How to Manage Nintendo Switch Notifications

If you get a lot of notifications on your Switch (or don't get any) check these settings to rectify the situation.

There was a time wherein notifications were actually useful. They helped us look at what we needed to, exactly when we needed to look. However, through the years, brands have abused notifications for advertising. Across our devices, we’re plagued with non-stop notifications all day, every day. With this, It’s no secret that many of us wish we never have to see another one in our lives, including when we’re playing games on our Nintendo Switch.

Sick of notifications on your Switch? Here's how to adjust notification settings on your console.

How to Manage Your Nintendo Switch Notification Settings

There are several methods that you can use to manage your Switch notification settings. From download notifications to software-specific alarms, here's how Nintendo lets you take control of your notifications.

Disable Complete Download Notifications

To disable your completed downloads notification, go to System Settings > Notifications. On this screen, you will have the option to disable your “Download Complete” notifications by simply selecting Off. Afterward, you won’t receive any more notifications for completed downloads for all Switch users on your console.

Manage Friend Notifications

Next, you can disable your friend notifications by going to System Settings > Notifications > Friend Notifications. For this option, you can actually choose which Switch user you want to disable the specific notification for. Select as many users as you want to avoid receiving notifications from friends wanting to connect, play, or chat.

Related: Can Nintendo Switch Family Be Shared by Different Households?

Set or Disable Alarms

Alarm notifications are useful for preventing you from playing games way past your preferred sleep time. In fact, you can even use alarms to manage your gaming time in general. However, not everyone finds this useful, especially if you regularly wear a watch or use your phone instead.

To manage your Alarm Notification Settings, go to System Settings > Notifications > Alarm Notifications. From here, you can select Notifications in Sleep Mode and set it to include Notification LED and Vibration or Notification LED Only.

Next, you can choose to disable Notifications During Play by selecting Off. You can also Check/Delete Alarms, which are set by supporting software.

Why You Need to Manage Your Switch Notifications

There are many reasons you should disable some of your notification settings. For example, you could attempt to stream your games online, and notifications could distract your viewers.

In fact, many Switch users who share their console with multiple accounts of friends or family members may simply want to avoid the hassle of everyone’s friend notifications going off randomly.

Alternatively, you can also be playing a serious game and don’t want the notifications blocking parts of the screen that have important information, like health or timers.

Last, it could just be that you’re tired of notifications and just don’t want to see them at all.

Manage Your Switch Notifications Like a Boss

With notifications, consent is key. While some notifications are definitely useful, the truth is most of them are unnecessary and don’t really add much value to your Switch experience. Like many other types of notifications, they’re just another form of noise.

Aside from managing notifications, there are plenty of ways that you can customize your Switch for a better gaming experience. In fact, you can even customize your home screen, adjust your auto-sleep settings, set downloads while on sleep mode, and so on. At the end of the day, you get the most out of your Switch when you take the time to make it really yours.

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