Joy-Cons charge through a USB-C cable connected to your Nintendo Switch dock or a standalone charger

Your Joy-Cons have a built-in battery that depletes with use. You recharge them by connecting them to your Switch console — either docked or undocked — or by using a separate Joy-Con charging dock. The most common method is simply sliding the Joy-Cons onto the sides of your Switch while it charges, which happens automatically without any button or menu action needed.

The charging port on each Joy-Con is on the inside edge where it connects to the console. You cannot see this port when the Joy-Con is attached, which is why many people assume they charge wirelessly. They do not — the metal contacts on the inside edge transfer power directly from the Switch to the Joy-Con battery.

Key Takeaways

  • Joy-Cons charge automatically when attached to the sides of your Switch console, whether the Switch itself is plugged in or running on battery.
  • A single Joy-Con takes roughly three to four hours to charge fully from completely dead.
  • You can buy a separate Joy-Con charging dock if you want to charge Joy-Cons while using your Switch with a different controller.
  • The charging contacts on the inside edge of each Joy-Con can get dirty or corroded, which stops charging — cleaning them with a dry cloth usually fixes this.

Charging Joy-Cons while they are attached to your Switch

Attach each Joy-Con to the left and right sides of your Switch console. The Joy-Con slides onto the rail and clicks into place. Once connected, charging begins automatically — you do not need to unlock the console, open any menu, or press any button. The Switch will charge the Joy-Cons whether the console itself is powered on, in sleep mode, or plugged into power.

Charging happens faster when your Switch is plugged into the dock or connected to the AC adapter. If your Switch is running on its own battery and not plugged in, the Joy-Cons will still charge, but more slowly and at the expense of your Switch's battery life. For fastest charging, dock your Switch or plug it into power while the Joy-Cons are attached.

You can check the battery level of each Joy-Con by going to System Settings on your Switch, selecting Controllers and Sensors, then Controllers. The battery percentage for each Joy-Con appears on this screen. A full charge typically takes three to four hours from completely dead.

Using a separate Joy-Con charging dock

Nintendo sells a separate Joy-Con charging dock that holds two Joy-Cons and charges them through USB-C. This dock is useful if you want to charge your Joy-Cons while playing on your Switch with a different controller, such as a Pro Controller. The dock connects to any USB-C power source — your Switch's AC adapter, a computer, or a phone charger with USB-C output.

Place each Joy-Con into the dock with the charging contacts facing inward. The dock has two slots, one for each Joy-Con. You will see a small LED light on the dock that indicates charging status — usually a solid light means charging, and the light turns off or changes color when fully charged. Charging time is the same as when attached to the Switch: three to four hours from empty.

Third-party charging docks exist and are often cheaper than Nintendo's official dock, but they vary in quality. Stick with the official Nintendo dock or a dock from a well-reviewed manufacturer if you want to avoid damaging your Joy-Cons.

Cleaning charging contacts when Joy-Cons stop charging

If your Joy-Con is not charging even when properly attached to your Switch or dock, the charging contacts may be dirty or corroded. These metal contacts are on the inside edge of the Joy-Con where it connects to the console. Over time, dust, sweat, or debris can build up and prevent power transfer.

Turn off your Switch completely. Detach the Joy-Con you want to clean. Use a dry, lint-free cloth — a microfiber cloth works well — and gently wipe the metal contacts on the inside edge of the Joy-Con. Wipe in one direction, not back and forth. Do the same for the charging rails on your Switch console or dock where the Joy-Con connects. Do not use water, rubbing alcohol, or any liquid, as this can damage the electronics inside.

Reattach the Joy-Con and turn your Switch back on. Charging should resume. If it does not, the battery itself may be failing, and you may need to contact Nintendo support or replace the Joy-Con.

What to do if your Joy-Con battery drains too quickly

A Joy-Con battery that lasts only a few hours of play instead of the usual 20 hours suggests the battery is aging. Lithium batteries, which Joy-Cons use, lose capacity over time — typically after 500 to 1,000 charge cycles. If your Joy-Con is more than two years old and drains much faster than it used to, the battery is likely near the end of its useful life.

You have two options: buy a replacement Joy-Con, or contact Nintendo to have the battery replaced. Nintendo offers a battery replacement service, though it costs money and takes time to ship. For many people, buying a new Joy-Con is simpler and faster. You can also try reducing the brightness of your Switch screen and turning off motion controls when you are not using them, as these features drain the battery faster.

Charging Joy-Cons for the first time

When you first unbox your Switch or buy new Joy-Cons, they come with some charge but not a full charge. Attach them to your Switch and plug the Switch into power. Let them charge for three to four hours before using them heavily. This first charge does not need to be special — the battery management in modern Joy-Cons is smart enough that you do not need to fully drain them before the first charge like you might with older devices.

After that first charge, you can charge your Joy-Cons whenever you want. You do not need to wait until they are completely dead, and you do not need to unplug them the moment they hit 100 percent. Partial charges and leaving them plugged in overnight will not damage the battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge Joy-Cons while playing my Switch?

Yes, if your Joy-Cons are attached to the sides of your Switch while you play. However, you cannot use them as controllers while they are attached. If you want to play while charging, use a Pro Controller or detached Joy-Cons held separately, and charge your Joy-Cons in a separate dock.

How long does it take to fully charge Joy-Cons?

A Joy-Con takes three to four hours to charge fully from completely dead when attached to your Switch or using an official charging dock. Charging is faster when your Switch is plugged into power rather than running on battery.

Do Joy-Cons charge wirelessly?

No. Joy-Cons charge through metal contacts on the inside edge where they connect to your Switch or dock. These contacts must touch the charging rails for power to transfer. If your Joy-Con is not charging, the contacts may be dirty — clean them with a dry cloth.

What should I do if one Joy-Con charges but the other does not?

First, clean the charging contacts on both the Joy-Con and your Switch or dock with a dry cloth. If that does not work, try charging the problem Joy-Con in a different position or on a different dock if you have one. If it still will not charge, the battery or charging port may be damaged and you may need to replace the Joy-Con.

Is it bad to leave Joy-Cons plugged in overnight?

No. Modern Joy-Con batteries have built-in protection that stops overcharging once they reach 100 percent. Leaving them plugged in overnight will not damage the battery or reduce its lifespan.