Topic: Nintendo Switch making really weird noise coming from air vents

Hello so my switch recently was fine but now there is like a bearing fan noise coming from the switch this started happening yesterday it does this like for 20 or 15 seconds and then it stops then fan wont make anymore noise but still I dont like it because its like a loud noise here is a video about pls watch it to understand more

Thank you

Replacing a noisy fan is fairly common, especially on original (V1) Switch models. I replaced the fan on my son's V1 a few years ago and I've recently inherited it after he got an OLED. The fan sounds like it needs replaced again, but it's a fairly simple fix and there are loads of tutorials online.

The fan in the Switch is known to get noisy over time. It might eventually become faulty and stop cooling your system properly, where it can lead to interruptions with the system forcefully shutting itself off to avoid overheating damage.

I had this exact problem with my launch day Switch, and I was able to send it into Nintendo UK's repair service and get it sorted out free of charge. You should likely be able to do the same if you adequately explain the problem with your Switch fan getting noisy, and definitely check if the system is feeling hotter than usual.
https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/region/d/repair

@Lenni_p Just letting you know that we can't watch your video because you've just linked to a file on your computer. Since we aren't using your computer, we can't see that file. You'll need to upload it to Youtube or some other site to let us see it.

hi so this is the video uploaded it from youtube https://youtube.com/shorts/5R5uKgE-Y30?feature=share

btw its not the loud like in the video

This has been happening with my Switch lately. Not sure what it will mean for my Switch later on, especially since I might wanna get a Switch 2 later on.

@Lenni_p @MrCarlos46 Each year you have the switch, the fan will very slowly run a little harder. I think it's a combination of degrading thermal paste (dries and cracks=doesn't conduct heat as well), and the fan gets some dust. I think it's dust in the fan that can start to make it oscillate and develop a whirring kind of sound. If you're switch isn't shutting down due to overheating, then the switch is functionally still ok. Going in and out of sleep mode can sometimes stop the hard running fan.

The switch fan can run hard after booting up a game. I almost think it's more common with online games. I notice it with splatoon and rocket league.

Replacing the fan & thermal paste can make your switch quiet again, like new.

My launch switch developed the whirring sound. The oled does run harder just like my launch, but doesn't make whirring sound.

@WoomyNNYes hi so I have a question Can I use compressed air to clean the air vents without opening the nintendo switch is it safe to use it thank you.

@Lenni_p Compressed air is safe to use and it will likely clear the vents, but you do risk blowing the dust further into the Switch. You can safely remove the rear cover (you need a tri-wing screwdriver) and blow any dust out of the vents and/or fan with compressed air - it's just removing a handful of screws really.

@Lenni_p I used compressed air on the vents of my switch. So, I think it's fine. Although, it never helped or lessened the whirring sound my launch switch fan was making. I think the only thing that will make your fan silent is to replace it.

I'm glad I traded in my V1 Switch for a V2 model in 2023. (The V1 model kept disconnecting my controllers while playing Tears of the Kingdom.)