Is your Nintendo Switch screen flickering when you dock it to your TV?
An incorrect color setting on your console, incompatible TV resolution setting, or faulty HDMI cable can cause the Nintendo Switch flickering screen problem.
In most cases, simply restart your Switch will fix the flickering problem.
But, if it doesn’t, adjusting the TV resolution setting, changing the RGB setting of the console, changing the HDMI cable, installing software updates, or power cycling your TV will fix it.
Restart your Switch
To restart your Nintendo Switch, press and hold the Power button on your Nintendo Switch for 5 seconds until a menu appears. Next, select Power Options and then choose Restart.
If you can’t see the Power Options menu, press and hold the Power button for 15 seconds to force shutdown your console and then turn it On again.
Check TV Resolution and Color Settings
Resolution incompatibility is the most common reason your Switch flickers when connected to the TV.
Nintendo Switch supports 1080p when docked, so your TV resolution should be set to 1080p. Here’s how to do that:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and select TV Settings.
- On the right side, click on TV Resolution and set it to 1080p.
Also, if the color depth setting on your Switch console is set incorrectly i.e., it is incompatible with your TV settings, the image will flicker.
In most cases, you should select the Limited option for RGB range on your console. Here’s how to select it:
- Open Settings and go to System.
- Select TV Settings.
- Change the RGB range to Limited Range.
Check HDMI Cable
Have you properly connected the HDMI cable to both ends?
Check both ends of the cable for any damages. Also, ensure the cable is properly plugged into the Switch dock and the TV.
Try using your HDMI on another device to see if it’s faulty or not.
Use the HDMI cable that came with your Nintendo Switch. If you are using HDMI splitter, try connecting your console directly to the TV.
Install Software Updates
Outdated software can also cause unexpected issues on the Switch console.
So, if adjusting the resolution on your TV, color setting on your console, or changing the HDMI cable does not resolve the flickering problem, try updating your Switch.
To update your Nintendo Switch, open Settings.
Scroll down and select System in the left sidebar, and then click on System Update.
If any new update is available, it will be installed.
Power Cycle your TV
If none of the above works, consider power cycling your TV. Don’t worry; it is straightforward and does not erase any TV settings.
To power cycle or soft reset your TV, unplug it from the wall outlet. When unplugged, press the power button for 30 seconds to drain the capacitor power.
Connect your TV back to the power outlet and turn it On again.
Got any questions about this guide? Feel free to ask me.
