage or maintenance has ended and check whether the issue is resolved before following this troubleshooting.
You will need the following to complete this troubleshooting:
Your Nintendo Switch 2 console
An Internet connection
Access to your router and/or modem
Possible solutions
Using a wireless connection
Test your connection after any changes are made to the console or network environment to determine if the change resolves your issue.
Move the Nintendo Switch 2 console within 10 to 15 feet of the wireless router to improve the signal strength during troubleshooting.
It may be helpful to remove the Nintendo Switch 2 console from the dock while troubleshooting, and then return the console when troubleshooting is complete.
If you have any filing cabinets, speakers, power strips, glass, or cordless phones, next to your system or wireless router, move them away.
Restart the console.
How to restart a Nintendo Switch 2 console
Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.
Select Power Options.
Select Restart.
Power cycle your home network.
How to Power Cycle your home network
Unplug the power cable from both the modem and wireless router (if separate from the modem).
If the modem's lights remain on, this may indicate you have a back-up battery installed. You will need to remove this battery to power cycle the modem.
After 30 seconds, plug the power cable back into your modem and wait for the lights to remain steady.
Plug the power cable back into the router and wait for the router lights to remain steady.
Create a new Internet connection.
How to connect a Nintendo Switch 2 to a wireless home network
Place the Nintendo Switch 2 within 10 feet of the wireless router so there will be a strong wireless signal.
Select System Settings from the HOME Menu.
Select Internet, and then Internet Settings. Your console will automatically search for nearby wireless network signals.
Select the appropriate network name (SSID) from the list.
Use the onscreen keyboard to enter the network's wireless password, if one is required.
The connection will be tested. Once the test is complete, select OK.
If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear. Search for our support article on the error code for steps to troubleshoot the connection.
For more details, please see How to Connect to the Internet on Nintendo Switch 2
Using a wired connection
Test your connection after any changes are made to the console or network environment to determine if the change resolves your issue.
Check that both ends of the Ethernet cable are securely attached to the networking device (e.g., router or modem) and the LAN port on the dock.
Try a different Ethernet cable if either end of the cable does not stay secure.
Restart the console.
How to restart a Nintendo Switch 2 console
Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.
Select Power Options.
Select Restart.
Power cycle your home network.
How to Power Cycle your home network
Unplug the power cable from both the modem and wireless router (if separate from the modem).
If the modem's lights remain on, this may indicate you have a back-up battery installed. You will need to remove this battery to power cycle the modem.
After 30 seconds, plug the power cable back into your modem and wait for the lights to remain steady.
Plug the power cable back into the router and wait for the router lights to remain steady.
Use a different Ethernet cable to determine if the original cable you were using is damaged or no longer working.
Connect your Ethernet cable to a different port on the router, if you are connecting to a device with multiple LAN ports. Most routers will have at least 4 ports available for network devices.
Situation not resolved
To continue troubleshooting potential issues related to the router, contact the router's manufacturer for help with the following:
Updating the router's firmware.
Resetting the router back to its factory default settings.
For further assistance with the Nintendo Switch 2 console, it will need to be sent in for assessment.