How long does a dead Switch take to turn on?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

When a Switch’s battery is completely drained, it can be quite frustrating to wait for it to turn back on. The time it takes for a dead Switch to power up again can vary depending on several factors, such as the current battery level, the length of time since it was last used, and the charging method used.

If your Switch’s battery is fully drained but you connect it to its charger, you might notice that it takes several minutes before any signs of life appear. This delay is normal and is due to the fact that the battery needs to accumulate enough charge to power on the system. It is recommended to be patient and give it up to a few hours to fully charge and restart.

However, if your Switch hasn’t been used for days or weeks since its battery drained, it can take even longer to resuscitate. In such cases, it is not uncommon for the charging process to take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours before the system is able to turn on again. This extended charging time is often necessary to revive the battery from a deeply discharged state.

It’s important to note that different charging methods can also affect the time it takes for a dead Switch to turn on. Using the official Nintendo Switch charger is generally the most efficient option, as it is specifically designed for the system. However, if you are using an alternative charger, such as a USB-C cable connected to a computer or a portable power bank, the charging time may be slightly longer.

In my personal experience, I have encountered situations where my Switch’s battery completely drained, and it took a significant amount of time to charge and power on again. On one occasion, I hadn’t used my Switch for a couple of weeks, and when I tried to turn it on, it was completely unresponsive. I connected it to the charger and left it overnight, hoping it would come back to life the next morning. To my surprise, it took almost 20 hours before I saw the familiar Nintendo logo on the screen. Although it was a long wait, it eventually powered on without any issues.

The time it takes for a dead Switch to turn on can vary depending on factors such as the current battery level, the length of time since it was last used, and the charging method used. If the battery is fully drained, it can take several minutes to a few hours to charge and restart. If the system hasn’t been used for days or weeks, it may take even longer, up to 12 to 24 hours. Patience is key in these situations, and it is important to allow sufficient time for the battery to accumulate enough charge to power on the Switch again.