Nintendo Switch parental controls: Switch and Switch 2

Step 1: get the app and link the console

1. Download Nintendo Switch Parental Controls (free) on your phone. You need to be 18 or over and have a Nintendo Account.
2. Sign in. The app shows a six-digit registration code.
3. On the Switch, go to System Settings, scroll to Parental Controls, and choose Parental Controls Settings.
4. Enter the code and select Link. The console needs an internet connection to sync with your phone.

Two parents can share it: Nintendo lets two parents or guardians check play activity and set limits from the app.

Step 2: set the age limit

Pick a preset (Teen, Child or Young Child) or set it yourself. Games rated above the level won't start, and the Child and Young Child presets also restrict chat and posting screenshots. Nintendo uses your region's rating system by default, which in the UK means PEGI. If you're happy with one game that's rated higher, you can allow that one game on its own.

Step 3: set a play time limit

• Set a daily limit, and a bedtime if you want one.
• By default, an alarm pops up on screen when time's up. Kids can ignore an alarm.
• Turn on suspend software and the game stops when time runs out.
• Your PIN overrides it for a day if you're feeling generous.

Step 4: turn off chat and sharing

You can restrict messages and images with other players, and in-game chat, for the whole console or one game at a time. On the original Switch you can also stop them posting screenshots to social media.

Step 5: lock the spending (separate, and easy to miss)

The app doesn't control money. Your Nintendo Account does.

1. Make sure your child has their own child account in your Family Group.
2. Log in at accounts.nintendo.com with your own account and open Family Group.
3. Pick your child, choose Spending Restrictions, and tick Restrict purchases of Nintendo eShop products, etc.
4. Save. When it says Restricted, they have to come to you to buy anything.

Switch 2: GameChat

The Switch 2 adds GameChat, with voice and video. For under-16s, Nintendo has made it opt-in:

• GameChat only works if a parent has set up the Parental Controls app.
• Your child sends you a request for each friend they want to chat with. You approve or refuse it, and can withdraw approval later.
• Video chat needs your permission every session. You can also switch the camera off completely.
• If the camera's allowed, you choose how much friends see: face only, no background, or no filter.
• You can see their GameChat history in the app.

What we'd do for a young child

Our suggestion, not Nintendo's: age preset at the lowest level that still lets their games run, a daily limit with suspend software on, all communication off, and spending restricted. Loosen it as they show you they can handle it. Fortnite on the Switch has its own separate controls, covered in our Fortnite guide.

How do I put parental controls on a Nintendo Switch?

Download the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your phone and sign in with your Nintendo Account. It shows a six-digit code. On the console, go to System Settings, then Parental Controls, and enter the code to link them. You then set limits from your phone.

Can I stop my child spending money on the Switch?

Yes, but not in the app. Spending is controlled from your Nintendo Account. Log in at accounts.nintendo.com, open Family Group, pick your child's account, choose Spending Restrictions and tick 'Restrict purchases of Nintendo eShop products, etc.'

Can my child video chat on the Switch 2?

Only with your say-so if they're under 16. GameChat needs parental controls set up first. You approve each friend they can chat with, and you approve video chat every single session. You can also switch the camera off completely.

Does the Switch turn itself off when time's up?

Only if you tell it to. By default an alarm pops up on screen when time's up. If you turn on 'suspend software', the game stops instead.