Parental controls on Nintendo Switch

1. 1

   Download the Parental Controls app

   Get Nintendo Switch Parental Controls on your phone (App Store or Google Play). You need a Nintendo Account as a parent (18+). The app is free — it requires a Switch or Switch 2 to link to. Create a Nintendo Account first if you do not have one.

2. 2

   Link the console

   On Switch: System Settings → Parental Controls → Parental Controls Settings → I have the app installed. The app shows a 6-digit code — enter it on the console. When linking is done, you manage settings from your phone. The code expires — get a new one if it fails.

3. 3

   Set playtime and age

   In the app you can set daily playtime — with different limits per weekday. You can also restrict games by age rating and see what your child has played. The game can suspend automatically when time is up. Weekends and weekdays can have different limits.

4. 4

   Restrict eShop purchases

   eShop purchases are managed via Nintendo Account — not only in the app. Sign in at accounts.nintendo.com as parent, go to Family Group, select your child’s account, and turn on Spending Restrictions. This blocks purchases with eShop funds and adding payment cards. Check your child plays with the correct Nintendo Account.

5. 5

   Communication and GameChat

   In the app you can manage communication and GameChat (on Switch 2). Check who your child can chat with and whether video is allowed. Communication in individual games may have their own settings — the Nintendo app covers system level. Fortnite and Minecraft have in-game chat.

If your child buys games via phone (App Store or Google Play), you must lock that too. Nintendo restrictions only apply to eShop and Nintendo Account. Minecoins and mobile games follow phone rules.