You can’t bypass a forgotten Nintendo Switch parental-controls PIN through the console’s ordinary settings menu. First recover or reset the PIN—using the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app if the console is linked, or Nintendo’s inquiry-number reset process if it isn’t. Then use the PIN to remove the console’s restrictions.
First check whether the Switch is linked to the parental-controls app
On the console, open System Settings > Parental Controls. If you see Parental Controls Settings or Change Settings, Nintendo says the console is not linked to the app. If you see Sync with Nintendo Switch Parental Controls App and Unregister App, it is linked.
If you can open the linked app, launch Nintendo Switch Parental Controls, select Parental Controls, then Parental-Controls PIN to display the PIN. Nintendo also allows the PIN to be changed in the app. Nintendo’s forgotten-PIN instructions explain how to check the link status and find the PIN.
If you can’t access the app, request a PIN reset
- On the Switch, open the red Parental Controls icon and enter an incorrect four-digit number six times. The Help prompt should appear.
- Press + or −, then note the inquiry number shown in the Forgot PIN section.
- Leave that screen open while you complete the reset request. Nintendo warns: “Do not back out of the screen where you see the Inquiry Number. If you exit and return, the Inquiry Number will change and the previous Inquiry Number can no longer be used.”
- Use Nintendo’s Reset Parental Controls Online Tool. The North American flow asks for your country, product, console serial number, inquiry number and contact details, and includes a card-authorization step. Requirements may differ by country; check the terms shown for your region. Nintendo also lists its free mobile app as a reset option.
Nintendo says an email address is needed for the online process. If you can’t provide one, contact Nintendo Support. The full recovery steps are in Forgot Parental Controls PIN on Nintendo Switch.
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Use the recovered PIN to remove the console restrictions
After you have the PIN, open System Settings > Parental Controls and follow the prompts to change or remove the settings. Nintendo’s removal instructions say to press X for Delete Settings after entering the PIN; this removes the console’s parental-controls settings and PIN. See How to Set Up, Adjust, or Remove Parental Controls on Nintendo Switch.
If the Switch is app-linked, unlinking removes those app-linked restrictions, but the ordinary unregister process requires the PIN. It is not a way around a forgotten PIN. When linked, the PIN can only be changed through the app, and Nintendo says the new PIN takes effect once the console connects online. Details are in Nintendo’s PIN-change instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Avoid lockouts and check account-level restrictions separately
- Don’t keep guessing. Six incorrect attempts within 30 minutes trigger a 30-minute lockout.
- Keep the inquiry-number screen open. If you exit and return, the number changes and the previous one can no longer be used.
- Don’t treat a factory reset as a PIN workaround. Nintendo’s documented process is PIN recovery followed by settings removal; its instructions do not establish a factory reset as a supported shortcut.
- Check the Nintendo Account family group if a restriction remains. Console parental controls and account-level controls are separate. A parent or guardian account can manage certain restrictions for supervised accounts, including eShop spending and content visibility. See Using Parental Controls on Nintendo Systems.
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