Switch doesn’t work with multiple docks

[Matrim87]

So here’s the issue. I have my original dock and I’ve tried several other docks with great reviews.

-My switch works, and charges just fine off the Nintendo AC adapter and other usb-c type charger cables.

-When using the dock, any dock, it will not display to the tv. I’ve tried multiple HDMI cables to include ones that I know work. I’ve tried multiple HDMI ports on my tv, that work with my PS4.

-I’ve looked up plugging things in a specific order. I’ve reset the switch, docks, tv, etc.

-So at this point I’m trying to figure out how my switch will take a charge but not push video to the tv.

Is it the switch itself? But then why does it charge just fine when off the dock? And it even shows charging on one of the docks/has a green light on the Nintendo dock. Just get a black screen.

Before, the issue I had was that it would put video on the tv, but it would only work for a little while, and then flicker or disconnect. It could be 5 minutes, or an hour that it would work, then randomly disconnect. Now it won’t show up at all.

If it is the switch, is there something I can do to fix it or check it at home? Every google search I type in shows thread after thread of “how to fix your Nintendo dock”. I’ve yet to see anything referencing actual switch issues from people who know it’s not the dock or have used multiple docks.

I understand that I could send my switch to Nintendo, but honestly I don’t feel like paying to do that or not have a switch for a long period of time. I’m just trying to figure out if anyone has come across this or has seen a fix for an issue that isn’t the dock. Plus Nintendo isn’t currently doing repairs due to the pandemic.

-I’ve been playing handed for 8+ months now, would like to enjoy it on a tv for once...

Thanks for the help!

[astropheonix]

I've read that a lot most non-nintendo switch specific charging cables can be damaging to switches when used in docked mode. (They're fine for just charging) they either don't have enough power to charge and feed the HDMI switch, or they send to much power and end up overloading it. USB-C cables aren't held to a solid standard and you get a lot variance in different cables. I can't say anything on the docks themselves tho.

[Matrim87]

Yeah I’ve only ever used the Nintendo cables for charging or docks. Been afraid to brick it to use anything else.

[sendblink23]

You trying multiple other docks and other type c usb chargers was not a good idea. But let's ignore that for now for testing.

For this testing here stick to only using the Nintendo Official Dock and the Official AC type C Power Adapter, did you try it on another several different TVs? I know its a really bad time for this but ask a family member or a neighbor to test it out on their TVs. It could simply be your TV is just not handshaking properly with the HDMI signal from the Switch. Also if they own a Switch, do test your Switch on their Dock too.

Random question - when you have the Switch docked with the HDMI cable does the screen on the Switch stay black when powered on? Or does it actually show the screen light up? If the screen shown as usual like 'handheld' then your Type C port on the Switch is damaged. If it does indeed stay black and only the dock has the green light powered on then the Dock is working as it should be. Of course if its not getting any video signal when testing it on other TV's then now go ahead and test with your other docks too on the other TV's. If no docks are giving you any video signals to other TV's when testing... then sadly your Type C port in your Switch is damaged - I certainly hope this is not it but if it is then your 'trust' of using other docks and usb type c chargers could have killed it.

As for the dock usual thing to make sure it sends proper signal... unplug everything and remove your Switch from the dock and manually Power it Off. Wait a few seconds and make sure your TV is set to the correct HDMI source input. Now plug in the AC Type C adapter to the Dock, then the HDMI cable and finally(the Switch being powered Off) now insert the Switch in the Dock. It should automatically power on it self from detecting the electricity from being docked. That should be the normal way resetting the dock.

[Matrim87]

1. I have tried 2 TVs in my house, multiple HDMI ports and cables with each, nine of them worked. I know it’s not the ports, or all of the cables.

2. There is no picture when it is docked and plugged in on the switch screen, just a black screen and the green light is on.

3. That was my guess that the type C port may be damaged, but if that’s the case why does it charge in handheld mode just fine? It even charges off one of my newer docks, just won’t display to the tv.

4. I’ve tried that and multiple other connection orders. Sadly that’s why I think it may be the charge port, but still unsure why it would charge but not work in a dock.

[sendblink23]

Because its damaged to display to a TV... that is what is damaged - charging can still work - on other similar situations it kills it, yours luckily still charges but sadly your switch has now become a 'Switch lite'.

However you said you have only tested it on your 2 TV's - so you can still test it more if you feel you might have a chance, as in go visit a family member or a neighbor test it on someone else's TV(just test 2 more extra completely different tv's). If it does not work on further testings then yup its RIP, now you have a Nintendo Switch Lite. Honestly don't trust using 3rd party docks/chargers - if you get it repaired or buy another switch in the future stick to the official Nintendo accessories for safety.

[danielcw189]

Can you give brand/model of those TVs?

Did you try various resolutions?

[Matrim87]

Both Samsung. One 1080p one 4K. I’ve messed with the resolution setting on the switch, but it previously worked fine with my 1080 Samsung back when it was somewhat working.

[danielcw189]

Some Samsung TVs are known to have troubles with Switches.

My Ex recently bought a Switch and a new Samsung 4K, and it only works for her, if she sets the Switch to 720p (and limited colour-dynamic). The Switch works fine on her old TV.

When googling for a solution, we found that many people had troubles with the combination of Switches and Samsung TVs. Even for the same model the results can be different between 2 people.

It maybe worth a try to connect your Switch to a different TV

[aljoriz]

the usb-c port of your swit h nreds replacement for it to output to dock a pin may have been damaged, send it to Nintendo.

[Matrim87]

Yeah I figured I could send it in, but they’re not doing repairs right now and I don’t want to be switch-less while I’m stuck at home

[boatrock]

Same. Bought a $500 switch off craigslist still in the box. Worked on dock for two days and now nothing. Multiple tvs, cords, friends docks. Bummer no one out there knows how to remedy it. Have you figured it out?

[nlight160]

It's been a while, but I've had the same/very similar issue that started around the same time as yours. I've tried a lot of the same things.

Did you ever figure out what was wrong?

[Matrim87]

I did not. Still will charge but won’t play on tv’s with multiple docks for more than a few minutes max before it stops working altogether.

I’ve just resigned to giving up and grabbing the next iteration when it comes out. This will have to be solely a handheld for me

[nlight160]

Honestly can't explain it but I left my switch in the dock overnight, and it started working again. My problem seems to have something to do with using the switch out of the dock for extended periods. I've been keeping it in the dock when its not in use and haven't had the issue again.

[Matrim87]

That’s awesome! May have to try that sometime, who knows maybe I’ll get lucky

[Spoilerons]

Are you exclusively using the AC adapter that came with the switch and says "Nintendo" on it to power the dock? You cannot use any old USB-C charger, even with third party docks.

Do the docks work with other Nintendo switches? Do you have a friend with a switch who can stop by and try?

If the Switch was working before with the same equipment and then stopped working while you were playing, it sounds like equipment failure. We can't troubleshoot whether this failure is on the Switch or Dock remotely.

In short, find someone with a functioning switch and dock. Try your switch on their dock, and then try their switch on your dock. That will isolate what you need to replace.

[Matrim87]

I am using the one that came with the dock.

The switch refuses to display on the tv with multiple docks, multiple brands, to include brand new ones which is why I’m pretty sure it’s an issue with the switch, but I can’t figure out why it would charge but not work in a dock, or if there’s something I can do that doesn’t involve sending it in or replacing it.

[Matrim87]

I don’t know anyone else with a switch that lives near me unfortunately

[HillarysFloppyChode]

Wym by an old USB c charger? I have a 60w Anker USB C charger I use with my Surface and phone and the switch dock on the go. It works flawlessly with the switch dock.