- Wireless and Sync
- Camera
- Buttons
- On-Screen Keyboard
- Power and Battery
- How to Check the Remaining Battery Level of the Wii U GamePad
- How Long Does it Take to Charge the Wii U GamePad?
- How Long Will the Wii U GamePad Remain Charged?
- How to Charge the Wii U GamePad
- After Charging the Battery to Full, the Charge Light Still Comes On
- How to Remove, Reseat, or Replace the Battery in a Wii U GamePad
- Screen and Image
- Microphone and Sound
- Stylus
- Wii U GamePad LEDs
- Rumble
- Housing
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Description:
- Step by step instructions on cleaning the buttons, L and R Sticks, and +Control Pad.
Important Note!
- Do not open the system.
- Do not use liquid or abrasive cleaners.
- Need one clean, dry toothbrush.
What to do:
- Turn off the Wii U Console and Controllers.
- Disconnect any AC adapters
- Turn the system screen-side down.
- Using the toothbrush, gently and thoroughly brush the area around the buttons.
Situation:
- The Wii U GamePad screen goes blank, or it freezes while playing games.
With how many games does this issue occur?
- Reset the Wii U GamePad by performing the following:
- Press and hold the power button until the Wii U GamePad powers off.
- If the AC adapter is plugged into the Wii U GamePad, unplug it.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Power the Wii U GamePad back on and see if the issue has been resolved.
- General system stability can be improved by applying the current system update. Try applying the latest system update and see if the issue has been resolved. (How To)
- If the Wii U GamePad screen still goes blank or still freezes during gameplay, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
Applies To: All Games
What to Do:
Still Not Resolved?
- Reset the Wii U GamePad by performing the following:
- Press and hold the power button until the Wii U GamePad powers off.
- If the AC adapter is plugged into the Wii U GamePad, unplug it.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Power the Wii U GamePad back on and see if the issue has been resolved.
- General system stability can be improved by applying the current System Update. Try applying the latest system update and see if the issue has been resolved. (How To)
- If the Wii U GamePad screen still goes blank or still freezes during gameplay, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
Applies To: Multiple Games, But Not All Games
What to Do:
Still Not Resolved?
- Reset the Wii U GamePad by performing the following:
- Press and hold the power button until the Wii U GamePad powers off.
- If the AC adapter is plugged into the Wii U GamePad, unplug it.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Power the Wii U GamePad back on and see if the issue has been resolved.
- General system stability can be improved by applying the current system update. Try applying the latest system update and see if the issue has been resolved. (How To)
- If the Wii U GamePad screen still goes blank or still freezes during gameplay, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
- Reset the Wii U GamePad by performing the following:
- Press and hold the power button until the Wii U GamePad powers off.
- If the AC adapter is plugged into the Wii U GamePad, unplug it.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Power the Wii U GamePad back on and see if the issue has been resolved.
- Check for an update to the game.
- Delete the game.
- Reinstall the game.
- If the Wii U GamePad screen still goes blank or still freezes during gameplay, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
Is the game disc based, or was it downloaded?
What to Do:
Still Not Resolved?
What to Do:
Still Not Resolved?
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to configure the HOME Button LED.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick scroll to the "Wii U GamePad" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "Set HOME Button LED."
- Tap "Use" or "Don't Use."
- Tap "OK" to confirm.
Information:
- The Wii U GamePad Battery LED Status indicator is located to the bottom right of the gamepad. It is labeled "Battery."
- It has four states:
- Off: The Wii U GamePad still has a strong charge.
- Orange: The Wii U GamePad is currently charging.
- This light will turn off when the Wii U GamePad is fully charged.
- If you are playing a game, you may notice that it does not turn off when charging is complete.
- Steady Red: The Wii U GamePad is running low on power. You should charge the Wii U GamePad. (How To)
- Blinking Red: The Wii U GamePad is running very low on power and will soon power off. You should charge the Wii U GamePad. (How To)
Situation:
- The headphone plug falls out of the headphone jack.
- The headphone plug cannot be fully inserted.
What to do:
- Check the jack to see if there is a foreign object or damage.
- Make sure the headphone plug is a standard stereo plug and not damaged.
Still Not Resolved:
- If there is damage to the headphones, they will need to be replaced. Nintendo is unable to provide repair or replacement for a licensed or unlicensed accessory.
- If your situation is still not resolved, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to configure the Wii U GamePad sound settings.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, tap "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick scroll to the "Wii U GamePad" icon and press the A Button.
- Scroll down and tap "Select GamePad Audio-Output Type."
- Tap the desired audio-output type based on your setup.
- You can listen to a sound sample by pressing the "Sample" button under each option to ensure that the sound output is correct.
- When you are finished, tap "OK."
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to perform a microphone test on the Wii U GamePad
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, tap "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick scroll to the "Wii U GamePad" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "Microphone Test."
- When the microphone meter appears on the screen, speak into the microphone on the Wii U GamePad. The meter will fill from yellow to orange to indicate the volume it is picking up.
- When you are finished, press the B Button.
Situation:
- When using headphones with the Wii U GamePad, there is no sound.
What to do:
- Try adjusting the volume using the volume control on the top of the Wii U GamePad.
- Remove the headphones and see if there is sound coming from the Wii U GamePad speakers.
- Ensure that the headphones are fully inserted into the headphone slot.
- Try a different pair of headphones.
- If you do not have another pair of headphones, try the headphones in another device, such as an MP3 player, to see if they work with that device.
Still Not Resolved:
- If your situation is still not resolved, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
Situation:
- The charge light on the Wii U GamePad will still turn on even if it is indicated as fully charged on-screen.
What to do:
- This is normal. While the Wii U GamePad is in use, the charge light will still turn on if plugged into the AC adapter, even if the Wii U GamePad is noted to be fully charged on-screen.
Answer:
- It takes approximately 2.5 hours to fully charge the Wii U GamePad.
- Charging time will vary depending on how the system is being used and how much charge is left in the battery.
Answer:
- The Wii U GamePad will remain charged for 3-5 hours.
- Actual battery life depends on the screen brightness, the features used (such as the camera and microphone), wireless communication use, ambient temperature, and other factors.
- If you are having trouble with battery life, try reducing the screen brightness or using Power-Saving Mode. (How To)
Description:
- Step by step instructions on charging the Wii U GamePad
Important Note!
- The optimal charging temperature is between 50 degrees and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees to 35 degrees Celsius).
- It can take up to 2.5 hours to charge the Wii U GamePad. This time will vary if the GamePad is being used.
- Once fully charged, the battery will remain charged for 3 to 5 hours depending on use.
Applies To: No
What to Do:
- Ensure you are using a licensed product (WUP-011). (How To)
- Make sure that the AC adapter connector plug is facing in the correct direction before inserting it into controller.
- Insert the AC adapter connector plug straight all the way into the AC adapter connector.
- Plug the AC adapter into a working wall outlet or power strip.
- The battery LED will light orange when the battery is charging.
Applies To: Yes
What to Do:
- Ensure you are using a licensed product.
- Place the cradle on a flat, stable surface.
- Make sure that the AC adapter connector plug is facing in the correct direction before inserting it into the charging cradle.
- Insert the AC adapter connector plug straight all the way into the Wii U GamePad Cradle.
- Place the Wii U GamePad gently into the Wii U GamePad Cradle.
- Plug the AC adapter into a working wall outlet or power strip.
- The battery LED will light orange when the battery is charging.
Description:
Detailed instructions on how check the remaining battery level of the Wii U GamePad.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, press the HOME Button.
- The Wii U GamePad's battery life will be displayed in the top-left corner.
Description:
Step by step instructions on replacing the battery in a Wii U GamePad.
Important Note!
- Turn the power off and disconnect the AC adapter if it is connected to the controller.
- Use a crosshead style, size #00 screwdriver to avoid damage to the screw or threads.
What to do:
- Press and hold the POWER button for at least one second to turn off the power.
- Loosen the battery cover screws with a #00 size Philips screwdriver.
- The battery cover is designed so the screws can be loosened, but not fully removed.
- Remove the battery cover by lifting the edge slightly, and then removing it outward.
- Unplug the connector first, and then remove the battery by pulling it outward.
- When disconnecting the battery cable, pull by the plug, not the cable.
- After 10 seconds, insert the new battery (or the old battery if you are reseating it).
- Replace the battery cover and tighten the two screws, being careful not to over tighten them.
Answer:
- Licensed screen protectors may be used on the Wii U GamePad screen. The use of unlicensed screen protectors may have a negative impact on the screen or the image being displayed properly.
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to adjust the screen brightness of the Wii U GamePad.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, press the HOME Button.
- Tap "Controller Settings" on the left.
- Tap "Settings" under Wii U GamePad.
- Adjust the screen brightness by tapping the + and � icons.
- When you are finished, tap "Back" or press the B Button.
- Tap "Back" or press the B Button to return to the HOME Menu.
- Tap "Close HOME Menu."
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to calibrate the Wii U GamePad touch screen.
Important Note!
- Verify that the following steps are performed using the stylus on the Wii U GamePad.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick scroll to the "Wii U GamePad" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "Calibrate Touch Screen."
- Tap "OK."
- Using the stylus, tap the touch screen precisely in the circles at each corner. After four taps, you will be notified that the calibration is complete. Tap the four circles on the screen to confirm accuracy.
- If you wish to calibrate again, tap "Try Again."
- Tap "OK."
- Tap "OK" to complete calibration.
Description:
Step by step instructions on cleaning the Wii U GamePad Screen
Important Note!
Do not use any solvents or cleaners of any kind.
Do not submerge the system in water or other liquids.
Do not pour water directly on the screen.
What to do:
- Slightly dampen a soft, cotton cloth with water ONLY and wipe off the screen.
- Using a dry portion of the same cloth, wipe the screen dry.
- Using a loop of transparent tape, dab at any remaining dust or smudges.
- Repeat if necessary.
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to turn the Wii U GamePad screen off.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, press the HOME Button.
- Tap "Controller Settings" on the left.
- Underneath the Wii U GamePad Settings tap "Display Off."
- Tap "Display Off" again to confirm.
- Press any button on the Wii U GamePad to turn the display back on.
Situation:
- Liquid was spilled on the Wii U GamePad.
What to do:
- Any time liquid is spilled in the Wii U GamePad, unplug it immediately. As with any electrical appliance, there is a risk of electrical shock if it is used while wet. The next step will depend upon what was spilled.
- Water
- Remove the battery. (How To)
- If the battery is wet, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
- Let the Wii U GamePad dry for a few days.
- Do not use any type of heat (e.g. blow-dryer) to speed up the process, as this may cause damage.
- Other Liquids
- If the liquid did not enter the Wii U GamePad, clean the housing. (How To)
Still Not Resolved:
- If your situation is still not resolved, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
Situation:
- The Wii U GamePad stylus has been lost or damaged and needs to be replaced.
What to do:
- To resolve this issue, a new stylus will have to be ordered, and is available through the online store. To start the order process, click here.
Description:
Step by step instructions on resetting the Wii U GamePad L and R control sticks to a neutral position.
What to do:
- The neutral position of the control sticks can be incorrectly set if you move them during the following actions:
- Turning the console on
- Launching software
- Quitting software and returning to the Wii U Menu
- Allow the control sticks to return to a neutral untouched position.
- Simultaneously hold down the A Button, B Button, + Button, and � Button for at least 3 seconds.
Situation:
- The R or L Stick is stuck or will no longer move
- The R or L Stick is very difficult to move, or makes a grinding noise when pressed
What to do:
- Clean the R or L Stick. (How To)
Still Not Resolved:
- If the R or L Stick is stuck or difficult to move, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
Description:
Inquiries about using the on-screen keyboard.
What to do:
- Tap a text field on the Wii U GamePad to bring up the on-screen keyboard.
- Text field location and keyboard contents may vary depending on the software or application being used.
- Select the keys on the screen to enter text.
- You can use Caps Lock by tapping the button to the left of the space bar next to the Shift button.
- You can use special characters and change the alphabet depending on the current language using the buttons to the right of the space bar.
- Use the left arrow at the top of the keyboard to backspace.
- The entered text will show up in the text field window above the keyboard.
- When you are finished entering text tap "OK."
Information:
- Where applicable, an on-screen keyboard on the Wii U GamePad can be used to enter in text (passwords, messages, search terms, etc).
- Some key features and functionality include:
- A full QWERTY keyboard layout.
- Symbol and special character keyboard options and the ability to change the language input depending on the system's region (English, French, Spanish and Portuguese for the Americas).
- Predictive text input.
- Masked input mode for entering passwords, PINs, etc.
- The ability to use the keyboard by tapping the keys on the Wii U GamePad for ease of use.
- Please note that keyboard features may differ slightly depending on the software or application being used.
Answer:
- The On-Screen Keyboard supports three different input modes.
- PC Style: A keyboard with the same alphabetic layout as a computer.
- Number and accented characters: A keyboard with numbers, letters with accents, and a few symbols.
- Special symbols: A keyboard with various symbols.
Description:
Step by step instructions on pairing a Wii U GamePad with a Wii U Console.
Note: If there is another Wii U or Wii U GamePad in the household, ensure it is turned off.
The follow video will give you a helpful overview of the pairing process:
What to do:
- Turn the Wii U Console and the Wii U GamePad on.
- If the Wii U GamePad is still charging, operate it with the AC adapter connected until it is fully charged.
- Press the SYNC buttons on the Wii U Console and the Wii U GamePad to pair them.
- Press the SYNC button on the Wii U Console.
- Use the GamePad stylus to press the SYNC button on the back of the controller.
- Enter the symbols shown on the TV screen in order, starting from the left, on the Wii U GamePad.
- If the Wii U GamePad screen is off, press the power button and then the SYNC button.
- If a screen like this is shown, press the SYNC button on the Wii U Console again and start over from step 3 above.
- Make sure you are close enough to the console and move closer if necessary.
Description:
- Step by step instructions on turning the rumble feature on / off.
What to do:
- Press the HOME Button on the Wii U GamePad.
- Select "Controller Settings" on the left.
- Select "Settings" under "Wii U GamePad."
- Next to "Rumble," tap either "On" or "Off."
- Your current selection will be marked with a green checkmark.
Description:
- Step by step instructions on cleaning the Wii U GamePad housing.
What to do:
- Housing/Exterior - Spray a dry cloth with Windex or Simple Green then wipe the system down. Be careful not to get the cloth too wet, because you don't want liquid dripping down into the system.
- Screen - For information on cleaning the screen, click here.
Description:
- Step by step instructions on cleaning the Wii U GamePad camera lens.
Important Note!
- Do not use any solvents or cleaners of any kind.
- Do not submerge the system in water or other liquids.
- Do not pour water directly on the screen.
What to do:
- Slightly dampen a soft, cotton cloth with water ONLY and wipe off the camera lens.
- Using a dry portion of the same cloth, wipe the lens dry.
- Using a loop of transparent tape, dab at any remaining dust or smudges.
- Repeat if necessary.