How to Connect Joy-Con Controllers & Pair Extras

This guide shows you how to connect Joy-Con controllers to a Nintendo Switch, both for the first time and when adding extra controllers. You’ll learn the exact button presses and menu paths to pair Joy-Cons wirelessly, attach them to the console, and sync additional controllers for multiplayer gaming.

What You’ll Need

• A Nintendo Switch console (original, OLED, or Lite – steps differ slightly for Lite)
• Joy-Con controllers (left and right)
• Joy-Con wrist straps (optional, but helpful for grip)
• Access to the Switch’s HOME menu and System Settings

Step-by-Step

1. Attach the Joy-Cons to the Switch (for first-time pairing)
   If you’re using a standard Switch or Switch OLED, slide the Joy-Cons onto the sides of the console until they click. This physically connects them and automatically pairs them with the console. For Switch Lite, you cannot attach Joy-Cons, so you’ll need to pair them wirelessly (see Step 3).
2. Turn on the Switch
   Press the POWER button on the top of the console. The screen should light up and show the HOME menu. If the Joy-Cons are attached, they should be recognized immediately.
3. Wireless pairing (for extra controllers or Switch Lite)
   On the HOME menu, go to Controllers (the icon that looks like a Joy-Con with a plus sign). Then select Change Grip/Order. This puts the Switch into pairing mode, displaying a message like “Hold the button on the controller you want to pair.”
4. Put the Joy-Con into pairing mode
   While the Switch is on the “Change Grip/Order” screen, press and hold the small circular SYNC button on the top edge of the Joy-Con (next to the SL and SR buttons) until the player LED lights start flashing. The Joy-Con will then appear on the screen as paired. Repeat for each additional Joy-Con.
5. Confirm pairing
   Once the Joy-Con is recognized, it will show on the screen with a number (P1, P2, etc.). Press the A button on the Joy-Con to confirm it’s active. The LED lights on the Joy-Con will stop flashing and stay lit to indicate it’s paired.
6. Attach the Joy-Cons to the console (if desired)
   After wireless pairing, you can slide the Joy-Cons back onto the console. They will stay paired and work as a single controller when attached.
7. Pairing with a Joy-Con grip
   If you have a Joy-Con grip (the controller-shaped holder), slide the left and right Joy-Cons onto it. The grip connects them into a single controller. Pairing is the same as above – the grip itself has no buttons, so you still use the SYNC button on each Joy-Con.
8. For Switch Lite owners
   Since the Switch Lite has built-in controls, you’ll use the wireless pairing method (Step 3) for any Joy-Cons. The built-in controls are always active, so you’ll need to make sure the Joy-Cons are paired as separate controllers or as a pair, depending on the game.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to put the Switch in pairing mode – You must be on the “Change Grip/Order” screen before pressing the SYNC button. Otherwise, the Joy-Con won’t be recognized.
• Holding the SYNC button too briefly – You need to hold it for about 1-2 seconds until the LEDs start flashing. A quick tap won’t trigger pairing.
• Using the wrong button – The SYNC button is the small, round one on the top edge, not the SL or SR buttons, and not the + or – buttons.
• Pairing while the Joy-Con is attached to the console – If the Joy-Con is physically attached, it’s already paired. You don’t need to pair it again, and pressing SYNC while attached may cause confusion.
• Ignoring battery levels – If a Joy-Con is low on battery, it may not pair or may disconnect. Always charge them before pairing.
• Assuming Switch Lite works the same – On Switch Lite, you cannot attach Joy-Cons, so you must use wireless pairing every time.

Tips

• Use the “Change Grip/Order” screen for all wireless pairing – Whether you’re pairing one Joy-Con or four, this is the only screen that allows wireless sync.
• Pair all controllers at once – When you’re on the “Change Grip/Order” screen, you can put multiple Joy-Cons into pairing mode simultaneously. They’ll all appear on the screen, and you can assign them to players.
• Check the player LED indicators – Each Joy-Con has a small LED strip that shows its player number. This helps you know which controller is which in multiplayer.
• For a stable connection, keep the Joy-Cons close to the console – Wireless range is about 30 feet, but walls and interference can reduce it.
• Update your controllers – In System Settings > Controllers and Sensors, you can update the Joy-Con firmware. This can fix connection issues.
• Use the Joy-Con strap for better grip – The straps slide on and have a lock button. They also make the SL and SR buttons easier to press.

Troubleshooting

• Joy-Con not appearing on the pairing screen
  Make sure the Joy-Con is charged. If it’s completely dead, it won’t pair. Also, ensure you’re holding the SYNC button for at least 1-2 seconds. If it still doesn’t appear, try attaching it to the console briefly, then remove it and try again.
• Joy-Con pairs but immediately disconnects
  This often happens when the Joy-Con is low on battery. Charge it by attaching it to the console for a while. If the problem persists, try updating the Joy-Con firmware via System Settings.
• Multiple Joy-Cons pairing as one controller
  If two Joy-Cons are paired together as a single controller (e.g., in a grip), they’ll show as one. If you want them separate, go to “Change Grip/Order” and press the SYNC button on each one individually – they should appear as separate controllers.
• Switch Lite doesn’t recognize Joy-Cons
  Switch Lite only supports wireless Joy-Cons. Make sure you’re on the “Change Grip/Order” screen and that the Joy-Cons are in pairing mode. If they are, but still not working, try restarting the Switch Lite.
• Joy-Con works but buttons are unresponsive
  This could be a hardware issue. First, try updating the controller. If that doesn’t help, you may need to recalibrate the sticks or buttons in System Settings > Controllers and Sensors. If it’s a physical issue, you might need professional repair.
• Can’t exit pairing mode
  Simply press the HOME button or the B button to return to the HOME menu. The pairing screen will close automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pair Joy-Cons to a Switch Lite?

Yes, but only wirelessly. The Switch Lite has built-in controls, so Joy-Cons must be paired via the “Change Grip/Order” screen. They cannot be physically attached.

How many Joy-Cons can I pair at once?

You can pair up to 8 controllers simultaneously, but the Switch can only support 4 players at a time. For 4 players, you can use 4 individual Joy-Cons or 2 pairs (each pair as one controller).

Can I use Joy-Cons from another Switch?

Yes, Joy-Cons are not locked to a specific console. You can pair any Joy-Con to your Switch by following the wireless pairing steps.

Do I need to pair Joy-Cons every time I use them?

No. Once paired, the Switch remembers the controllers. They will reconnect automatically when you turn on the console and press a button. You only need to re-pair if you use them on a different console or if you manually unpair them.

What does the SYNC button do?

The SYNC button (the small round one on the top edge) puts the Joy-Con into pairing mode. It’s used only during the initial pairing process, not for normal use.

Why won’t my Joy-Con charge?

Joy-Cons charge only when attached to the Switch console (or a charging grip). If they’re not charging, make sure they’re properly attached and the console has power. You can also check the battery level in the HOME menu under Controllers.

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