How to Delete All Content & Settings on Nintendo Switch (2024)

Important: Please review the information about what will be lost when you delete all data from the system. Deleted data cannot be recovered. If you would only like to delete certain data, you can use the Data Management section of the System Settings.

• What will be lost when you delete all data from the system
  • All data in the system memory, including software, save data, screenshots, and user information will be deleted, restoring the console to factory settings.
    • If you have save data backups stored to the Save Data Cloud service, you will be able to download them once you create a new user and link your Nintendo Account to it.
  • All software saved on the microSD card, except for screenshots, will become unusable. (Data on the microSD card will not be deleted.)
  • Any Nintendo Accounts linked to the console will not be deleted, but they will be unlinked from the system. After initializing the console, you can create a new user and link to it your Nintendo Account.
    • Your Nintendo Account contains your Nintendo eShop purchase history and balance. By re-linking your Nintendo Account after initializing the console (to the same system or a different one), it is possible to re-download any software or DLC purchased using that account.
    • If you are not connected to the Internet while initializing the console, it will remain registered as your primary console.

Before you start

An internet connection is recommended to format the system. If you are not connected to the Internet while initializing the console, it will remain registered as your primary console.

• How to connect to the internet
  1. Place the Nintendo Switch within 10 feet of the wireless router to ensure a strong wireless signal.
  2. On the Nintendo Switch console, select Settings from the HOME Menu.

     

  3. Select Internet, and then Internet Settings. The Nintendo Switch will automatically search for near-by Wi-Fi signals.

     

     See Also

     Not Enough Space to Download Nintendo Switch eShop Content

  4. Select the appropriate network name (SSID) from the list.
     • If you are unable to find your network's name, stand closer to the wireless router and press the Y Button to search again.
     • If the network name is grayed out, this indicates the wireless security type being used is not supported by the Nintendo Switch.
     • If you are still unable to find your network, this may indicate an issue with the wireless network environment.
  5. If prompted, use the onscreen keyboard to enter the network's wireless password.

     

  6. The Nintendo Switch will test the Internet connection. Once the test is complete, select OK to complete the process.
     • If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear, which can help you troubleshoot connection errors.

  For more information, see How to Connect to the Internet Using a Wireless Network.

Complete these steps

1. Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.
2. Scroll down to System, and select it.
3. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the menu, and select Formatting Options. If a Parental Control PIN has been set for the system, you will be prompted to enter it to proceed.
   • Forgot your PIN?

     If you forgot your PIN, we have steps for how to locate or reset it.

4. Select Initialize Console to delete all data in the system memory.
5. Read through the information on the screen, then select Next to continue.
   • Not connected to the Internet

     The console will attempt to connect to the Internet to unlink any Nintendo Accounts on the console. If it's unable to connect, you can skip unlinking the accounts and deregister the console later.

     1. Select Next.
     2. Select Cancel.
     3. Select Continue.
6. Select Initialize to complete the process.

Additional information

• For consoles with system menu version 10.0.0 or higher, this process takes approximately five minutes to complete.
• Any associated Nintendo Accounts will still exist after the system is formatted, and can be re-linked to Nintendo Switch systems and/or managed through accounts.nintendo.com.