Nintendo Switch Parental Controls Setup Guide

This guide walks you through setting up parental controls on Nintendo Switch using the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls mobile app and SafeFamily supplementary controls.

Overview

Nintendo's Parental Controls app is excellent for a console-native solution. It allows you to:

• Set daily play time limits
• See what games your child plays
• Restrict games by age rating
• Control online features
• Receive daily/monthly play time reports

SafeFamily adds: DNS filtering for content and smart plug control for hard bedtime enforcement.

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Step 1: Download the Parental Controls App

1. Download "Nintendo Switch Parental Controls" from:

   • App Store (iOS)
   • Google Play (Android)

2. Open the app and sign in with your Nintendo Account

   • Create one at accounts.nintendo.com if needed

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Step 2: Link to Your Nintendo Switch

On Your Phone:

1. Open the Parental Controls app
2. Tap Get Started
3. The app will show a registration code

On Your Switch:

1. Go to System Settings > Parental Controls
2. Select Parental Controls Settings
3. Choose Use Your Smart Device
4. Enter the registration code from your phone
5. Follow the prompts to complete linking

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Step 3: Set Play Time Limits

In the App:

1. Tap Play Time Limit
2. Configure:
   • Daily Play Time: 1-6 hours (in 15-min increments)
   • Bedtime Alarm: Set the time when playing should stop

Recommendation by Age:

When Time Runs Out:

1. Tap Restriction Level
2. Choose:
   • Suspend Software: Game pauses and alarm sounds (Recommended)
   • Alarm Only: Just shows notification

Important: "Suspend Software" can be bypassed by entering the parent PIN. Use smart plug for hard enforcement.

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Step 4: Set Content Restrictions

Restriction Levels:

In the app, tap Restriction Level and choose:

Custom Settings:

If you choose Custom, you can control:

• Restricted Software: Block games by rating
• Posting Screenshots/Videos: Block sharing to social media
• Communicating with Others: Block chat and messages
• VR Mode: Block or allow VR content

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Step 5: Configure Online Features

Communication:

1. In app, go to Restriction Level > Custom
2. Communicating with Others: Choose "Restricted"

This blocks:

• Voice chat
• Text chat in games
• Sending/receiving friend requests

Sharing:

1. Posting Screenshots and Videos: Choose "Restricted"

This prevents:

• Posting to social media
• Sharing game clips

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Step 6: Monitor Activity

Daily Summary:

The app automatically shows:

• How long your child played
• What games they played
• Time played per game

Monthly Report:

At the end of each month, you receive:

• Total play time
• Most-played games
• Daily average

First Day of Month Alert:

Enable notifications to get reminded of the monthly summary.

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Step 7: Grant Extra Time

When your child asks for more time:

1. Open the Parental Controls app
2. You'll see "Time's Up!" notification
3. Tap Add Time Today
4. Choose additional time (15 min, 30 min, etc.)

Or enter your PIN on the Switch when prompted (but this can be abused).

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Step 8: Set Up SafeFamily Integration

DNS Filtering

Block inappropriate content on Switch apps (YouTube, etc.):

1. On Switch, go to System Settings > Internet > Internet Settings
2. Select your network > Change Settings
3. Choose DNS Settings > Manual
4. Enter:
   • Primary DNS: Your NextDNS profile IP
   • Secondary DNS: 45.90.30.0
5. Save and test connection

Smart Plug Control

For hard bedtime enforcement:

1. Connect your Switch dock to a Kasa smart plug
2. In SafeFamily dashboard, add the smart plug
3. Assign to Nintendo Switch device
4. Set schedule (e.g., power off at 9pm)

Warning: Always use "Suspend Software" in Nintendo app so child can save their game before the smart plug cuts power.

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Step 9: Sync with SafeFamily Policies

When you update policies in SafeFamily:

1. SafeFamily sends you a notification with recommended settings
2. Open the Nintendo Parental Controls app
3. Update the time limits and restrictions to match
4. Confirm in SafeFamily that sync is complete

Example Policy Translation:

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Troubleshooting

"My child keeps pressing the button to continue playing"

• The "Suspend Software" feature pauses but doesn't prevent playing
• Use the smart plug for definitive cutoff
• Consider setting Bedtime Alarm 30 min before actual bedtime

"The app says device is offline"

• Switch must be connected to internet for app to work
• Check WiFi connection on Switch
• Re-link if needed (Settings > Parental Controls > Unlink)

"My child created a new user profile"

• Lock console settings with a PIN
• On Switch: System Settings > Parental Controls > Console Settings
• Set a PIN for System Settings changes

"Can't block specific games"

• Nintendo allows by rating, not individual games
• Check the game's rating and adjust restriction level
• For specific games, use the eShop restrictions

"YouTube is showing inappropriate content"

• Enable Restricted Mode in YouTube app
• Better: Block YouTube via DNS filtering

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Quick Setup Checklist

• Downloaded Parental Controls app
• Linked app to Switch
• Set daily play time limit
• Set bedtime alarm
• Chose appropriate restriction level
• Blocked communication features (for younger kids)
• Set up DNS filtering
• Connected smart plug (optional)
• Enabled PIN for console settings
• Enabled eShop restrictions

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PIN Recovery

If you forget your PIN:

1. On Switch, go to System Settings > Parental Controls
2. Select Forgot PIN
3. You'll need to answer security questions or contact Nintendo

Better: Write your PIN down and store securely.

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Last updated: January 2026