Jammed Joy-Con controllers can be fixed with a bit of patience. While this may seem to be an impossible task at first, there is something you can do unstuck your Joy-Con. This precisely is the topic of this guide.
Irrespective if your Joy-Con controller got stuck to your console, strap, charging grip, or battery pack, we’re sure you’ll find a solution that will work for you.
How to fix your Joy-Con if it got stuck
Fix 1 – Remove physical obstructions
Carefully inspect the Joy-Con for any visible signs of damage or obstructions that may be causing the jam. Look for debris, dust, or any foreign objects that may have gotten lodged inside.
If you notice any dirt or debris, use a can of compressed air or a soft brush to carefully clean the affected areas.
Make sure to remove any particles that could be causing the jam.
Fix 2 – Check the lock
Use this suggestion if the Joy-Con is stuck to the strap.
Make sure the slide lock is actually in the unlocked position. If it’s not, place it in the unlock position.
Now, carefully slide the strap towards you and push the Joy-Con away from you.
Suppose you’re right-handed, put your left hand on the wrist strap and the right hand on the Joy-Con.
With your left hand, pull the strap towards you, and with your right-hand push the Joy-Con away from you.
You’ll need to use slightly a bit more force but don’t use too much if you feel that might break something.
⇒ Important Note:
To detach the Joy-Con straps, there’s no need to press the release button on the back of the Joy-Con as you would do to detach it from the console or charging grip.
Indeed, that’s a bit counterintuitive, but that’s how things work.
Fix 3 – Firmly press the release button
Use this suggestion if the Joy-Con is stuck to the console itself or the charging grip.
There’s a release button on your Joy-Con allowing you to detach the controller from the Nintendo Switch console.
Sometimes, this button might get stuck and you need to press it more firmly.
Do that and then try sliding off and detaching the controller from the console.
⇒ Note: If you still can’t detach the Joy-Con controllers from the Nintendo Switch, both of them will need to be repaired.
Fix 4 – Remove the backplate
⇒ Important Note:
This action might damage your device and accessories so proceed at your own risk. If you’re not feeling comfortable doing this, it’s best to have a professional take a look at your Joy-Con.
Other users suggested removing the backplate and sliding it on the controller the other way.
If you can’t get the backplate to slide out, take a small screwdriver and push in the two little spring-loaded tabs.
They’re located under the black plate, right where it meets the Joy-COn under the white tab.
If your Joy-Con is still stuck or not working after trying these steps, it might need professional help. Reach out to Nintendo support for further assistance.
Hope something helps.
References:
- The Joy-Con is Stuck and Cannot Be Detached, Nintendo Support.
Updated: June 2023.