How Can I Connect My Switch to a TV Without the Original AC Adapter?
How Can I Connect My Switch to a TV Without the Original AC Adapter?
4 Answers

The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic gaming console that lets you play in handheld mode and on your TV. Usually, you need the official dock and AC adapter for TV mode, but there are other ways to get the job done if you don’t have the original gear. Here are some handy tricks:
Using a USB-C to HDMI Cable
The Switch has a USB-C port that handles video output. You can use a USB-C to HDMI cable to connect it straight to your TV. Here’s the lowdown:
- Make sure your Switch is turned off.
- Plug one end of the USB-C to HDMI cable into the Switch.
- Connect the other end to an available HDMI port on your TV.
- Power on your TV and switch to the right HDMI input.
- Turn on your Switch. The screen should be mirrored on your TV now.
Keep in mind, this only transfers video and audio—it doesn’t charge your Switch. So, make sure your console is charged, or have a separate power source to avoid any unexpected shutdowns.
Using a Docking Station
If you’ve got the dock but no AC adapter, you can still connect to the TV. Here’s the way to go:
- Ensure the Switch is off.
- Plug the dock into power using another AC adapter.
- Connect an HDMI cable from the dock to the TV.
- Pop the Switch into the dock.
- Turn on the TV and select the correct HDMI input.
- Power on the Switch, and voilà, you’re good to go.
Official docks charge your Switch and handle video output. While third-party docks are an option, just make sure they’re compatible and safe.
Using an HDMI to DVI Adapter
Got a DVI input on your TV instead of HDMI? No worries. Just follow these steps:
- Switch off the Switch.
- Attach one end of an HDMI cable to the Switch.
- Connect the other end to an HDMI-DVI adapter and plug that into the TV.
- Turn on the TV and select the input.
- Power on the Switch. The screen should now be displayed.
DVI doesn’t carry audio, so you’ll need a separate audio solution if your monitor doesn’t have speakers.
Using a Component AV Cable
For TVs with component inputs, here’s what to do:
- Turn off your Switch.
- Connect the red, blue, and green video connectors of the component cable to the TV.
- Connect the red and white audio connectors.
- Attach the other end of the cable to the Switch dock.
- Dock your Switch.
- Turn on the TV and select the right input.
- Power on the Switch.
Using a Composite AV Cable
For older TVs with composite inputs:
- Switch off the Switch.
- Plug the yellow composite connector into the TV.
- Connect the red and white audio connectors.
- Hook the other end to the dock.
- Dock the Switch, turn on the TV, and select the input.
- Turn on the Switch; gaming on the big screen is now sorted.
Composite connections aren’t as sharp as HDMI or DVI but still get the job done.
Using a VGA Cable
For monitors with VGA inputs:
- Turn off the Switch.
- Attach one end of the VGA cable to the Switch dock.
- Connect the other end to the TV.
- Select the right input on the TV.
- Turn on the Switch.
Since VGA is video-only, use external speakers or the headphone jack for audio. VGA might not be as crisp as other options, but it works.
Using a USB-C Power Bank
Got a USB-C power bank? Here’s how to use it:
- Make sure the Switch is off.
- Connect a USB-C to HDMI cable from the Switch to the TV.
- Plug the power bank into the Switch with a USB-C to USB-C cable.
- Power on the TV, select the input, and turn on the Switch.
A high-quality power bank is crucial to keep things running smoothly.
Using a Third-Party USB-C to HDMI Adapter
These adapters can replace the official dock:
- Turn off the Switch.
- Connect the adapter to the Switch.
- Attach an HDMI cable from the adapter to the TV.
- If needed, connect the adapter to power.
- Select the right input on the TV.
- Power on the Switch.
Pick a reputable adapter to avoid compatibility issues.
Before trying out these methods, make sure your TV has the necessary input ports. And always keep your Switch powered or charged to avoid interruptions. If you hit any snags, double-check your connections and settings, and consult manuals or online resources for troubleshooting. Happy gaming!

Alright, so you’ve misplaced your Nintendo Switch’s original AC adapter, huh? Don’t panic! You can still hook up your Switch to the TV without it. Here’s how you can make it work using some alternative gadgets and cables.
What You’ll Need:
- Your Nintendo Switch: This one’s a no-brainer but make sure it’s charged up or near a power outlet.
- USB-C to HDMI Adapter: Find one that’s spot-on for video output. Something like the RREAKA or GENKI Global Covert Dock 2 can do the trick. It’s gotta have:
- A USB-C port for power.
- An HDMI port to link up to your TV.
- Maybe some extra USB ports for other doodads. Not required, but hey, extra features can be cool.
- HDMI Cable: This little guy connects your adapter to the TV.
- Power Source: Any USB-C charger that’s got enough juice. Think about 39W of power—otherwise, you might be left scratching your head.
How to Get It Set Up:
- Grab a USB-C to HDMI Adapter: The type matters, so snag one that’s known to vibe well with a Nintendo Switch. Check the reviews or forums—it’s like finding the right pair of shoes for your outfit.
- Plug It In: Take your USB-C charger and connect it to the adapter. Trust me, picking any flimsy charger won’t cut it. Go for one with punch!
- Get Your HDMI Cable Ready: Connect the HDMI cable from your adapter to the TV. It’s like setting up your home theater in a heartbeat.
- Prep Your Switch: Make sure it’s happily sitting somewhere stable. Avoid the high-wire act unless you’ve got nerves of steel. And yep, make sure those Joy-Cons are in play.
- Tune Your TV: Fire up your TV and get it to the right HDMI channel. It’s just like tuning an old radio or flipping through your playlist.
- Game On!: Power up your Switch—in a few seconds your game pops up on the screen. Ready, set, play!
A Few Handy Tips:
- Double-check whether that adapter is cool with the Nintendo Switch. Some brands might let you down.
- This won’t fly for the Nintendo Switch Lite since it’s not made for TV play.
- Make sure your charger is up for the task; otherwise, you won’t see squat on the TV.
And there you have it! Now you can keep gaming even without the original adapter. Sometimes life throws a curveball, but with a bit of creativity, you’re back in the game!

So you’re trying to hook up your Nintendo Switch to a TV without the original AC adapter, huh? Don’t worry, it’s doable! Just gotta pay attention to a few details, like power and compatibility, to make sure you’re not messing up your gear. Here’s the lowdown.
First off, that AC adapter the Switch comes with? It’s all about giving your dock the juice it needs—15V and 2.6A to be precise—to work its magic on the big screen. Skip it and you’ll need to find a substitute that fits the bill. Otherwise, your Switch might just sit there looking pretty, doing nothing.
Alright, without further ado, here’s how you can go about it:
Try a Third-Party Adapter
- What You Need: Grab a USB-C charger that delivers at least 15V/2.6A, preferably with Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 or later. Forget your old phone charger—it just won’t cut it for TV mode.
- Steps to Get Going:
- Plug your new adapter into the dock’s AC port.
- Pop your Switch into the dock.
- Use an HDMI cable to connect the dock to the TV.
- Choose the right HDMI input on your TV.
- Brands to Check Out: Anker and UGREEN usually have your back with decent quality stuff.
Or a USB-C Hub Could Work
Believe it or not, if your TV has a USB-C port (ain’t that common though), a USB-C hub might just work:
- Plug that hub into your Switch.
- Link it to the TV with an HDMI.
- Feed it power with a compatible PD charger.
Troublesome Issues
Sometimes things might not go as planned. If you’re seeing “No Signal” on your TV:
- Why It’s Happening: Could be you’re using a weak adapter or your HDMI connections are shaky.
- Fix It: Make sure your adapter is up to par (using a USB-C voltmeter is handy), secure that HDMI cable firmly, and double-check you’ve picked the right HDMI input.
If your Switch is being stubborn and won’t switch to TV mode:
- The Likely Culprit: Your adapter might not support PD or isn’t powerful enough. Or maybe the dock’s not getting power.
- Rescue Mission: Swap out for a PD-compatible adapter and give the dock’s USB-C port a quick clean if needed.
Quick Tips
- Safety First: Don’t save a few bucks by buying a sketchy adapter. It’s just not worth risking your Switch over.
- Performance Tidbit: Even the good adapters can sometimes give slower charges or a hiccup with TV mode now and then.
- Alternative Route: If TV isn’t a must, consider using a USB-C to HDMI adapter and keep things in handheld mode.
By getting your hands on a quality third-party adapter and locking down all your connections right, you’ll have your Switch running on your TV in no time. Just remember, keeping your gadgets safe and sound is what’s important!

Need to hook up your Switch to the TV but don’t have the original adapter? No worries, here’s how you can still make it happen:
Using a USB-C Charger
So, first off, you’ll want a USB-C charger that matches up with 15V/2.6A—pretty close to what the official adapter does. Plug that into the Switch dock’s USB-C port, run an HDMI cable from the dock to your TV, and then turn on the TV. Look for the right HDMI input, dock your Switch, and power it up. Easy peasy!
Going with a Portable Dock
Grab a trusty third-party portable dock. Plug the Switch into the portable dock, then run an HDMI cable between the dock and your TV. You’ll need a USB-C charger here too, just like before, to get juice to the dock. Fire up the TV, pick the HDMI input you used, and switch that Switch on!
Using a USB-C to HDMI Adapter
Find yourself a USB-C to HDMI adapter that packs both video output and power delivery. Connect this to your Switch’s USB-C port, hook up an HDMI cable from the adapter to the TV, and power the adapter with a USB-C charger. With your TV on, choose the right HDMI input and get the Switch going.
A Couple Things to Consider:
- Definitely double-check the specs on anything third-party you’re using.
- Heads-up: unofficial gear might mess with your warranty.
And there you go! You’re all set to link up your Nintendo Switch to a TV without the original adapter now. Pretty nifty, right?