Like any modern computing device, the Nintendo Switch stores a significant amount of temporary data in its background memory. When you link a Twitter or Facebook account to post screenshots, browse the Nintendo eShop, or save your login credentials, the Switch downloads small files (cookies, passwords, and image fragments) and stores them in its internal cache.
Over time, this cached data can become corrupted or excessively large. If you are experiencing strange errors—such as the eShop refusing to load, an inability to link a social media account, or bizarre graphical glitches when navigating the system menus—clearing the cache is the safest and most effective first troubleshooting step. Crucially, clearing the cache will not delete your downloaded games or your save files.
How to Clear the Cache on the Nintendo Switch
The cache is tied to individual user profiles, not the entire console. If multiple people use your Switch, you must clear the cache for the specific profile experiencing the issue.
- Turn on your Nintendo Switch and go to the Home Screen.
- Navigate to the bottom row of icons and select System Settings (the gear icon).
- Scroll all the way down the left-hand sidebar until you reach System (the very last option) and select it.
- Scroll down the right-hand panel and select Formatting Options. (Note: Do not let the word “Formatting” scare you; you are not deleting your games in this step).
- Select Clear Cache at the top of the list.
- The console will ask you which User Profile you want to clear the cache for. Select your profile.
- A warning screen will appear, confirming that saved IDs, passwords, and cookies will be deleted, but your downloaded software and game save data will remain intact.
- Select the red Reset button to confirm.
The process takes only a few seconds. The Switch will briefly display a “Clearing cache…” animation, and then you will be returned to the menu.
What Happens After You Clear the Cache?
Because you have deleted the system’s temporary memory, you will experience a few minor inconveniences the next time you use the console’s online features:
- You Must Log Back In: If you had the console remember your password for the Nintendo eShop, you will be prompted to type it in again the next time you open the store.
- Social Media Links Will Reset: If you frequently post screenshots to X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook directly from the Switch Album, you will have to re-authorize the connection between your Nintendo account and the social media platform.
- eShop Loading Time: The first time you open the eShop after clearing the cache, it will take a few extra seconds to load the homepage images, as it must download fresh copies from Nintendo’s servers instead of relying on the local cache.
When Should You Clear the Cache?
You do not need to perform this maintenance regularly. You should only clear the cache if you encounter specific software issues:
- The eShop throws an error code (like 2811-1006) and refuses to load, despite your internet working perfectly.
- The console freezes when trying to post a screenshot to social media.
- The News feed on the left side of the Home Screen displays broken image icons.