How to set up Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 parental controls: play time, chat and eShop spending
Link the free Nintendo Parental Controls app, set play-time and chat limits, lock down eShop spending, and approve Switch 2 GameChat friends.
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Verified: Last checked on 5 October 2026 against Nintendo UK Support for Switch / Switch 2 Parental Controls and GameChat. Controls are console-wide, not per-user. Checked against Nintendo's written instructions, not a console.
⏱ Time: 15–25 minutes | 🔧 Difficulty: Easy–Medium
What you'll need
- Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 (online)
- Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your phone
- Adult Nintendo Account
- A 4–8 digit PIN your child doesn't know
- For Switch 2 GameChat under 16: phone number on your Nintendo Account
Step-by-step
- Link the app. Install Nintendo Switch Parental Controls, sign in, and enter the registration code from System Settings → Parental Controls.
[Screenshot: registration code linking] - Play time and bedtime. In the app set a daily limit (and optional per-day schedule), a bedtime, and turn on Suspend Software at Set Time so games actually stop.
- Restriction level. Choose Young Child / Child / Teen or Custom. DeviceDaddy start: restrict software by age, restrict Free Communication With Others, and restrict social-network posting.
- eShop spending. In the Nintendo Account family group, restrict eShop spending and mature browsing for the supervised child account.
- Switch 2 GameChat. Under-16s need GameChat set up in the app; they can only chat with friends you approve. Confirm whether Nintendo Switch Online is required (Nintendo stated NSO is required after 31 March 2026).
[Screenshot: GameChat friend approval] - Test it. Hit the time limit, try a restricted game (should need the PIN), and check chat behaviour.
⚠️ Watch out
- Restrictions apply to everyone on that console — set them for the youngest player.
- Without Suspend Software, bedtime is only a notification.
- Console controls don't fully replace Nintendo Account eShop limits.
- GameChat setup is per child and per Switch 2 console.
- Concerns about contact: remove approved friends and report to CEOP if needed.
Related guides
- PlayStation 5 Family Management [link to add]
- Xbox Family Settings [link to add]
- Fortnite parental controls [link to add]
- Minecraft family multiplayer [link to add]
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Spotted a change? If a menu looks different, tell us Switch or Switch 2 and the system version.
Sources (checked 5 Oct 2026): Nintendo UK: Switch Parental Controls · Switch 2 Parental Controls · GameChat parent guide