{"id":93343,"date":"2023-01-31T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.online-tech-tips.com\/?p=93343"},"modified":"2024-10-24T04:41:29","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T08:41:29","slug":"how-to-track-a-stolen-or-lost-nintendo-switch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.online-tech-tips.com\/how-to-track-a-stolen-or-lost-nintendo-switch\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Track a Stolen or Lost Nintendo Switch"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

No one wants to lose their $200-$350 gaming console, especially if it\u2019s difficult to track remotely. All Nintendo Switch models<\/a> have no built-in tracking functionality, but you can still track the console if missing or stolen.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll show you how to make your Nintendo Switch trackable and track a missing or stolen Switch console.\n<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"How<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Use Third-Party Tracking Devices\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you often lose your Nintendo Switch in your home or neighborhood? Investing in tracking devices like the Apple AirTags or Tile Mate could solve your problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attaching a tracking device to your Nintendo Switch allows you to remotely locate the console from your smartphone or any internet-enabled device.\n<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Use<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Many trackers transmit location over Bluetooth, so tracking your Nintendo Switch might be impossible if it\u2019s out of Bluetooth range\u201433 feet or 10 meters.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AirTags provide more flexible and sophisticated tracking options. The Apple tracking device used Bluetooth and the Find My network.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your Nintendo Switch is out of Bluetooth range, Apple devices near your AirTag transmit its exact location to iCloud. If there\u2019s an AirTag on your missing Nintendo Switch, you can track its location in the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get Help from Nintendo Customer Service\n<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"Get<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Nintendo Support might be able to track your missing Nintendo Switch console using its serial number. In the next section, we\u2019ll show how to find your Nintendo Switch\u2019s serial number.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a serial number, Nintendo can pinpoint your Switch\u2019s location if the person who stole the console connects it to the internet. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact your local police department if Nintendo\u2019s customer support provides an IP address or location for your stolen Nintendo Switch. We strongly advise against going to the provided location alone.\n<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Get<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Depending on your region\/country, you can contact Nintendo Switch\u2019s support via text, phone call, or online chat.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Contact Nintendo Support\n<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in the United States or U.S. territories, visit the Nintendo Support website<\/a> and choose your preferred contact channel.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nintendo\u2019s contact channels are available every day\u2014except for major holidays<\/a>\u2014between 6:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. Pacific Time (PT).\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside the U.S., visit Nintendo Support\u2019s contact page<\/a> on any web browser, and choose your region of residence. Specify your country, choose Other<\/span> in the \u201cCategory\u201d drop-down menu, and select Contact Nintendo Support<\/span> to proceed.\n<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Get<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Things to Do If your Nintendo Switch Gets Stolen\/Missing\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you suspect that your Nintendo Switch<\/a> is stolen, deregister the console from your Nintendo account immediately. You should also delete any payment card linked to your Nintendo Switch or Nintendo account.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Deregister Your Nintendo Switch\n<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Deregistering your missing\/lost Nintendo Switch removes the console as the primary console in your account. Likewise, it prevents the thief (or unauthorized individuals) from purchasing games from the Nintendo eShop<\/a> using your account.\n<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Things<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Nintendo may also suspend all downloaded software on the stolen\/lost console. Follow the steps below to deregister your Nintendo Switch from your Nintendo account.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Visit the Nintendo Account sign-in portal<\/a> using a web browser and log in to your Nintendo account.\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Select Shop Menu<\/span> on the sidebar.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Things<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Select Deregister Primary Console<\/span> at the bottom of the page.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
      \n
      \"Things<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Re-enter your account password in the dialog box and select OK<\/span>.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
        \n
        \"Things<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
          \n
        1. Select your missing Nintendo switch and choose Deregister<\/span> to proceed.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
          \n
          \"Things<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
            \n
          1. Select Deregister<\/span> again on the confirmation prompt to continue.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Unlink Your Credit Card\n<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

            Open any web browser and follow these steps to delete your Nintendo account’s credit card.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            1. Open the Nintendo Account sign-in portal<\/a> (accounts.nintendo.com) and log in to your Nintendo Account.\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Select Shop Menu<\/span> on the sidebar.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
              \n
              \"Things<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
                \n
              1. Select the Delete<\/span> button next to the card(s) in the \u201cCredit Card\u201d section.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                \n
                \"Things<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
                  \n
                1. Select Delete<\/span> again on the pop-up to remove the card from your Nintendo account.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                  \n
                  \"Things<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                  How to Find Your Nintendo Switch Serial Number\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  All Nintendo Switch models have a unique 14-digit serial number. Providing your device\u2019s serial number allows the Nintendo Support to representative track your Nintendo Switch. Here are three places to check for your Nintendo Switch\u2019s serial number<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  On the Box\/Packaging\n<\/h4>\n\n\n
                  \n
                  \"How<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                  If you still have your Nintendo Switch\u2019s packaging, check the bottom of the box for the console\u2019s serial number. This applies to all variants\/models of the console\u2014Nintendo Switch<\/a>, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  On the Console\n<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                  You\u2019ll also find your Nintendo Switch\u2019s serial number at the bottom of the console. Check the white sticker adjacent to the USB-C charging port.\n<\/p>\n\n\n

                  \n
                  \"How<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                  The Nintendo Switch OLED model has the serial number sticker behind the adjustable stand. Lift the stand and check the sticker for your Nintendo Switch\u2019s serial number.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  On the System Settings Page\n<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                  You can also check a Nintendo Switch\u2019s serial number in its system settings menu.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  1. Select the System Settings<\/span> icon on the Home page.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                    \n
                    \"How<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
                      \n
                    1. Select System<\/span> on the left-hand side and select Serial Information at the bottom of the \u201cSystem\u201d menu.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                      \n
                      \"How<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
                        \n
                      1. Check the \u201cConsole\u201d row for your Nintendo Switch\u2019s serial number.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                        \n
                        \"How<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                        Check Your Purchase Receipt\n<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                        Some retailers include a product\u2019s serial number on sales receipts. Check the physical or digital receipt sent to your email when you purchased your Nintendo Switch. Contact the retailer for assistance if you can\u2019t find your receipt\u2014they might resend a copy of the receipt.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        The first three letters of your Nintendo Switch\u2019s serial numbers are called the \u201cprefix.\u201d The prefix helps identify your console\u2019s model.\n<\/p>\n\n\n

                        \n
                        \"How<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                        The original Nintendo Switch has a \u201cXAW\u201d prefix, while the serial number on the revised models start with \u201cXKW.\u201d The serial numbers on Nintendo Switch Lite and OLED models begin with \u201cXJW\u201d and \u201cXTW\u201d prefixes, respectively.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Make Your Nintendo Switch Trackable\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        Gaming consoles barely have built-in GPS chipsets, not even high-end PlayStation or Xbox consoles. Being a handheld console that\u2019s played largely on-the-go, the Nintendo Switch should have a GPS.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        If you don\u2019t have a physical tracking device on your Nintendo Switch, you can only rely on Nintendo Support\u2019s assistance to track your console if it\u2019s missing or stolen.\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                        No one wants to lose their $200-$350 gaming console, especially if it\u2019s difficult to track remotely. All Nintendo Switch models have no built-in tracking functionality, but you can still track […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":83,"featured_media":93345,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ub_ctt_via":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5254],"tags":[5354],"class_list":{"0":"post-93343","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gaming","8":"tag-nintendo-switch"},"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.online-tech-tips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/nintendo-switch.jpeg","author_info":{"display_name":"Sodiq Olanrewaju","author_link":"https:\/\/www.online-tech-tips.com\/author\/solanrewaju\/"},"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t