Nintendo Switch Parental Controls & Safety Guide
How to set up parental controls on Nintendo Switch using the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app for safe gaming.
The Nintendo Switch is a hugely popular console among younger children, known for family-friendly games like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon. Nintendo provides a dedicated Parental Controls smartphone app that makes it straightforward to manage play time, restrict games by age rating, and control online features. The portable nature of the Switch means children can use it anywhere, making parental oversight especially important.
Main risks
- • Playing games rated above their age, including some with online multiplayer
- • Communicating with strangers through in-game features and Nintendo Switch Online
- • Sharing personal information or screenshots with other players
- • Excessive play time, especially as the portable design allows use in bedrooms and on the go
Initial setup steps
Download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app
Download the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Create or sign in with your Nintendo Account.
Link the app to the Switch console
On the Nintendo Switch, go to System Settings > Parental Controls > Use Your Smart Device. A registration code will appear on screen. Enter this code in the smartphone app to link the devices.
Set the restriction level
In the app, go to Console Settings and choose a restriction level. Select 'Young child' (PEGI 3-7), 'Child' (up to PEGI 12), or 'Teen' (up to PEGI 16). You can also set a custom level with individual settings.
Configure play time limits
In the app, set a daily play time limit (from 15 minutes to 6 hours). Choose whether to use 'Alarm only' (notification when time is up) or 'Suspend software' (console locks when time is up). For younger children, 'Suspend software' is recommended.
Parental control settings
Nintendo Switch Parental Controls App
Location: Download from iOS App Store or Google Play Store, then link to the Switch console
Recommended: Fully set up and linked to the console
Nintendo's dedicated smartphone app lets you set play time limits, view play activity, restrict games by age rating, and control online communication. It provides daily summaries of your child's gaming activity.
Restriction Level
Location: Parental Controls app > Console Settings > Restriction Level
Recommended: Pre-set levels: 'Young child', 'Child', or 'Teen' based on your child's age
Nintendo provides pre-configured restriction levels that set appropriate game age ratings and feature restrictions in one step. You can also customise settings individually.
Play Time Limit
Location: Parental Controls app > Play Time Limit
Recommended: Set a daily limit with 'Suspend software' mode for younger children
Sets a daily play time allowance. In 'Alarm only' mode, the console displays a notification when time is up. In 'Suspend software' mode, the game is paused and the console locks when the limit is reached.
Age recommendations
Use the 'Young child' restriction level. Set 'Suspend software' mode with a 1-hour daily limit. Disable posting to social media and restrict online communication entirely.
Use the 'Child' restriction level (PEGI 12 and below). Set play time limits of 1-2 hours. Consider allowing some online play in family-friendly games like Splatoon under supervision.
Use the 'Teen' restriction level. Allow up to 2 hours of daily play time. Permit online multiplayer in vetted games but discuss online safety and appropriate behaviour.