Nintendo Switch Error Code 2813 [Complete Guide 2024]

Nintendo Switch error code 2813 is a connection-related failure you’ll typically see when the console can’t reach Nintendo services. The message usually appears during eShop access, game updates, DLC downloads, or online features.

This guide gives you a complete 2024 fix path: from the fastest reboot checks to DNS and NAT testing, plus what to try when the main method fails. Follow it in order for the highest success rate.

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What Nintendo Switch Error Code 2813 Means

Error code 2813 on Nintendo Switch generally indicates the console couldn’t complete a network request to Nintendo’s servers. That can be caused by ISP routing problems, router settings, DNS resolution issues, incorrect system time, or temporary service instability.

In most cases, the Switch is healthy—what’s broken is the route between your console and Nintendo. That’s why network-focused troubleshooting solves it most often.

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Common Causes of Error Code 2813

• Wrong or out-of-sync system date/time (TLS/certificate validation can fail)
• DNS resolution failures (the console can’t translate Nintendo domains)
• Router/NAT restrictions (common on strict or CGNAT setups)
• VPN/proxy/firewall filtering blocking Nintendo domains
• Temporary Nintendo service outage affecting eShop or update servers
• Account or region mismatch (less common, but can look like a connectivity failure)

Before You Troubleshoot: Quick Checks

Do these first so you don’t chase the wrong issue.

1. Confirm your Switch is connected to the internet (Wi‑Fi icon shows connected).
2. Try loading a different online feature (for example, open eShop first, then test again).
3. If you’re on Wi‑Fi, note whether other devices on the same network can browse normally.

Fix Path (Try These in Order)

Use this sequence. Most fixes land in the first 1–3 steps, and the rest address the remaining DNS/router edge cases.

1) Reboot the Switch and your network gear

This clears stuck network sessions and refreshes router state.

1. Hold the Power button on your Switch until the Power menu opens.
2. Select Power Options → Turn Off.
3. Turn off your modem and router. Wait 60 seconds.
4. Turn on the modem first, wait until it’s fully online, then turn on the router.
5. Power the Switch back on and re-try the action that caused error code 2813.

2) Verify the Switch date and time

An incorrect clock can cause secure connections to fail, which often shows up as a generic connectivity error.

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to System → Date and Time.
3. Set Set Automatically to On.
4. Select Sync Now.
5. Re-test the eShop/download step.

3) Test eShop and network connectivity

Determine whether this is a single-service issue or broader connectivity.

1. Open eShop and try to load a page (even a small one).
2. If you see the same error, go to System Settings → Internet → your connection name → Test Connection.
3. Note whether the test reports success immediately or times out.

If the test fails or times out, continue with DNS and NAT checks below.

4) Change DNS settings (manual DNS test)

DNS problems are a very common root cause for error code 2813. Switching to a known public resolver can confirm whether name resolution is the blocker.

To change DNS on Nintendo Switch:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to Internet → select your Wi‑Fi network.
3. Scroll to IP Address Settings and set it to Manual.
4. Set DNS Settings to Manual.
5. Try one of these DNS pairs (enter them exactly):
   • Option A: Primary 8.8.8.8 / Secondary 8.8.4.4
   • Option B: Primary 1.1.1.1 / Secondary 1.0.0.1
6. Save, then run Test Connection.
7. Re-open eShop or the download that failed.

If manual DNS fixes the issue, you’ve likely confirmed a DNS resolution problem from your ISP or router.

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5) Check NAT type and router settings

Strict NAT can disrupt online features. While error code 2813 is often server/DNS related, it’s still worth checking.

1. On your Switch, open System Settings → Internet.
2. Select your Wi‑Fi network and review NAT-related results in the connection details (the test screen typically indicates NAT type category).
3. If you’re using a home router, ensure UPnP is enabled (many users report this improves reliability).
4. Check for any “gaming” settings or “security” modes that block unknown traffic.

If your router supports it, also disable VPN-like features (often called “security VPN,” “smart protection,” or “web shielding”) and retest.

6) Switch networks (hotspot test)

This is the fastest way to separate “your setup” from “Nintendo’s service.”

1. Enable a phone hotspot.
2. On the Switch, open System Settings → Internet.
3. Select your hotspot SSID and connect.
4. Run Test Connection.
5. Try eShop/download again.

If error code 2813 disappears on hotspot, your home router/ISP/DNS path is the likely cause.

7) Remove blockers: VPN, proxy, parental controls, and firewall rules

Even when your internet works for browsing, VPNs and filters can block the specific endpoints Nintendo uses.

1. Disable any VPN on your phone/router (if applicable).
2. Turn off proxy settings on your router (if configured).
3. Check parental controls/adult content filters and temporarily disable them to test.
4. If your router uses ad-blocking DNS (Pi-hole style) or “safe browsing” categories, turn those off temporarily and retest.

8) Check Nintendo service status

If Nintendo’s servers are degraded, your Switch can’t complete requests no matter how perfect your network is.

1. Visit Nintendo’s official support/status resources for your region.
2. If there’s a known incident, wait and retry later (often updates reappear within hours).
3. If no incident is reported, continue with the deeper steps below.

Platform-Specific Notes (Docked, Handheld, and Wi‑Fi)

Error code 2813 is tied to network requests, so the fix usually applies whether you’re in handheld mode or docked.

Handheld Wi‑Fi

Handheld mode uses the console’s Wi‑Fi stack directly. DNS and date/time fixes are particularly effective here.

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Docked mode

Docked mode can introduce HDMI/TV power cycles, but it doesn’t change DNS or NAT behavior. If you’re connected through the same Wi‑Fi, the troubleshooting results should match.

Ethernet adapter (if you use one)

If you’re using a USB Ethernet adapter, try switching between Wi‑Fi and Ethernet as a test. If only one works, your adapter driver or router settings may be involved.

What If Error Code 2813 Persists?

If you’ve rebooted everything, set time automatically, tested DNS, and tried another network, you’re down to account/service or deeper system settings.

Try a different user profile

Create a simple test: log into a different Nintendo profile on the same console and attempt the same eShop/download action.

1. From the home screen, open your profile selection.
2. Switch to a different user (or test with a family member’s profile if you have one).
3. Attempt the same download/update.

If it works for one user and not another, the issue may be tied to that account’s purchases, region, or restrictions.

Re-download the item/update (where applicable)

Sometimes a partial download gets stuck and repeats the error.

1. Open System Settings → Data Management → Manage Software.
2. Select the title/update that failed.
3. Delete the problematic update/DLC (only the downloaded content, not your save data).
4. Re-attempt the download from eShop.

If you’re unsure what to delete, choose the update/DLC that shows as the problematic pending download rather than removing the game itself.

Check for system software update issues

Outdated system software can break compatibility with current secure endpoints.

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1. Open System Settings → System → System Update.
2. Run an update check.
3. If the update fails with error 2813 again, switch networks and try the update from another connection.

Reset network settings (last-mile cleanup)

If DNS/NAT changes don’t stick or you’ve tried multiple networks, reset the console’s network configuration.

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to System → Formatting Options.
3. Select Restore Default Settings (choose the network-related restore if offered).
4. Re-enter Wi‑Fi credentials and set DNS again if you used manual values.
5. Test connection and re-try the action causing error code 2813.

Only do a full restore if you’re comfortable reconfiguring Wi‑Fi and other preferences afterward.

Common Mistakes That Waste Time

• Skipping date/time sync and jumping straight to DNS.
• Using a VPN at the router level and assuming only the phone matters.
• Changing DNS but leaving IP settings on DHCP with an old reserved configuration—Switch may keep conflicting values.
• Not testing a hotspot, which makes it hard to tell router/ISP issues from Nintendo-side outages.
• Deleting the wrong data (like saves). Updates and DLC can be removed without touching saves—confirm before you delete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nintendo Switch error code 2813 mean my account is banned?

Usually, no. Error code 2813 is most commonly network-related. However, if you can’t access eShop for only one user while other users work, check account restrictions and region settings.

Will changing DNS permanently fix the problem?

It often fixes the symptom immediately. If your ISP or router DNS path is unstable, you may need to keep manual DNS enabled. If it was a temporary DNS issue, you can later switch back to automatic DNS.

Why does hotspot work when my home Wi‑Fi fails?

That pattern strongly suggests a home router configuration (NAT/UPnP/security filtering) or ISP/DNS routing issue. Hotspot changes the path entirely, confirming the fault isn’t on the Switch itself.

Can error code 2813 affect game updates and online play differently?

Yes. Some services may fail while others load. That’s why testing eShop, test connection, and the specific download you’re attempting is important.

Should I factory reset my Switch to fix error 2813?

Not first. Resetting network settings is safer and more targeted. Only consider a deeper reset after DNS, time sync, hotspot testing, and router checks fail.

Bottom Line

Nintendo Switch error code 2813 is almost always a failure to reach Nintendo services due to DNS, time settings, router/NAT restrictions, or temporary server problems. Start with reboots and clock sync, then move to manual DNS and NAT/router checks.

If the error goes away on a phone hotspot, focus on your home network configuration. If it happens on multiple networks at once, check Nintendo’s service status and plan for a wait-and-retry window.

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