Here’s how to set up a password (or pin code) on your Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite.
What Is a Nintendo Switch Passcode?
For most users, a passcode is more than enough for their privacy needs. Similar to mobile phones, a passcode on your Nintendo Switch will help prevent other people from opening certain games or software on your console without your consent.
Unfortunately, there’s still no official way to put a passcode on a Switch. However, there is a workaround for adding a passcode on your console that you may want to consider.
How to Enable Passcode on Nintendo Switch Using Parental Controls
While it’s not a straightforward feature, it is possible to add passcodes to your Nintendo Switch using the Parental Controls app. For this method to work, pair your Switch with your Nintendo Switch Parental Control app.
Once you’ve paired your Switch and mobile app, open your app and click Play Time Limit. Next, choose your preferred length of time before your console locks automatically. Then, select your preferred restriction level that other users can access even without a passcode.
On your Parental Controls app home screen, select Settings > PIN. By default, Nintendo Switch will assign you a random 4-digit pin. However, you can change this pin to something easier to remember, for your convenience.
In addition, Parental Controls let you add up to 8 digits for your desired passcode. To change your Switch passcode, tap Change PIN, type in your preferred PIN, and press Save.
Afterward, your Switch will automatically sync your passcode when your console goes online. If you are already connected to the internet, a pop-up on the upper left corner of your Switch will confirm your new PIN.
How to Check if Switch Your Passcode Works
To check if your passcode works, let your Switch run until it reaches the set time limit. Next, attempt to open your games or other software that you have restricted. If you set up your Parental Control passcode correctly, a pop-up saying you cannot play this software will appear.
To use your Switch freely again, select the Time’s Up button on the top part of your screen.
Then, use your control stick to enter your passcode as shown on the screen. You can press the R button to easily see if what you are entering is correct.
Once you have successfully added the passcode, a pop-up saying Parental Controls have been temporarily disabled will appear.
To check if you were able to successfully disable your Parental Controls, simply look at the top part of your screen and check if the Time’s Up button now shows Off instead. All restricted features will then be accessible until the next time that your Switch wakes from sleep mode.
Keep Your Switch Safe Using Passcodes
Because this was not an intended feature, it’s important to understand that there are some drawbacks to using this method.
For example, if you are using Parental Controls the way that it is meant to be used, unlocking your Switch essentially disables parental control temporarily. This can cause some concern if you have children who share your console.
Additionally, Parental Controls will affect every account on the console. For this reason, it may not be the best option for people who share their Switch with other people.
However, if you’re simply using this unofficial method to keep your personal Switch from other people’s prying eyes, then it is more than enough for your needs.
