Nintendo Switch parental controls: setup for Switch and Switch 2

At a glance

Checked October 2026. Menus change with updates; the official help page linked above has the latest steps.

Facts for parents, not medical or legal advice. If you're worried about your child, talk to your pediatrician.

How to link the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app

Short answer: Sign in on the app to get a code, then enter it in the console's System Settings.

1. Download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, open it, and select Start, then Next.
2. Choose Send Data or Don't Send Data, then select Sign In/Create Account and sign in with your Nintendo Account.
3. Select Select this person, then Next. A six-digit code appears.
4. On the console, open System Settings from the HOME Menu and highlight Parental Controls.
5. On the console, select Parental Controls Settings (some Switch 2 screens show Set Up Parental Controls), then If You've Already Downloaded the App (or App Has Been Installed).
6. Enter the six-digit code, select OK, then select Link.

How to choose which games your child can play

Short answer: Pick a preset age in Restriction Level, or use Custom Settings to set each option yourself.

1. Open the app and select Parental Controls in the lower-right corner.
2. Select Restriction Level and choose a preset age, or Custom Settings.
3. Under Restricted Software, choose the age; games rated above it by the ESRB can't be played without your PIN.
4. Restrict In-Game Communication with Others for all games or for individual games.
5. Tap the red Save button. Restrictions take effect when the console next connects to the internet.

Nintendo advises restricting VR Mode if a child age 6 or younger uses the console.

How to set a play time limit and bedtime

Short answer: Set a daily limit and a bedtime in the app, and turn on Suspend Software at Set Time if you want the game to stop.

1. In the app, open the play time settings for the console.
2. Set Play Time Limit, from none up to 6 hours; turn on Set Days Individually for different days.
3. Set Bedtime to stop play at a set time each evening.
4. Turn on Suspend Software at Set Time. Without it, a notification appears at the limit, but the game stays playable.

You can add 5, 15, or 30 minutes for the day from the app.

How to approve GameChat on Nintendo Switch 2

Short answer: Children under 16 can use GameChat only with friends you approve, and you approve video chat each time.

1. In the app, select GameChat, then Next, then Set Up Parental Controls.
2. Select your child's supervised user, verify your phone number with the text code, and select I Agree.
3. On the console, your child sends friend requests with Select Friends and Request Approval.
4. In the app, open New chat-approval requests, select each friend, ask your child who they are, then approve or decline.
5. Add a note about who each approved friend is, then select Finish.

How to block Nintendo eShop purchases

Short answer: Turn on Spending Restrictions on your child's Nintendo Account from your own account.

1. Sign in to your parent/guardian Nintendo Account.
2. Select Family Group, then your child's supervised account.
3. Tick Spending Restrictions to turn off purchases and automatic renewals on Nintendo eShop and the Nintendo website.
4. Tick Age-Based Purchase Restrictions to hide eShop content above your child's age.
5. Select Save changes.

As an alternative, Nintendo suggests adding a set amount with a prepaid eShop card, so your child can spend only that balance.

What these settings can't do

• Unlinking clears them. Nintendo says unlinking the app removes the console's parental control restrictions; you'd need to set them again.
• Spending is a separate setting. eShop restrictions live on the Nintendo Account, not in the console app, and aren't affected by linking or unlinking.
• The limit doesn't stop play by itself. Unless Suspend Software at Set Time is on, your child sees a notification but can keep playing.
• Your PIN overrides everything. Anyone who knows the PIN can lift restrictions on the console, so keep it private.

Parent guides for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

Do I need the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app?

Some controls can be set on the console, but Nintendo says the app is required for some features and gives the best options, including Shared Parental Controls for two parents and GameChat setup for players under 16.

How do I turn off parental controls on a Nintendo Switch?

Unlink the app from the console in System Settings > Parental Controls > Unlink App with your PIN, or from the app's menu; this removes the restrictions on that console.

Do Switch parental controls carry over to Switch 2?

Yes. Nintendo says System Transfer can move your Parental Controls settings from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2 as they are.

Can I set a Nintendo eShop spending limit?

You can block eShop purchases with Spending Restrictions on your child's Nintendo Account, or add a fixed amount with a prepaid card so your child spends only that balance.

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