Switch error code
Switch Error 2168-0002: Crash or System Transfer Fix
2168-0002 in one line: Software closed unexpectedly, or a Switch to Switch 2 system transfer failed.
Try this first: if it happened during a system transfer, cancel and restart the transfer, choosing Do not transfer Albums.
Try this first: if it happened during a system transfer, cancel and restart the transfer, choosing Do not transfer Albums.
What 2168-0002 means
Nintendo Support says: “Information to help when you receive the error code 2168-0002 when playing Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch, or when performing a system transfer.” (official page)
Likely causes
- Album data (screenshots and videos) in a Switch to Switch 2 system transfer.
- Software that closed after an error.
- A temporary system fault.
How to fix 2168-0002, easiest first
- During a system transfer: cancel it
On the source Switch, hold the Left Stick and both + and - buttons for about three seconds. - Restart the transfer without Albums
When asked, select Do not transfer Albums. Nintendo says including Albums makes the transfer fail again. - Or skip the transfer
Set up Switch 2 without it and move saves manually after signing in to your Nintendo Account. - During play or other features: restart
Hold POWER for 3 seconds > Power Options > Restart. - Update the system
System Settings > System > System Update.
| Step | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | During a system transfer: cancel it | Official |
| 2 | Restart the transfer without Albums | Official |
| 3 | Or skip the transfer | Official |
| 4 | During play or other features: restart | Official |
| 5 | Update the system | Official |
When to contact support
If it keeps happening during play after a restart and update, follow Nintendo's software-closed article and then contact Nintendo Support.
2168-0002 FAQ
Why does my Switch 2 system transfer fail with 2168-0002?
Nintendo says Album data can cause the transfer to fail. Restart it and select Do not transfer Albums.
Sources
Other Switch error codes
- 2005-0003: Software can't download; usually a microSD card problem. Applies to Switch and Switch 2.
- 2110-1100: The console can't find a network matching any saved network. Applies to Switch and Switch 2.
- 2618-0513: Matchmaking failed because the network isn't suited to peer-to-peer connections.
- 2168-0002: Software closed unexpectedly, or a Switch to Switch 2 system transfer failed.
- 2162-0002: A system error; restart the console and contact Nintendo if it repeats.
- 2016-0641: A game failed to start on Switch or Switch 2.
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