Connecting Nintendo Switch to your home network is not difficult, but the process can be tricky if you stay in a hotel. That’s because you’ll have to configure the Nintendo Switch for each new Wi-Fi connection, especially if the hotel Wi-Fi asks for a password through an additional browser login.
First, you’re in luck if your hotel’s Wi-Fi is password-protected only. You can connect to it as usual without any additional manipulation.
However, after you’ve connected to the network, you may be prompted to open the hotel web page in your Switch browser to enter specific credentials or accept their terms and conditions. You will only be able to access the Internet after that.
But sometimes, a blank page appears. This is most likely because the Nintendo browser simply isn’t compatible with the page.
In that case, there are two solutions. You can stop trying to connect to the hotel Wi-Fi and create your own mobile hotspot using your phone. Or if you have Switch OLED, you can use an Ethernet connection.
Let’s look at all the solutions in detail below.
How to connect Nintendo Switch to a hotel Wi-Fi
Follow the steps below to connect your Nintendo Switch to a hotel Wi-Fi. Skip this paragraph if you have a blank page.
- Open System Settings.
- Then go to the Internet tab and select Internet Settings. Your Nintendo Switch will then search for available networks.
- From the list of available networks, locate the hotel’s Wi-Fi network.
- Select it and click Connect to This Network.
- After that, your Switch will prompt you to enter the network password.
- Enter the password correctly using the on-screen keyboard. Take care to enter uppercase and lowercase letters accurately, as Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive.
- Finally, you should see Successfully connected.
Some hotel networks might have additional settings or requirements for connecting devices. If you experience issues connecting or the connection is unstable, check if the hotel has any specific instructions or settings to follow.
For example, some hotels require you to open a web browser and accept their terms and conditions before granting full access to the Internet. That’s how it works:
- After entering the password and trying to connect, click Next to open the browser.
- Then, simply enter the required data and confirm.
Once entering the network password and any additional required information, your Nintendo Switch will attempt to connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi network. You can test the connection by accessing the Nintendo eShop or any online-enabled game to ensure the connection is stable and functional.
What to do if you see a blank page?
If you see a blank page when connecting your Nintendo Switch to a hotel Wi-Fi, your console’s web browser likely doesn’t support the web page for logging in or confirming terms and conditions.
In that case, you have three options:
- You can set up a hotspot on your mobile device and connect your Nintendo Switch. However, before you do so, you should ensure that your plan has this option available.
- You can ask the hotel staff for alternative Internet access for your console. Maybe there is another Wi-Fi hotspot.
- You can use an Ethernet cable. But this is only possible if you have a Nintendo Switch OLED.
With the first two solutions, everything is clear. But the last one is worth examining in more detail.
As you may know, the dock station for your Switch OLED has three ports: an AC adapter, HDMI, and LAN. This method requires an HDMI cable and a LAN line. Furthermore, you will need to connect your Switch to a TV.
I agree it’s a little weird if you have those wires at the hotel. But the point is that this method works. So, in a nutshell, the connection plan looks like this:
- Put your Switch in the dock.
- After that, connect your Nintendo to your room TV using an HDMI cable. Don’t forget to select the right source.
- Locate the LAN output at the dock’s backside and connect the Ethernet. Plug the other end of the Ethernet into the router or a port in the wall.
- Once the connection is successful, you should see a specific icon that looks like wires at the top right corner.
Now you can open YouTube or any other app requiring Internet access to see if everything works.
Is it safe to connect Nintendo Switch to a public network?
Connecting your Nintendo Switch to a public network, such as a hotel Wi-Fi or any other public Wi-Fi network, carries some risks. While connecting your Switch to these networks is generally safe, there are a few considerations to remember to ensure your device’s and personal information’s security.
Public networks are more susceptible to security vulnerabilities and potential attacks than private, encrypted networks. It’s essential to be aware that other users on the same network can access and intercept your data.
Avoid entering sensitive personal information like credit card details or passwords while connected to a public network. Instead, it’s best to use secure websites with HTTPS encryption and be cautious about the information you share online.
