How to Block Apps on Nintendo Switch

There are plenty of reasons to block apps on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you want to limit younger users’ access to mature content, or you just want to make sure that no inappropriate software is installed on your console. What’s more, the Switch gives you several ways to do just that, which we’re going to discuss below.

The Parental Controls

The simplest way to restrict software access on your Nintendo Switch is to use Parental Controls. This gives you the ability to block any game or application that doesn’t meet the criteria that you set for your Switch. In order for you to set these limitations though, the account you wish to manage must be a Supervised Account connected through your Family Group. This can be set by using the account settings on the Nintendo Website.

To do this:

1. Log in to your Nintendo Account.
2. Select Family Group on the left menu.
3. Choose Add Member.

You’ll be prompted to add the email address of the account that you want to supervise. Once you do this, they’ll receive a notification to verify the invitation by email. Once they accept, ask them to open their Nintendo Account and then agree to Join the Family Group. Once they’ve been added, their name will appear on your Family Group Menu.

If you want to add someone who doesn’t have a Nintendo Account, you can ask them to create a new one and then follow the instructions above.

You can also create accounts directly from the Family Group menu for any children that you wish to add to it. Children under 13 years old are automatically registered as Supervised Accounts. Children above 14 must agree to the Invite request before they can have their accounts supervised.

Also remember that the Admin Control for a Family Group must be owned by an account that is registered to someone over 18 years old.

Once the accounts are under supervision, you can restrict the type of software that the account can access. This is done by:

1. Clicking on the name of the Supervised Account
2. Choose Viewing of content on Nintendo Switch eShop.
3. Tick on the checkbox.
4. Choose Save Changes.

The Parental Controls Mobile App

A more versatile way of limiting access to your Nintendo Switch Console is by using the Parental Controls app on the phone. This app, available both on iOS, and Android, has more options to screen what kind of apps can be downloaded and installed on your Switch. To use the app, follow these steps:

1. Download the app on your phone. Once installed, open the app. Take note of the registration code that the app will give you.
2. Turn on your Switch console. On the Home menu, tap System Settings.
3. Find Parental Controls then tap on it.
4. Choose Use Your Smart Device.
5. On the prompt, tap on Yes.
6. Input the registration code given by your mobile app.
7. Tap on Register.
8. Tap on Continue Setup on Smart Device.

You can adjust the restriction settings on your mobile by:

1. Tap on the Console Settings tab.
2. Tap on Restriction Level.
3. Choose either Teen, Pre-Teen, Child, Custom, or None. Each setting will filter software by age rating.

Blocking Apps Directly from the Console

If using an app on a separate device isn’t your cup of tea, the Switch console itself has a limited version of Parental Controls. It’s not as versatile as the mobile app, but this will do a serviceable job if you only wish to temporarily restrict access to your device. This is useful if you’re just lending the Switch to someone for a while and don’t want any unknown programs getting installed on it.

To use the native Parental Controls on the Nintendo Switch console:

1. Tap on System Settings on the Home menu.
2. Tap on Parental Controls.
3. Tap on Parental Controls Settings.
4. Tap on Use this Console.
5. Pick an age rating. Tap on it then tap on Save.
6. On the prompt, tap on OK.
7. You’ll be asked to enter a pin. This is your personal code to bypass the Parental Controls. Once you’ve entered it, click OK.
8. You’ll be asked to re-enter the PIN for confirmation. Click ok when you’re done.
9. You can remove parental controls by returning to the Use this Console menu and then removing the age rating.

You can now safely lend out your Nintendo Switch and anyone wanting to install an app will have to input your PIN before doing so.

First Line of Defense

Nintendo Switch offers several ways to restrict the installation of software on your Nintendo Switch. By giving you the ability to control which apps can and can’t be installed you can ensure the security of your console. Parental Controls are the Switch’s first line of defense against unauthorized applications.

Do you know of other ways to block apps on the Nintendo Switch? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.