Nintendo 3DS is a popular handheld gaming console that was initially launched in 2011. More than 60 million consoles have been shipped worldwide. This tiny device is still the number one portable gaming console for many players.
Unfortunately, the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL are sometimes affected by Internet connection problems. And restarting the console doesn’t help.
BestGamingTips is here to help you out. In this article, we’ll show how to fix Nintendo 3DS Internet connection issues. You’ll enjoy your favorite games in no time!
Fix Nintendo 3DS No internet connection
1. Check your Internet settings
Oftentimes, if your Nintendo 3DS won’t connect to Wi-Fi, this is a security setting problem between the 3DS and the wireless access point. Make sure that you entered the correct security key and check your router settings. Also, keep in mind that Nintendo 3DS consoles only supports 2.4 GHz frequency networks with 802.11b/g modes.
Some users confirmed that disabling all security and turning on only MAC filtering helped them fix this connection issue. You can try this suggestion as it may work for you as well.
Other users also noticed that Internet connection problems sometimes occur when using a long Wi-Fi broadcast name that also contains spaces. So, make sure that your network’s name is less than 10 letters, and only contains letters, numbers and underscores.
Don’t forget to power cycle your modem/router, set up a new Internet connection and use WEP. As a quick reminder, Nintendo 3DS Internet is not supported on WPA security.
2. Change DNS settings
You can also try to manually enter DNS settings in order to fix this problem.
- Go to the HOME menu > System Settings > select Internet Settings > Connection Settings.
- Now, select the connection file > go to Change Settings > navigate to DNS.
- Select ‘No’ for the ‘Auto-Obtain DNS’ option > go to Detailed Setup.
- Delete the existing Primary DNS settings > enter 8.8.8.8 > select OK > return to the DNS screen.
- Go to ‘Secondary DNS’ > enter 8.8.4.4 > select OK > Save > OK > Test.
3. Check your modem/ router
Install the latest firmware updates on your modem/router and then keep the settings at default. If you’re using a rather old modem/router, maybe it’s time for an upgrade.
4. Additional Fixes
- Move closer to your WiFi hotspot. Maybe your 3DS console is not getting enough signal to connect to the Internet.
- Delete the WiFi connection information saved on your console. Manually re-enter your WiFi password.
- Make sure you’re not trying to connect to a restricted network. For example, your college campus network will block your console.
There you go, I hope that the suggestions listed in this post helped you fix your Nintendo 3DS Internet connection problems.
As always, you can help us improve this guide by listing additional troubleshooting suggestions in the comments below.
References:
- How to Connect to the Internet, Nintendo Support.
- 3DS is connecting to router, but not the internet.