Nintendo is a popular gaming console that costs $200 to $350. Thus, it is a huge loss if your Nintendo Switch is stolen. When you have to face such a situation, it is worth knowing how to track the Nintendo Switch. Can you track a Nintendo Switch? Today, we are going to answer this question in our blog post. Many gamers look for the right way to track Nintendo Switch since all the Nintendo models do not come with a built-in feature to track. Thus, join the discussion to learn the correct method to find a lost Nintendo Switch.
Is It Possible to Track a Nintendo Switch If It Gets Lost or Stolen?
There is no built-in feature or GPS to track your Nintendo Switch yet. Thus, you need to make some effort to track the device. But do not worry; you can try some other external methods.
The first way to find your Nintendo Switch is to use a third-party tracker. According to the software you use, the method can vary. You should be wise to choose reliable software. In general, the prices of these products lie between $20 to $40.
We can recommend products such as Apple AirTag and Tile Mate. When you want to track Nintendo Switch, you can locate it from your phone. If you use Apple AirTag, you need to download the Find My app on your Apple device as well.
The next thing you can use to track is the serial number of the Nintendo Switch. Every electronic device receives a serial number when they are manufactured. So, in order to find your Nintendo Switch using your serial number, you should get the service of Nintendo customer support.
Can you Track a Nintendo Switch Using GPS or Location Service?
There is no such way to track Nintendo Switch using GPS or location by yourself. But Nintendo company has the authority to do it if you can provide them with the serial number of your device.
Nintendo can save a record of your activity when you connect it to the network through this serial number. In addition, the location and IP address of the console can be recognized using the serial number; thus, if you do not have a tracker on your console, the only way to find it is by using the serial number. Therefore, you are highly encouraged to keep a note of the number with you.
What to Do If Nintendo Switch is Stolen?
Follow these instructions when your Nintendo Switch is stolen.
- Use the serial number of the Nintendo Switch. The serial number is located on the backside of the Nintendo Switch near the USB-C connector. Since the company knows the serial numbers of each device, it can find the location and IP address. So, go to their official webpage, Nintendo customer support and provide the serial number. Depending on your country, you can even call the Nintendo team. Within a short time, they will provide you with the IP address. Then you can visit the place with some authorized parties like the local police.
- If you have attached a tracking device on your Nintendo Switch, you can check the location on your smartphone. Many trackers in the market use Bluetooth connection to transmit the details. However, if your Nintendo device is out of the Bluetooth range, you will not be able to find it.
Apart from trying to track the device, there are two more things to do when your Nintendo Switch is stolen.
- Deregister your Nintendo Switch – it is a must to deregister your device, and then it will be removed from your Nintendo account. Then the person who stole the device is not able to purchase games using your account. When you deregister the device, the downloaded software may also be suspended.
- Unlink the Credit Card – you should unlink your credit card from your Nintendo account; otherwise, your money will be used by unauthorized parties.
How to Deregister your Nintendo Account?
You should follow the below-mentioned procedure in order to deregister the account.
- Open a web browser and log in to your Nintendo account.
- Go to the sidebar and choose ‘Shop Menu.’
- Scroll down the page. Then you will see an option called ‘Deregister Primary Console’; click on it.
- A dialogue box will appear. Enter the password of your account there and select the ‘OK’ button.
- Next, choose your lost Nintendo Switch. After that, select the ‘Deregister’ button to remove the registration.
- Then a confirmation prompt will appear. Click on the ‘Deregister’ button for the last time.
Can you Remotely Disable or Lock a Stolen Nintendo Switch?
It is not possible to remotely disable or lock a stolen Nintendo Switch because the device might not be in the range you can operate with the remote. But as we mentioned in the previous section, you can deregister your Nintendo account by login to your account using any device. And also, you are able to unlink your payment option. Accordingly, the risk of exploiting your money can be minimized.
If your console is with you, it is possible to deactivate the console through the settings of the console itself. When you do not have access to do so, you can use your Nintendo account remotely for the deactivation.
Can you Recover Data from a Lost Switch?
After you find your console, the next thing is to recover the data. Most of the time, you will deregister the account of a lost Nintendo Switch. Then your software will be suspended too. Although they are deleted from their original location, you can find them as saved data on the console.
After that, you should download the software again then the saved data will be automatically restored. But you need to download them from Nintendo eShop.
Conclusion
Nintendo Switch does not have a built-in feature to track when it is stolen or lost. So, you have to use a third-party device to track the exact location. When you have not set such a device on your console, you have to contact Nintendo customer support with the serial number of your console.
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