Fix Nintendo Switch Error Code 9001-0026 in 2024 [10 Fixes]

Sitting down for a reassuringly nostalgic gameplay only to be presented with the dreaded "Nintendo Switch error code 9001-0026" can be an incredibly frustrating experience. This common issue plaguing many Nintendo users post-update has left them scratching their heads in confusion and disappointment, waiting for the screen that would transport them into the world of fun-filled games, instead being met with an unwelcome numerical code.

As an experienced gamer myself, I decided it's time to offer some guidance on this issue that’s growing into quite a nuisance in our gaming community.

Also Useful: Fix Diablo 4 Error Code 30006

What does Nintendo Switch Error Code 9001-0026 mean?

Encountering Nintendo error code 9001-0026 essentially means that your Nintendo Switch is struggling to communicate with the server. This error can be a bit of a mystery, as it doesn't specifically relate to one single issue but is more indicative of a broader problem concerning network connectivity.

The error might arise from an unstable or slow internet connection, changes in your DNS settings that have not been adapted for the console, or even issues with the Nintendo server itself. It's equivalent to saying "we can't get through" - a frustratingly vague statement that leaves us needing to be our own detective. But fear not! That's precisely why I'm here today, to help decode and then smoothly resolve this irksome issue.

How to Fix Nintendo Switch Error Code 9001-0026 in 2024?

In 2024, Nintendo enthusiasts may encounter the frustrating error code 9001-0026 while trying to enjoy their favorite games. But fear not, as we've got you covered with essential tips and solutions to help you swiftly resolve this issue and get back to gaming without a hitch!

1. Network Hardware Restart

A Network Hardware Restart is often one of the simplest and most effective solutions for resolving error codes like the Nintendo Switch error code 9001-0026. This solution aims at resetting your network connection, potentially fixing minor glitches disrupting your Nintendo Switch's communication with the server.

A. Power Off Your Console

Before you restart any hardware, it's always best to properly turn off your Nintendo Switch.

1. Hold down the power button for about five seconds.
2. In the menu that pops up, select 'Power Options'.
3. Finally, click on 'Turn Off'.

B. Unplug Your Router and Modem

Once your console is off, proceed to disconnect your router and modem from their power source. This helps refresh their operating system and wipe out any minor misconfigurations.

C. Wait

Yes - just a good old-fashioned wait! Allow both devices to sit unplugged for around 10 minutes.

D. Reconnect Everything

After waiting, plug back both the router and modem into their respective power sources. Turn them on and wait until they have fully restarted. Then switch your Nintendo back on as well.

E. Test Your Connection

Once you've restarted all devices involved and ensured they're all up and running, try connecting your Nintendo Switch again to see if the error persists.

2. Check Internet Connection Speed

Internet speed plays a pivotal role in your gaming experience. A slow connection may prove troublesome, resulting in the Nintendo Switch failing to communicate with the server - ultimately triggering error code 9001-0026.

Steps to Check Internet Connection Speed

1. From your Nintendo Switch home screen, navigate to 'Settings.' You'll find this as an icon resembling a cog at the bottom of the screen.
2. Scroll down and head over to 'Internet.'
3. Here, you will see an option that says 'Test Connection.' Select this and let it run.

Your console will now spend a few moments assessing the strength and speed of your connection and report back with its findings.

If your internet speed is below 3Mbps download or under 1Mbps upload, online gameplay may face interruptions. In such cases, consider reaching out to your Internet Service Provider for assistance.

3. Configure DNS Settings

As obscure as it may sound, a common solution to the error code 9001-0026 is simply configuring your DNS settings. This could help improve your device's communication with the server. Here's how you can reconfigure your DNS settings on your Nintendo Switch console.

1. From the Home Menu, select System Settings.
2. Scroll down and select Internet, and then 'Internet Settings'. The console will automatically search for available Wi-Fi signals.
3. Select your current network when it shows up on the screen.
4. Choose 'Change Settings'.
5. Navigate through options until you find the "DNS Settings". Change it from 'Automatic' to 'Manual'.
6. In Primary DNS, input 8.8.8.8. For Secondary DNS, input 8.8.4.4. These are Google’s public DNS addresses.

Remember to save all changes before exiting to ensure these new settings are implemented properly. Once completed, restart your Nintendo Switch and check if the error still persists.

4. Update Your Nintendo Switch System

An outdated system can cause various issues, including the dreaded error code 9001-0026 in Nintendo Switch. Don't worry if you are unsure how to go about updating your console; these simple, step-by-step instructions should have you up and running in no time.

A. Check Your Internet Connection

First things first—ensure your internet connection is stable. Open a browser and check to see if you are able to access different websites without any hitches.

B. Navigate to System Settings

1. Start from the Nintendo Switch's home screen.
2. Select the (italic)System Settings icon that looks like a gear, which you'll find at the bottom of the screen.

C. Check for Updates

1. Scroll down through the options on the left-hand sidebar until you come across System.
2. Once selected, scroll down again until you spot System Update.
3. Press A on your controller to initiate an update request.

(Note: The Nintendo Switch will begin downloading any available updates there and then.)

If there's an update available that wasn't installed before, this could solve your problem with error code 9001-0026. Remember that updates often come with fixes for common bugs and issues that users around the world report. Remember, patience is key here; allow your console enough time to download and install any available updates fully. Post-update, restart your Nintendo Switch - here's hoping it will return sans error code!

Also Related: Fix Valorant Error Code VAL 5

5. Disconnect Other Devices from the Network

An overly crowded network might just be the culprit behind the error. Busy networks can slow down your connection speed, impeding the Nintendo Switch's ability to communicate with its server.

Let's simplify things by disconnecting some other devices from your network. Here are the steps to find relief:

• Keep a list of all connected devices: This list will help you keep in mind which devices were using your Wi-Fi.
• Temporarily disconnect unimportant devices: For this temporary measure, focus on non-essential devices like smartphones or other consoles that may be hogging the bandwidth. You can usually do this by going into each device's Wi-Fi settings and disconnecting from the network.
• Check your Nintendo Switch: Once you've successfully disconnected these devices, return to your Nintendo Switch and check if the issue persists.

Following these actions should ease up the operational demand on your network. But don't forget to reconnect your other devices when you're done gaming.

6. Use Ethernet Cable Instead of Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi can sometimes be unreliable, especially if your console is far from the router. For a more stable connection, try connecting your Nintendo Switch to the internet using an Ethernet cable. You will, however, need a LAN adapter for this process.

A. Switch Off and Plugin

Turn off your Nintendo Switch. Now, plug one end of the Ethernet cable into an open LAN port on your modem or router.

B. Connect the LAN Adapter

Insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into the USB LAN adapter.

C. Attach to Nintendo Switch

Once done, connect the USB LAN adapter to an open USB port on your Nintendo Switch dock.

Remember that this method only works when your Nintendo Switch is docked. For handheld mode, it's recommended to stay near your router for better signal strength.

7. Check Nintendo Server Status

It is entirely possible that the problem lies not within your gaming console or network, but rather with Nintendo's servers themselves. Such instances occur when the server is down for maintenance or it's experiencing unexpected technical issues. To check the status of the Nintendo servers, follow these easy steps:

A. Open Your Web Browser

At first, you need to open your preferred web browser; it could be Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or whoever else takes your fancy.

B. Visit Nintendo's Official Website

Next, navigate yourself to the Nintendo official website. You can do so by typing "www.nintendo.com" into your address bar and hitting enter.

C. Navigate to Support Pages

Once you're on the homepage of Nintendo's website, look for an option that says 'Support' usually positioned on top right of the page and click on it.

D. Find Network Maintenance Information / Operational Status page

From there, locate and click on the "Network Maintenance Information / Operational Status" link.

Once you're there, compare what you see with the latest official announcements. If there are any reported issues or scheduled maintenance plans that coincide with your gameplay timeline, it's likely that they are causing errors. In such cases, all you can do is wait for Nintendo to solve these server-side issues.

8. Changing the NAT Type

Changing your NAT (Network Address Translation) type can often help resolve the Nintendo error code 9001-0026. As an important aspect of online gaming, your NAT type impacts the quality and stability of your internet connection. To change this on the Nintendo Switch:

A. Open Settings

Firstly, from your Nintendo console's home menu, navigate to and select 'System Settings'.

B. Access Internet Settings

Scroll down to find the 'Internet' option. Within this, go to 'Internet Settings'.

C. Connect to Wi-Fi

Your console will initiate a search for Wi-Fi networks; connect to your preferred one.

D. Adjust Settings

Once connected, go down and select 'Change Settings'.

E. Change NAT Type

Navigate until you see 'MTU'. Change this value to '1500', which is widely recognized as optimal for many networks.

9. Clear Nintendo Switch Cache

Like computers and smartphones, the Nintendo Switch also builds up cache over time, which might interfere with its functioning and lead to errors like 9001-0026. Clearing the cache could very well aid in rectifying this issue. Here's how you do it.

A. Power Down Your System

Hit the 'Power' options through the home screen. From there, choose 'Restart' to power down your system.

B. Access Recovery Mode

Upon restart, hold down the 'VOL+,' 'VOL-,' and 'Power' buttons simultaneously until you see the recovery mode menu.

C. Clear Cache

Choose the 'Initialize without Deleting Save Data' option. This action will clear your cache while keeping all of your saved data safe.

Note: It's crucial to understand that clearing the cache should be done strategically as it clears some temporary files which might slow down some processes initially. Also, always ensure that your saved game data is backed up to avoid any risk of losing it during this process.

10. Contact Nintendo Support Services

A. Prepare Your Information

Before reaching out to Nintendo, make sure you have all of your relevant information ready. This includes your account details, the model of your Nintendo Switch, and a detailed description of the problem, i.e., the appearance of error code 9001-0026.

B. Find Contact Options

Your next step is to navigate to the official Nintendo customer support page. This URL should guide you there: Nintendo Official Help.

C. Choose How to Contact

Nintendo offers various ways to reach them for help. You can choose between phone support, live chat or email.

D. Follow Instructions

Whether you're in a chat or on a call with a representative, they may advise some steps we've not covered here. Make sure to carefully follow their instructions!

Also Check: Fix Diablo 4 Error Code 316703

Conclusion

With some perseverance and a dose of patience, confronting the notorious Nintendo Switch error code 9001-0026 no longer needs to ruin your gaming time. As you would with any task that requires troubleshooting, ensure you come prepared with a calm mind and a clear understanding of the steps. Keep in mind that various factors can bring on this error message, so don't be disheartened if the first remedy doesn't work.

Remember, gaming is designed to be a relaxing getaway into fantastical worlds where we conquer challenges with smiling aplomb. This minor hurdle of an error code is just another challenge waiting to be vanquished. So strap in, let's put our problem-solving hats on, and transform this glitch into nothing more than a minor footnote in our extensive and joyous gaming journeys.