Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Troubleshooting

There is an issue when trying to connect your controller.

Make sure the Joycons are clicked in place or fully off the switch when docked.

Check to see if the switch is in flight mode as it disables some wireless functionality.

The controller may have issues connecting if the battery is near empty or empty. Charge it to check if this is the issue.

Your controller may not be synced to your switch, try connecting it again.

Your controller may not be on, try turning it on again.

Button input is not registering.

1. Ensure controller connected to device
2. If the firmware is up to date, and the controller is connected, reset the controller by pressing the SYNC button
3. Press any other button to wake up the controller

1. Access settings in the Nintendo Switch Console
2. Select “CONTROLLERS AND SENSORS”
3. Select “TEST INPUT DEVICES”
4. Select “TEST CONTROLLER BUTTONS”

Press the button or control stick on the controller you wish to test.

• Test the joysticks as well as the controller buttons
• One a button has been pressed, they will appear on screen, alerting you that the button is functional

Note: The test does not check for these buttons:

• HOME Button
• Capture Button
• POWER Button
• Volume Buttons
• SYNC Button

-If all buttons appear on screen, your controller has passed.

-Next, Test the Pro Controller buttons using a compatible game or application, and ensure that all buttons are responsive.

• If you have passed the button test but still have problems when running certain apps or games, you should:
  • Check the game manual to ensure compatibility with the Pro Controller
  • Move the controller closer to the Nintendo Switch System/Clear any objects between the controller and the system
  • Remove other wireless devices from the area which may be interfering with the remote.
  • If possible test the Pro Controller on a different console to determine if the error is with the Switch itself
    
• If the button test fails, either reference our Button replacement guide or take the controller to be repaired.

When the joystick is moved, the device doesn’t respond on the screen.

If the left joystick isn’t responding without clear reason, a manufacturing issue could be the cause however there’s a simple fix that requires just 3 steps:

• Step one: Turn off the device, and obtain a clean toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol
• Step two: Wet the toothbrush with the alcohol, making sure not to completely soak it because the liquid could damage the device even more
• Step three: Carefully brush under the joystick with the toothbrush to remove any debris that could be there

Lastly, turn on the device and find out if the problem is solved!

The controller is not turning on, cannot be charged, or hold its charge.

Your battery level may be very low. Connect your controller to the Switch console via the provided USB-C cable for about 6 hours or until the orange light at the top of the controller turns off.

Your controller’s battery may be defective. If the battery is not holding power for approximately 40 hours of play time, you may have to replace the battery pack.

Part: Pro Controller Battery Replacement

Tools Required: Phillips #00 Screwdriver

The charging cable may be defective and therefore will not properly charge your controller. You may have to get a replacement USB-C cable for your controller.

Part: USB-C cable

After pressing the power button, you may notice that the LED light at the bottom of your controller flashes from left to right and eventually shuts off. This means that the controller is not properly synced to the Switch console. To sync your controller, use either of the following methods:

Sync via USB Type-C:

Connect the USB Type-A end into the dock and the USB Type-C end into Pro controller. Press the power button on the controller. The console should now respond to controller input. If not, refer to the latter method.

Part: USB-C cable

Sync via “Sync” Button:

• Step 1: Select the “Change Grip/Order” setting from the Controllers menu on the Home screen with the included JoyCon controllers
• Step 2: Press & hold the sync button at the top of the Pro controller until the controller lights begin to flash

Your joystick moves on its own and your inputs becomes inaccurate, or the controller is not responding to commands correctly.

If the joysticks haven’t been calibrated for a long time, minor drifting could happen.

To solve this, go to settings --- controllers and sensors -- stick calibration tool, to re calibrate the Joystick.

If the system is not up to date, it might not process inputs from the joysticks correctly.

To solve this, go to settings --- system update, to update to the latest system. 

The controller might not have sync correctly to the Nintendo Switch console.

To solve this, go to controllers --- pair new controllers, disconnect all controllers and reconnect them. 

The base of the joystick might be dusty, which could cause joysticks to drift.

To solve this, clean the base of the joystick thoroughly.

Tools required: paper towels and rubbing alcohol.

The controller in conducted with graphite internally and it may have worn off after significant play time, causing conducting issues and joystick drifting.

To solve this, you may have to replace the joystick module.

Tools and parts required: replacement joystick package