The basic steps: pairing a new controller

To connect a controller to your Nintendo Switch, you need to put the controller into pairing mode and then tell the Switch to look for it. The Switch will find the controller within a few seconds, and you can start using it right away. The whole process takes less than a minute.

Start by turning on your Nintendo Switch. Then hold down the small button on top of the controller you want to connect — the one between the two grip handles on a Joy-Con, or the sync button on the back of a Pro Controller. Hold it for three seconds until you see the lights on the controller flash. On your Switch, go to Settings, then Controllers and Sensors, then Change Grip/Order. The Switch will search for controllers in pairing mode. When your controller appears on the screen, select it and you're done.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold the sync button on your controller for three seconds to put it into pairing mode — the lights will flash when it's ready.
  • On the Switch, go to Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Change Grip/Order to search for and connect the controller.
  • Joy-Con controllers can be used separately or attached to the sides of the Switch, while Pro Controllers work wirelessly from a distance.
  • If a controller won't connect, restart both the Switch and the controller, then try pairing again.
  • The Switch can remember up to ten controllers at once, so you only need to pair a controller once unless you reset it.

Joy-Con controllers: attached or detached

Joy-Con controllers are the small rectangular controllers that come with most Nintendo Switch models. They can clip onto the sides of the Switch itself, or you can detach them and use them wirelessly from across the room. When they're clipped on, they charge automatically while the Switch is powered on or docked.

If you're using Joy-Cons wirelessly, the pairing process is the same as any other controller. Once paired, you can use them separately — one in each hand, or both in one hand — or slide them onto a Joy-Con grip accessory to hold them like a traditional controller. The Switch remembers which Joy-Cons are yours, so if you take them off and put them back on later, they'll work without re-pairing.

Pro Controllers and third-party wireless controllers

A Pro Controller is a full-sized controller that works wirelessly and is designed for longer gaming sessions. To pair one, hold the sync button on the back until the lights flash, then search for it in the Switch's controller settings. Pro Controllers hold a charge for about six hours and connect from up to thirty feet away.

Third-party controllers — made by companies like 8BitDo, PowerA, or Hori — follow the same pairing steps as the Pro Controller. Hold their sync button until the lights flash, then search for them on the Switch. Some third-party controllers have extra features like programmable buttons or different grip styles, but they all pair the same way. Check the controller's manual if you can't find the sync button, as the location varies by brand.

What to do if a controller won't connect

If a controller enters pairing mode but doesn't show up on your Switch, or if it connects but then disconnects, try restarting both devices. Turn off the Switch completely, wait ten seconds, and turn it back on. Then put the controller into pairing mode again and search for it. This fixes most connection problems.

If the controller still won't connect, check that the battery isn't completely dead. Joy-Cons charge when attached to the Switch or placed in a charging grip. Pro Controllers charge via USB-C cable. Let the controller charge for at least thirty minutes, then try pairing again. If you're still having trouble, you may need to unpair the controller first: go to Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Disconnect Controllers, select the controller, and choose the option to disconnect it. Then pair it fresh.

Using multiple controllers at once

The Switch can connect up to four controllers at the same time, which is useful for multiplayer games. Each controller needs to be paired separately using the same steps — hold sync, search in the controller settings, and select it when it appears. The Switch will assign each controller a player number, which you can see in the Change Grip/Order menu.

If you're playing with friends and want to use their controllers, you can pair them temporarily without saving them to your account. Once paired, any controller works with any game that supports multiple players. You don't need to pair a controller again unless you reset it or pair it to a different Switch.

Pairing a controller to a different Switch

If you want to use the same controller on a different Switch — say, at a friend's house or on a second Switch you own — you need to pair it to that Switch just like you would a new controller. Hold the sync button until the lights flash, go to that Switch's controller settings, and search for it. The controller will remember both Switches and connect to whichever one you're using.

If a controller is already paired to another Switch and won't connect to your Switch, restart both the controller and your Switch, then try pairing again. The controller should connect to whichever Switch searches for it first.

Resetting a controller to factory settings

If a controller is acting unpredictably — buttons not responding, drifting, or refusing to pair — you can reset it to factory settings. This erases all pairing information and restores the controller to how it was when new. For Joy-Cons, look for a small reset button on the back of each controller, near the top. Use a straightened paperclip or a small tool to press and hold it for five seconds. For a Pro Controller, hold the sync button on the back for fifteen seconds until all the lights turn off.

After resetting, the controller won't be paired to any Switch. You'll need to pair it again using the standard pairing steps. A reset is a last resort — try restarting the Switch and controller first, and let the battery fully charge before you reset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a controller from a different gaming system on my Switch?

No. The Switch only works with controllers designed for the Switch — official Nintendo controllers or third-party controllers made specifically for the Switch. Controllers from PlayStation, Xbox, or other systems won't pair with the Switch, even with an adapter.

Do I have to pair a controller every time I turn on the Switch?

No. Once a controller is paired, the Switch remembers it. When you turn on the Switch, paired controllers will connect automatically as long as they're powered on and in range. You only pair a controller once, unless you reset it or pair it to a different Switch.

What does it mean when the controller lights flash?

Flashing lights mean the controller is in pairing mode and looking for a Switch to connect to. Solid lights mean the controller is already connected. If the lights won't turn on at all, the battery is likely dead — charge the controller for at least thirty minutes.

Can I use Joy-Cons and a Pro Controller at the same time?

Yes. You can pair up to four controllers total, and they can be any mix of Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, or third-party controllers. The Switch treats them all the same way once they're paired.

Why does my controller keep disconnecting during games?

This usually means the battery is low, the controller is too far from the Switch, or there's wireless interference nearby. Try charging the controller fully, moving closer to the Switch, and turning off other wireless devices like phones or routers. If disconnections continue, restart the Switch and controller, then try pairing again.