How to fix Pokemon Go not connecting to the Nintendo Switch

Paul Cotton

Lots of Pokemon Go players have been unable to connect to their Nintendo Switch. At best it has been intermittent. Here is how to fix Pokemon Go not connecting to the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch Update

Update: A new Nintendo Switch update should have now resolved this issue. In the meantime, if problems with connectivity persist, follow the below instructions, which have been resolving issues.

As per the Nintendo website, here is officially what the patch achieves.

Improvements Included in Version 7.0.1 (Distributed 02/18/2019)

General system stability improvements to enhance the user’s experience, including:

  • Resolved an issue where the Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! games cannot reconnect to the Pokémon GO app if the game software was closed after pairing with the app.

The latest Nintendo Switch Update, 7.0.0, was released on January 28. Unfortunately, this update has only amplified the issue of Pokemon trainers being unable to connect Pokemon Go to the Switch.

The most common resolution for this particular problem is to shut down the Nintendo Switch fully. That means turning it off by holding the power button for three seconds. This is opposed to just putting the Nintendo Switch to sleep, a quick, common way a lot of Switch users opt to turn the device off with.

Niantic confirmed this method on their Twitter support page.

Pokemon Go Still Not Connecting?

The not connecting issue has been apparent before the latest Nintendo Switch update, however. Forum posts have suggested the following also provide some success.

  • Unpair all bluebooth devices from your phone
  • Check Pokemon Go permissions through your phone
  • Clear cache of Nintendo Switch
  • Detach Joy-Cons
Shiny Meltan in Pokemon Go…

Pokemon Let’s Go

Pokemon Go needs to be connected to the Nintendo Switch in order to transfer to Pokemon Let’s Go. Trainers have been doing this since Let’s Go release back in November 2018.

The recent announcement of the Meltan event, where there is an increased chance of spawning a shiny Meltan, has resulted in a sudden foray of transfers. Consequently, trainers have been running into the Switch connection issue.

Read More: Pokemon Go Shiny Meltan Event Details

When transferring a Pokemon from Go to Let’s Go, the Pokemon Go account receives a mystery box. This is what’s required to spawn a Meltan.

For the latest Pokemon news and rumors follow our Pokemon Twitter page.

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