“Unable to connect to the Internet” Message When Starting Software

Applies to:  Nintendo Switch Family, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model, Nintendo Account


The information in this article can help when you try to start a game or software on your Nintendo Switch system and receive the message, "Unable to connect to the Internet. Please check your settings."

This error can occur when an internet connection is required to open the software you have selected, including in the following situations:

  • You are using a non-primary console of the Nintendo Acccount that downloaded the game. On a non-primary console, you must be connected to the internet and select the User with the Nintendo Account that downloaded the game.
  • The software must connect to the Internet to verify you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership (for example, to play NES & Super NES - Nintendo Switch Online games).
  • The software requires an internet connection to play (for example, to play Cloud Versions of games).

Possible solutions


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