If you have the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, charging is as easy as connecting it to the dock with a USB-C cable. You can also charge it directly with the Switch adapter from the wall outlet. But if your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller isn't charging using both methods, there's a problem.
In most cases, this isn't a big problem. I'll help you troubleshoot your Pro Controller charging issues in this article. I'll tell you why you have this problem, how to fix it, and how to charge the controller correctly.
Reasons why your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is not charging
Before showing you how to fix the problem, the most common reasons for this problem are explained below:
1. A poorly connected cable
The most common reason is a loose cable at the end of the dock or controller port. So start by unplugging your USB cable(s) from the Switch console charging station and the controller. Then try reconnecting them again. This usually fixes the problem.
2. A faulty cable
The cable might be faulty if the first method failed to resolve the Nintendo Switch pro controller not charging issue. You can get a replacement and see. But before spending on another cable, why not try your phone's USB-C cable to see if it charges the controller?
3. The dock's USB port could be the cause.
Lint, debris, or dust may have accumulated in the USB port on the back of the dock and caused the cable to not connect properly. This is why some may have noticed that the problem is solved by directly charging the controller with the Switch adapter.
4. The controller battery is dead
This problem is common to all devices that run on batteries. If the controller's battery is completely discharged, it may be difficult to turn it back on, even if a charger is plugged in.
Fixes to try for your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller charging issues
Now that we have seen some of the reasons why your Nintendo Switch Pro controller is not charging, here are the practical solutions to try:
1. Use the sync button next to the charging port.
If your controller's battery is completely dead or has another charging or power issue, you can use the sync button to wake it up!
For example, one user had their controller battery dead and not charging. He managed to charge it by plugging in the device and pressing the sync button next to the charging port.
Note that sometimes you will need to press the sync button for 4 minutes.
2. Use another USB port on the docking station.
If the Nintendo Switch controller is not charging, the problem may be with the USB port on the dock.
The Nintendo Switch has four USB ports for charging. So, switch to another port, and the controller should charge.
Of course, you can also charge the controller directly from the adapter plugged into the wall or extension cord.
3. Change your USB cable.
If the controller still won't charge after trying all the solutions above, you need to replace the USB cable.
Make sure you get a USB-C type with a long cord of at least 5 feet. I recommend the Heatfun Nintendo Switch USB-C Charger. It's long, charges quickly and has a USB-C interface.
4. Contact Nintendo
If you have tried everything suggested above and the battery still won't charge, the device may be defective. You can call Nintendo at (800) 255-3700 to find out how to send it in for repair.
5. Replace the controller
As a last resort, you have the option of replacing the controller. If the official Switch Pro controller is too expensive, you can get the Switch Qiaoting controller. This is one of the best-selling Switch Pro controllers on Amazon. And it sells for a third of the price of the original Switch Pro Controller.
Also read: Why are Joy-Cons so expensive?
How to charge the Nintendo Switch pro controller
To charge the Nintendo Mega Pad, follow these steps:
You still don't understand? This is what your installation should look like:
Note: When the battery is fully charged, this will be indicated by a green LED.
How to charge gamepads while gaming?
Note that the charging method varies depending on your controller type.
● The Pro controller
If you have the Switch Pro Controller, plug the USB-C charging cable into the dock and charge it while you play. You can also charge the controller from a power bank, your laptop's USB C port, or the Switch charging adapter plugged into an outlet.
● The Joy-Cons
Connect the controllers to the Switch by sliding them sideways to charge your Joy-Cons while you play. Then, as you play, the Joy-Cons will draw juice from the Switch.
Charging and using Joy-Cons in handheld mode
When playing in handheld mode, you cannot charge the Joy-Cons. However, you can charge them in portable mode by getting the Joy-Con Charging Grip from MYCHEER.
To use it to charge while gaming, slide the Joy-Cons along the sides of the grip like you do with the Switch. At the top of the grip is a USB-C port that you can connect to a charging cable.
This grip also makes gaming in handheld mode more comfortable as it is easier to handle and provides support.
Also read: Can you play 3DS games on Nintendo Switch?
How long does it take to charge a Pro controller?
The Nintendo Switch pro controller needs six hours to fully charge. Unlike the Joy-Cons, the original Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a beast when it comes to battery life.
It typically lasts up to 40 hours of total use. It can last even longer if you don't use the motion controls and HD rumble functions, for example.
If you're the type to spend around five hours gaming every day, that means the controller will last more than a week of gaming before you need to recharge it.
The Nintendo Switch needs approximately three hours to reach a full charge. As for the Switch Lite, it will take you two hours and 20 minutes. Likewise, while the Switch's Joy-Cons only need 3½ hours to fully charge, it lasts for 20 hours of play.
Switch Pro Controller First Charge – How Long Is the Best?
Although the controller comes with some battery juice, you should charge it for six hours before using it, per Nintendo's recommendation. Once the charging light turns green, it indicates fully charged, and you can unplug.
Can you charge the Pro controller with a Switch charger?
Yes you can ! The Switch and Pro Controller use two USB-C connectors. If you have the original Switch power adapter, plug it into the wall outlet and insert the Type-C connector into your controller's charging port.
While it is possible to charge your Pro Controller with the Switch Charging Adapter, I don't recommend doing so if you don't have the original Switch charger. Think about it, this Nintendo Switch charger provides about 15V/2.6A of power to the Switch while charging. But the power input specification of your Pro controller says 5V/0.5A.
Mathematically, this means you're more than tripling the normal power to your Pro Controller. In other words, it takes more power than it is designed for. This is a good way to damage the Pro Controller or, at least, the battery.
But remember, you can use a charging cable like the PDP Gaming USB Charging Cable to charge your Switch or Pro Controller.
Also read: Can you play Wii games on the Switch?
Does Nintendo repair broken Joy-Cons for free?
Of course ! Nintendo repairs broken Joy-Cons for free in most countries. Additionally, the company will repair devices with drifting or other issues for free. Nintendo is aware of the growing number of drifting Joy-Cons. If your Joy-Cons drift, that is, the character or perspective on the screen moves while you are not touching the analog sticks of the Joy-Cons, you should contact Nintendo Customer Support.
If damaged, you can send them to Nintendo for repair using the following procedure:
So Nintendo will repair Joy-Cons for free. You can also check the current repair status via the Nintendo Repair Portal.
Also read: How to configure a Nintendo Switch
Charging the Switch Pro Controller with a Power Adapter – Pros and Cons
I know Nintendo says you can charge your controller directly with the power adapter. But there are pros and cons to this:
For
Without a doubt, this is a faster method to charge the controller. The adapter pumps 15V 2.6 amps into the controller, and the device fills with juice in less time.
Against
You risk damaging the battery because you are overcharging it with electrical current. The controller's battery may not be damaged the first time, but doing this every time you need to charge it will almost certainly reduce the battery's durability. Therefore, unless necessary, always charge it from the Switch dock.