5 Easy Steps to Connect a Wireless Controller to Switch Without the Sync Button

In this article, you will learn how to connect a wireless controller to your switch without a sync button. This can be done whether you own a Nintendo Switch Lite or the original model. The sync button is a small, round button located on the top of the controller, next to the USB-C port. However, if you have a different type of controller, the sync button may be located in a different location. Nevertheless, we will provide you with clear and concise instructions on connecting a wireless controller to your switch without a sync button.

For many gamers, the Nintendo Switch is their console of choice. It is small enough to fit in a backpack or bag and easy to transport to a friend’s house or on a trip. However, if the joy cons become lost or damaged, you will need to connect a wireless controller to your Nintendo Switch. While most wireless controllers come with a sync button, there are some that do not. If you have a wireless controller without a sync button, do not worry. You can still connect it to your Nintendo Switch by following these simple steps.

Here are the steps on how to connect a wireless controller to your Nintendo Switch without a sync button:
1. Turn on your Nintendo Switch. On the HOME Menu, select Controllers, then Change Grip/Order.
2. Hold down the L and R buttons on the controller you want to connect. The controller will start flashing.
3. Select Pair Controllers on the Nintendo Switch screen. The controller will connect to your Switch.
4. Once the controller is connected, you can release the L and R buttons.

Identifying the Sync Button’s Absence

Since the Nintendo Switch’s debut in 2017, Nintendo has released multiple controller models with varying designs and features. One notable difference between controller iterations is the presence or absence of a dedicated sync button. The original Switch Pro Controller and early Joy-Con controllers incorporated a circular sync button located on the top of the device, near the USB-C port. However, subsequent controller revisions, including the newer Joy-Con controllers and the Switch Pro Controller from 2018 onwards, eliminated this physical sync button.

To determine whether your controller lacks a sync button, examine the front and top surfaces of the device. If there is no visible button near the USB-C port, it is likely that your controller does not require a physical sync button for pairing.

The absence of a sync button on newer controllers may seem puzzling at first, but it is part of Nintendo’s design strategy to streamline the pairing process. Instead of relying on a dedicated button, the newer controllers utilize a more convenient pairing method that leverages other controller functions.

Controller Model	Sync Button Location
Original Switch Pro Controller (2017)	Top of the device, near the USB-C port
Early Joy-Con controllers (2017)	Top of the device, near the USB-C port
Newer Joy-Con controllers (2018 onwards)	No physical sync button
Switch Pro Controller (2018 onwards)	No physical sync button

Locating the Pairing Mode on the Controller

Unlike other controllers, Nintendo Switch controllers don’t have a dedicated sync button. Instead, they use a special pairing mode that allows them to connect wirelessly to the console without the need for any physical buttons.

To locate the pairing mode on the controller, look for a small, round button on the top of the controller, next to the USB-C port. This button is typically recessed into the controller’s housing and may be difficult to locate at first. However, once you find it, simply press and hold it down for a few seconds until the controller’s LED lights begin to flash rapidly.

Additional Details:

Controller Model	Pairing Mode Button Location
Joy-Con	Top of the Joy-Con, next to the USB-C port
Pro Controller	Top of the controller, next to the USB-C port
Poké Ball Plus	Center of the Poké Ball, behind the button
Nintendo Switch Lite	Not applicable (built-in controllers)

Establishing Proximity with the Nintendo Switch Console

To initiate the pairing process, ensure close proximity between your wireless controller and the Nintendo Switch console. This means positioning the controller directly next to the console, ideally within a few inches away. The proximity establishes a stable connection channel between the two devices, facilitating seamless pairing.

Proximity is crucial during this stage as it maximizes the signal strength and reduces interference. Maintaining a close distance optimizes the pairing process, ensuring a quick and successful connection.

If you encounter difficulties pairing your controller from a distance, bring it closer to the console and re-attempt the process. The enhanced proximity significantly improves the connection establishment, streamlining the overall pairing experience.

Tips for Optimal Proximity:

Tip	Explanation
Place the controller on top of the console	Provides direct contact and minimizes signal obstruction.
Hold the controller within inches of the console	Enhances signal strength and reduces interference.
Avoid metallic objects between the devices	Metal can interfere with wireless signals.

Putting the Controller into Pairing Mode

To put the controller into pairing mode without a sync button, follow these steps:

Press and hold the Home button and the Screenshot button simultaneously. The Home button is the large, round button in the center of the controller, while the Screenshot button is the smaller, square button to the left of the Home button.
Continue holding the Home and Screenshot buttons until the player lights begin to flash rapidly. This indicates that the controller is in pairing mode.
Release the Home and Screenshot buttons. The controller will continue to flash rapidly for a few seconds before pairing.
Select “Controllers” on the Switch home screen. A list of controllers will appear, including the one you are trying to pair.
Select the controller you want to pair. The controller will then connect to the Switch and the player lights will stop flashing.

Additional Tips

If the controller does not pair after completing the above steps, try restarting the Switch.
If the controller still does not pair, try updating the Switch to the latest firmware version.
If you are still having trouble pairing the controller, contact Nintendo customer support.

Pressing the Pairing Button on the Switch

To connect a wireless controller to your Nintendo Switch without a sync button, you’ll need to follow these steps:
Press and hold the “Sync” button on the top-left corner of the controller for about 2 seconds.
The controller will enter pairing mode, and the LED indicator will start flashing.
Go to the “Controllers” menu in the Switch settings.
Select the “Change Grip/Order” option.
Press the “L” and “R” buttons on the controller simultaneously.
The controller will be paired with the Switch, and the LED indicator will stop flashing.
You can now use the controller to play your favorite games.
The table below provides a summary of the steps involved in pairing a wireless controller to the Switch without a sync button:

Step	Action
1	Press and hold the “Sync” button on the controller for about 2 seconds.
2	Go to the “Controllers” menu in the Switch settings.
3	Select the “Change Grip/Order” option.
4	Press the “L” and “R” buttons on the controller simultaneously.
5	The controller will be paired with the Switch, and the LED indicator will stop flashing.

Waiting for the Pairing Connection to Complete

Once the controller is in pairing mode, it will automatically attempt to connect to the Switch. This process can take a few seconds to complete.

During this time, the LED lights on the controller will flash rapidly. Once the connection is established, the LED lights will remain lit.

If the connection is not established within a few minutes, the controller will automatically turn off. To try again, simply repeat the pairing process from the beginning.

Here is a table summarizing the steps involved in waiting for the pairing connection to complete:

Step	Description
1	Place the controller in pairing mode.
2	Wait for the LED lights on the controller to flash rapidly.
3	Once the connection is established, the LED lights will remain lit.
4	If the connection is not established within a few minutes, the controller will automatically turn off.
5	To try again, simply repeat the pairing process from the beginning.

Using a USB-C Cable for a Wired Connection

If your wireless controller lacks a sync button, you can connect it to your Switch console using a USB-C cable. This method provides a wired connection, ensuring a stable and responsive gaming experience.

Steps:

Gather Required Materials: You will need a USB-C cable with a male connector on both ends.
Plug the Cable into the Controller: Connect one end of the USB-C cable to the USB-C port on the bottom of the wireless controller.
Plug the Cable into the Console: Insert the other end of the USB-C cable into a USB-C port on the Switch console, either on the bottom or on the dock.
Power On the Console: Ensure that the Switch console is turned on.
Wait for Recognition: The Switch console should automatically recognize the connected controller and establish a wired connection.
Test the Connection: Once connected, press buttons or move the analog sticks on the controller to verify that it is responsive and functioning correctly.
Detailed Explanation of Wired Connection Advantages:
- Enhanced Stability: A wired connection eliminates wireless interference and latency issues, providing a more stable and reliable gaming experience.
- Faster Response Times: Data transmission over a wired connection is generally faster compared to wireless connections, resulting in quicker response times for in-game actions.
- No Battery Drain: Wired connections do not require the controller to use its battery, ensuring continuous gameplay without the need to recharge or replace batteries.

Syncing with the Nintendo Switch Lite

– Access the system settings menu on your Switch Lite.
– Select “Controllers and Sensors.”
– Choose “Change Grip/Order.”
– Hold down the “B” button and minus (-) button on the controller simultaneously for at least 1 second.
– The controller will enter pairing mode and the LEDs will flash.
– On your Switch Lite, select “Pair a Controller,” and the controller should connect.

Syncing with a Joy-Con Grip (Optional)

– Insert the Joy-Con controllers into the Joy-Con grip.
– On the grip, press and hold the “Sync” button for at least 1 second.
– The LEDs on the controllers will flash, indicating they’re in pairing mode.
– On your Switch Lite, select “Pair a Controller,” and the Joy-Con grip should connect.

Syncing with a Pro Controller (Optional)

Hold down the Sync button on the Pro Controller for at least 1 second. The Player LEDs on the controller will start to flash slowly.
Access the system settings menu on your Switch.
Select “Controllers and Sensors” -> “Change Grip/Order.”
Press and hold the Sync button on the Pro Controller for at least 1 second again, this time while the Switch is searching for controllers.
The Player LEDs on the Pro Controller will flash more rapidly and then turn solid when it successfully connects to the Switch.

Updating the Controller Firmware (Optional)

– Connect your controller to your Switch.
– Access the system settings menu.
– Select “Controllers and Sensors.”
– Select “Update Controllers.”
– Your controller’s firmware will be updated if necessary.
– Troubleshooting
– If your controller is not connecting, try the following steps:
– Make sure your Switch is powered on and within range of the controller.
– Check the batteries in the controller.
– Try syncing the controller again.
– If the issue persists, contact Nintendo customer support.

Additional Notes

– You can connect up to 8 controllers to your Switch at a time.
– If you’re having trouble connecting a Pro Controller, try using a USB cable to connect it to your Switch.
– Once a controller is synced to your Switch, it will automatically connect whenever it’s turned on and within range.

Controller	Sync Button Location
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller	Back of the controller, near the USB-C port
Joy-Con controllers (when detached from the Switch)	Inside the rail on the back of the controller
Joy-Con Grip	Top of the grip, between the two controller slots

Troubleshooting Common Pairing Issues

If you’re unable to pair your wireless controller to your Nintendo Switch without the sync button, it’s important to troubleshoot any potential issues that may be causing the problem. Here are some of the most common causes of pairing problems and how to resolve them:

1. Check the Controller’s Battery

Ensure that the wireless controller has sufficient battery power. If the battery is low, the controller may not have enough power to pair with the Switch.

2. Check the Switch’s Firmware

Make sure that your Nintendo Switch is running the latest firmware update. Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues with wireless controllers.

3. Reset the Controller

You can reset the wireless controller by holding down the “SYNC” button for 10 seconds. After releasing the button, the controller should be in pairing mode.

4. Reset the Switch’s Bluetooth Module

Go to “System Settings” > “Bluetooth” > “Reset Bluetooth Settings” to reset the Bluetooth module on your Switch. This will delete all paired Bluetooth devices, including your wireless controller.

5. Avoid Pairing Multiple Controllers Simultaneously

The Switch can only pair with one wireless controller at a time. If you’re trying to pair multiple controllers, pair them one at a time.

6. Check for Interference

Make sure that there are no walls or other objects obstructing the signal between the wireless controller and the Switch. Other devices, such as Wi-Fi routers or Bluetooth speakers, can also interfere with the pairing process.

7. Remove Unused Controllers

If you have previously paired multiple controllers with your Switch, it may interfere with the new controller’s pairing process. Remove any unused controllers from the Switch’s Bluetooth settings to eliminate potential conflicts.

8. Update the Controller’s Firmware

In some cases, the controller’s firmware may need to be updated for proper functioning. Connect the controller to a computer with a USB cable and use the Nintendo Switch Firmware Update Tool to update the controller’s firmware.

9. Contact Nintendo Support

If none of the above solutions resolve the pairing issue, contact Nintendo customer support for further assistance. They may be able to provide additional troubleshooting steps or diagnose any potential hardware problems with your controller or the Switch itself.

Troubleshooting Step	Potential Cause	Resolution
Check Controller Battery	Low battery power	Charge or replace batteries
Check Switch Firmware	Outdated firmware	Update firmware to latest version
Reset Controller	Unresponsive or malfunctioning controller	Press and hold SYNC button for 10 seconds

1. Power On Your Switch

Before you can connect a wireless controller to your Switch, you need to make sure that the console is powered on. To do this, press the power button on the top of the console.

2. Go to the HOME Menu

Once your Switch is powered on, you need to go to the HOME Menu. To do this, press the HOME button on the left Joy-Con.

3. Select Controllers

On the HOME Menu, select the Controllers option.

4. Select Change Grip/Order

On the Controllers screen, select the Change Grip/Order option.

5. Press and Hold the Sync Button

On the Change Grip/Order screen, press and hold the Sync button on the wireless controller that you want to connect. The Sync button is located on the back of the controller, next to the USB-C port.

6. Press the L and R Buttons

While holding down the Sync button, press the L and R buttons on the wireless controller.

7. Release the Sync Button

Once you have pressed the L and R buttons, you can release the Sync button.

8. Wait for the Controller to Connect

The wireless controller will now connect to your Switch. This may take a few seconds.

9. Assign the Controller to a Player

Once the wireless controller is connected, you will need to assign it to a player. To do this, press the A button on the controller.

10. The Controller Is Now Connected

The wireless controller is now connected to your Switch and you can start playing games wirelessly. Here are some additional tips for using a wireless controller with your Switch:

Make sure that the wireless controller is charged before you start playing.
If the wireless controller loses connection, you can reconnect it by pressing the Sync button on the back of the controller and then pressing the L and R buttons.
You can connect up to eight wireless controllers to your Switch at the same time.

How to Connect a Wireless Controller to a Nintendo Switch Without a Sync Button

If your Nintendo Switch wireless controller does not have a sync button, you can still connect it to your console using the following steps:

Turn on your Nintendo Switch console.
Press and hold the “Home” button on the right Joy-Con controller.
Select “Controllers” from the menu that appears.
Select “Change Grip/Order”.
Press and hold the “L” and “R” buttons on the controller you want to connect for a few seconds.
The controller should now be connected to your Nintendo Switch console.