The Nintendo 3DS was a direct successor to Nintendo’s DS line of consoles and was one of the most revolutionary devices for its time. At the time of its release in 2011, the 3DS was a complete package deal. It featured direct backwards compatibility with Nintendo DS games, a fully digital eShop for purchasing and downloading games including older GBA titles and new connectivity features such as Streetpass and Spotpass that allowed players instant internet access and co-op access – a feature that was promptly used by games like Bravely Default and applications like the Mii Plaza.
It was also the company’s first attempt at effectively using stereoscopic 3D in a console through the help of a parallax barrier – although it’s a different matter altogether that people rarely used the effect since it consumed crazy amounts of battery life.
Despite its groundbreaking features, the Nintendo DS didn’t really hit it off with the public and initial sales received a disappointing response from the fans. The factors that deterred everyone from purchasing the console were its initial price of $250, lack of a dedicated game lineup and the stereoscopic 3D effect we mentioned earlier that was great but caused eye fatigue and battery drainage.
To remedy that, Nintendo lowered the price to $170 and replaced the original models with the 2012 Nintendo 3DS XL that had a larger screen and was considerably more ergonomic for adults. The next year, they released the Nintendo 2DS – a sturdier and more kid-friendly alternative which could surprisingly play all the games that the 3DS could. The 2DS’s only caveat was that it could not display 3D images, hence the name ‘2DS’.
To further enhance the consoles, Nintendo released ‘New’ models of all the variants we mentioned earlier – New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL in 2014 as well as New Nintendo 2DS XL in 2017. The New 3DS and 3DS XL featured more powerful CPUs and a better 3D effect while the New 2DS XL on the other hand featured a clamshell design, better size and enhanced CPU capabilities.
As revolutionary as the console is, Nintendo has officially pulled the plug on the 3DS on March 27, 2023 and permanently closed the eShop. The news doesn’t help considering that the 3DS, just like any other console, has its own share of error codes that users can encounter from time to time – especially more so now since the console is more than a decade old.
That’s why we are here with our troubleshooting guide that lists all of the major errors you can encounter and how you can easily solve them. Let’s go over the basics first.
The First Steps Towards Solving Most Common 3DS Issues
Similarly how we managed the original Wii Error Codes, with the 3DS troubleshooting guide we’re also heading into each individual error code, here are some basic tips that can help you avoid most 3DS errors in general.
- If your console freezes, restart and update it. The older your 3DS is, the higher the chances of it becoming nonfunctional during normal usage. At times like these, simply press the power button for about 10 seconds to reset it and then simply turn it back on again. If you are facing these freezes more frequently than before, Nintendo recommends updating your console to the latest version available if you haven’t already. Alternatively, if it’s only one game causing the issue then it might be the game’s fault. Updating the game or repairing it with Nintendo’s 3DS software repair tool should resolve the issue.
- Using the Nintendo 3DS software repair tool – Go to the Nintendo eShop and scroll down to the ‘Sections/Other’ section in the top left corner menu. Go to your ‘History’ section, then ‘Redownloadable software’. You’ll see an option to select ‘Your downloads’ in the bottom right corner. Scroll through the list to find the game that’s causing the issues and then click ‘Software info’. Now scroll to the bottom of the page again to find an option called ‘Repair Software’, select it and confirm ‘OK’. Once the scan is done, you’ll get the option to repair the application by downloading repair data – simply press ‘OK’ and ‘Download’ and you’ll be good to go.
- If the device isn’t turning on, try changing power outlets or adapters. If your 3DS won’t wake up from its sleep mode, it likely means that your battery is out of power and is not getting charged. Your first line of action should be changing the power outlet it’s connected to to ensure that it’s not the problem. In case it isn’t, try using a different power cable or adapter to see if it charges your 3DS up. If a different adapter or power cable works, it likely means that your original one has reached the end of its lifetime and gone bad. Unless you went out of your way to buy an older model of the 3DS within the last year and still have warranty, you’ll have to buy a new charger for your console. But in case not even a second adapter works, it’s likely a hardware issue that can only be resolved by Nintendo or repair shops.
- If your console’s touch screen isn’t working properly, recalibrate it or remove the screen protector. Compared to modern smartphones, the 3DS touch screen is much more finicky and hard to use. If you haven’t been doing so already, consider using the stylus and applying firm pressure wherever you use it. If that doesn’t help, head into your ‘System Settings’, then ‘Other Settings’ and then select ‘Touch Screen’. Follow the instructions and touch the points on your screen using your stylus. Alternatively, if you have been using a screen protector, try taking it off and test it with your stylus to see if it helps. A faulty screen protector can drastically reduce your device’s touch sensitivity. Make sure that you get a new screen protector as soon as you take off the old one, though, to ensure your screen stays intact in case your 3DS falls somewhere.
- If your console can’t connect to the Internet, check if Nintendo servers are down or try the following steps. Nintendo servers go down for maintenance from time to time and disable you from connecting to their servers or online services for the duration of the maintenance period. If your console can’t connect to the Internet out of the blue, your first step should be to check if Nintendo’s servers are up through their Network Status page. If they are working properly, here are a few steps you can try one by one to see if they fix your connection issue –
- Power resetting your router – Switch off your router and/or modem and plug out their power cables from the socket. Let them discharge properly for 5 minutes, plug the cables back in again and turn them on. After they are turned on, let them sync data for another 2-3 minutes before turning on your console and connecting again.
- Updating your router’s 802.11 mode – u/Playcool92 on Reddit discovered that the 3DS family system can only work on the 802.11 b/g mode in your router – having only 802.11 n or 802.11 g/n disables your console from connecting to it. To activate this mode, you need to access your router’s settings by entering its IP address on the browser – here is a great guide that can help you do the same. Once you are in, simply change the 802.11 mode to either 802.11 b/g or 802.11 b/g/n and it should fix your issue.
- Changing your console’s DNS settings – In the ‘Connection Settings’ menu, select the ‘Connection File’ you use and then select ‘Change Settings’. In the DNS fields, deselect ‘Auto Obtain’ if it was on before and click on ‘Detailed Setup’. In the Primary DNS section that follows, type in 8.8.8.8 and select OK. Make sure that you include the fullstops/periods while typing the values. In Secondary DNS, type in 8.8.4.4 and select OK twice. Select ‘Save’, ‘OK’ and then ‘Test’ to check the network. In case that doesn’t work, try the default ‘Auto Obtain’ settings you cleared before. You can also try other popular DNS servers to see if they work such as Cloudflare (1.1.1.1/1.0.0.1).
- Setting up ‘Port Forwarding’ – To do this, you need to first set up a manual IP address for your device. Go into the connection settings on your console (‘Connection Settings’ > ‘Connection file’ > ‘Change Settings’) and put in an IP address like 192.168.1.20. – here is a Nintendo guide to visually help you navigate the settings. Now, log into your router through a web browser and find the ‘Port Forwarding’ section – this varies from router to router but you can generally find it under ‘Security’ or ‘Firewall’. In the ports section, enter the values 442-445 and 28000-29500. In the UDP section, select the option that allows traffic to all addresses. Finally, in the IP address section, add the exact address that you set up for your Nintendo 3DS and save the settings. Disconnect from the network, restart the router and try connecting your console again.
- If your console can’t load a game, clean it out. One of the most common issues that older 3DS models face is not being able to load a game properly even if it was working fine before. One of the simplest ways you can fix the problem is cleaning out the game slot with a cotton bud and some isopropyl alcohol. If your game cartridges have gathered grime as well, clean them too. If your console still can’t detect games, it’s likely a hardware issue that needs to be sent for repairs or you have a cartridge from a different region that doesn’t work in the region you purchased your console from.
- If your microphone isn’t working, replace it or use headphones instead. Just like game slots, your 3DS mic can gradually catch on debris over time and eventually disable it. You can check if your microphone has gone bad by going to your ‘System Settings’, then ‘Other Settings’ and then selecting the ‘Mic Test’ option. If it has gone bad, simply switch to a headphone and use the built-in mic it has. Alternatively, you can try cleaning or replacing it –
- Repairing your 3DS microphone – Your only solution is to try cleaning the microphone on your own by disassembling the entire console, replacing it, or contacting Nintendo’s customer support to see if they can help you out. In case you do decide to clean or replace it, here is a guide to help you disassemble your console and locate the microphone. To clean your microphone, follow the guide until Step 6 and simply use a cotton bud with isopropyl alcohol.
Nintendo 3DS Networking Related Error Codes
While the 3DS family system had immense networking capabilities for their size, which they made full use of, the consoles also had their own share of problems that came with them. Most of the 3DS’s error codes focus on network problems and connectivity issues, and this section will give you detailed solutions to resolve each and every single one of them.
Note that most of these error codes require you to tweak your connection one way or the other so be prepared with a laptop and your router’s login information.
Error Code 014-0062
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network/Software
014-0062 Error Explained: This error occurs when you are doing a system transfer from an old device of the 3DS family to a new model.
How to solve 014-0062: Since you need to connect both the devices to the same connection for the transfer to be successful, your first line of action should be to check if your internet is working properly as it should with some other device. If it is, ensure that your consoles are updated to the latest version and are close to the same router. If even that doesn’t work, try these steps – Plug in both devices to the same connection and move them close to each other. Turn off receiving on the new/receiver console and start the sending process on the old device. Follow all the steps until it starts looking for a device to send the transfer data to. Turn on receiving on the receiver console, select it on your old device and you’ll be good to go.
Error Code 003-1101
- Severity: Moderate
- Problem Category: Network
003-1101 Error Explained: This error occurs when your 3DS can’t connect to the internet, disallowing you to use online features.
How to solve 003-1101: As usual, check if your internet is working properly with some other device – a smartphone or a laptop should do the trick. If it is, make sure that you have entered the correct credentials, like your WiFi’s name and password, on your 3DS system. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, we recommend changing the 802.11 mode on your router to either 802.11 b/g or 802.11 b/g/n and it should fix your issue. We have provided a guide on the same in our ‘first steps’’ section.
If the problem persists: Nintendo recommends that you set up port forwarding on your router for your console as a last resort. Doing this can be a bit complicated but, as always, our detailed guide in the ‘first steps’’ section can guide you throughout the process. If even that doesn’t work, your only option is to contact Nintendo Support.
Error Code 009-2913
- Severity: Moderate
- Problem Category: Network
009-2913 Error Explained: This error occurs when you can’t update your Mii Plaza due to connection issues.
How to solve 009-2913: Similar to the solution above, check if your internet is working properly and if Nintendo’s servers are down for maintenance. A temporary and extremely easy solution to this problem is simply using a different internet connection such as a public WiFi or your mobile hotspot to finish the update for the time being. For a permanent solution however, you should try changing your router settings so that the 802.11 mode is set to either 802.11 b/g or 802.11 b/g/n. In case that doesn’t work either, set up port forwarding on your router adding your device’s own IP address. Both these steps have been explained in detail in the ‘first steps’’ section above.
If the problem persists: Contact Nintendo Support with your router and network information so that they can help you out.
Error Code 022-5540
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
022-5540 Error Explained: This error occurs when you can’t connect to online services properly, especially those that are connected to your Nintendo ID such as the Mii Plaza or the Nintendo eShop.
How to solve 022-5540: If you have changed DNS settings while fixing any other network-related error code on the list, now is the time you go back and change them again. As always, you can do this by following our guide in the basic steps section. Some users have reported that the problem just pops up from time to time and is actually an issue from Nintendo’s side. You can try contacting Nintendo support to see if they can provide any assistance.
Error Code 006-0112
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
006-0112 Error Explained: This error occurs when you are playing a Pokemon title on your console and can’t connect to Pokemon Bank due to connection issues.
How to solve 006-0112: The first thing you should do is check if your router is working as it should since this error mostly stems from bad connectivity issues. Try restarting your router and connecting again just to be safe. If it still doesn’t work, try connecting again after a few hours since it might be an issue from Nintendo’s side. If even that doesn’t work, change your DNS settings to their default versions i.e. set them to ‘Auto Obtain’ and switch them back to custom DNS settings if that doesn’t work. You can try a number of DNS servers including the one from Google (8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1/1.0.0.1). Refer to the ‘first steps’ section to understand how to access and change your console’s DNS settings.
Error Code 022-2591
- Severity: Severe
- Problem Category: Network
022-2591 Error Explained: This error occurs when you are trying to sign into your existing NNID on a new 3DS family system.
How to solve 022-2591: Nintendo recommends that you double check if you are entering the right login information. Many people often confuse NNID with a normal Nintendo Account and consequently enter incorrect signup data. Additionally, one of the main causes of this error is when you are trying to log into the NNID of a new 3DS when you are already logged into an older 3DS. If that’s the case, then you can simply do a system transfer from your old console to your new one and it’ll copy over your login data as well. If, for some reason, you don’t have access to the old console, you need to contact Nintendo Support. They will ask you for the NNID’s username, password, email, and brief list of games attached to the ID. They will also need the serial number of the 3DS system that you want to log into but once it’s done, you’ll be able to enjoy using your NNID on a brand new device.
Error Code 022-5515
- Severity: Moderate
- Problem Category: Network
022-5515 Error Explained: This error occurs when you can’t connect to Nintendo’s network services due to connection issues.
How to solve 022-5515: Oftentimes, the error occurs solely because of an issue from Nintendo’s side which is why their primary recommended solution is checking if their servers are up on their Network Status page. If their servers are up but you still can’t connect, restart your router letting it fully discharge for a few minutes and then waiting a few more minutes again when you turn it on so that it syncs properly. In case even that doesn’t help, try changing your default DNS settings to custom ones offered by Google or Cloudflare or vice versa if you already have custom DNS settings. We provide a detailed way to do this in our ‘first steps’’ section.
Error Code 022-2613
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
022-2613 Error Explained: This error occurs when you enter incorrect login data for your NNID.
How to solve 022-2613: There is no official solution to the problem yet but there are a few different things you can try to fix it. The first and foremost thing you should do is check if your login information is correct. You can try logging into your NNID from your computer to check this. Additionally, it’s easy to confuse your NNID and your Nintendo account – make sure that you are entering the correct account’s password. If even that doesn’t work, check if your NNID is linked to an older 3DS. In case it is, you will need to do a system transfer from the older console or ask Nintendo’s Customer Support to delink it from the older system and relink it on the new one if you don’t have physical access to it. You’ll have to answer a few questions regarding your account’s username, password, email, and brief list of games attached to the ID but by the end you should be able to successfully login into your console.
Error Code 001-0502
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
001-0502 Error Explained: This error occurs when you can’t access online features because of network issues.
How to solve 001-0502: As always, check if Nintendo’s servers are up and aren’t going through maintenance. If they are, wait for a few hours until they are back online again. If they aren’t, check if your own internet is working properly with some other device like a smartphone or a laptop. If even your own internet is working fine, restart your console and router, turn them back on and try connecting again. In case nothing else works, you can try using mobile hotspots or other WiFi networks. This is a temporary solution that can help you access Nintendo’s online features for the time being.
Error Code 005-4270
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
005-4270 Error Explained: This error occurs when you are attempting to access the Nintendo eShop or attempting to download a software title or application.
How to solve 005-4270: Check the Network Status page to see if Nintendo’s servers are up, and if they aren’t, wait for a few hours until the maintenance period is over. If they are, turn off your router and console, let them discharge for a few minutes, turn them back on in that order and let them sync properly. If even that doesn’t work, go into your 3DS’s ‘Connection Settings’, select the connection file you are using and change the DNS settings in the file from default to custom ones or custom to default, if you’ve already changed them before. There is a detailed guide on how to do this in our ‘first steps’ section.
Error Code 006-0502
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
006-0502 Error Explained: This error occurs when you are attempting to access the Nintendo eShop or download an application.
How to solve 006-0502: Just like other network errors, make sure that Nintendo’s servers aren’t going through maintenance and that your router is working fine. If it is, try changing the DNS settings on your console to different servers to see if any of them work for you. Remember, there is a detailed guide for this in our ‘first steps’ section above. Alternatively, you can also try using another WiFi signal or a mobile hotspot to temporarily fix the issue.
Error Code 005-4305
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
005-4305 Error Explained: This error occurs when you are trying to download something from the 3DS eShop.
How to solve 005-4305: Ever since the release of the news that the 3DS eShop is going down, Nintendo’s servers have been going down for maintenance and getting overloaded with traffic more frequently. That’s why one of the easiest solutions to this error is just waiting for a few hours and trying the download again. In case that doesn’t work, try powering off your router, let it discharge for a few minutes and then turn it back on again letting it sync properly. Do the same for your console and see if it fixes the issue. If it doesn’t, you can try changing the DNS settings of your 3DS with the help of our guide in the ‘first steps’ section. You can also try using other WiFi networks or your mobile hotspot to see if it works.
Error Code 003-1099
- Severity: Moderate
- Problem Category: Network
003-1099 Error Explained: This error code appears when the Nintendo 3DS system can not detect a wireless access point.
How to solve 003-1099: Check if your router is working properly with some other device with the most ideal ones being your smartphone or laptop. If it is, go to the ‘Connection Settings’ in your 3DS, remove your current connection file and then add a new one minding each and every detail. You might also want to remove any obstacles that can block your signal as well as stay close to your router as much as feasibly possible to ensure maximum signal strength. If your console is still giving you the same error, you can try adding your IP address and DNS server manually in the connection file. To do this, log into your computer or laptop (that is on the same connection), go to your command prompt and type ‘ipconfig’. Your IP address is the IPv4 address and it should look like something like this – 192.168.xxx.xx. Once you’ve found it, enter the exact same address on your connection file. When the setup asks you for DNS servers, go to the guide in our ‘first steps’ section and follow the steps.
Error Code 003-1102
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
003-1102 Error Explained: This error code indicates that your device isn’t connected to the internet properly or that there is a server issue.
How to solve 003-1102: If you are setting up a new connection on your console to your router for the first time and you get this error, make sure that you’ve entered the correct SSID (i.e. network name) and password. If that doesn’t work either, the likely cause of the problem is that your router is set to the incorrect 802.11 mode. The 3DS does not support 802.11 n or 802.11 g/n in a connection and you need to change the mode to 802.11b/g or 802.11b/g/n so that it connects properly. We have a detailed guide on how to do this in our ‘first steps’ section.
Error Code 005-4040
- Severity: Severe
- Problem Category: Network
005-4040 Error Explained: This error occurs when you are trying to access the Nintendo eShop and your connection gets timed out.
How to solve 005-4040: It’s important to note that by the time you are reading this, there is a very high chance that the 3DS eShop has already been closed. If you are trying to access the digital store in hopes of purchasing a new game, the unfortunate news is that you simply can’t anymore (unless Nintendo re-opens the eShop in the foreseeable future. However, you can still re-download previously purchased titles from the store and use physical cartridges for getting new titles.
Error Code 022-5548
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
022-5548 Error Explained: This error occurs when you are trying to access Nintendo’s online services or downloading a title from the eShop.
How to solve 022-5548: Check if Nintendo’s servers are down through their Network Status page and if your router is working properly. If that doesn’t work, try doing a power reset on your router with the help of our guide in the ‘first steps’ section. Do the same for your console before turning it on and trying to connect it again. If even that doesn’t work, go to your 3DS’s connection settings and then change the DNS settings to custom ones offered by Google or Cloudflare. If you have already configured the settings before, try changing them back to default again and see if it does the trick. You can also use another WiFi network or a mobile hotspot for a temporary fix.
Error Code 001-0102
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
001-0102 Error Explained: This error occurs when you get disconnected from Nintendo’s network services.
How to solve 001-0102: One of the most common causes for this error code is Nintendo’s server maintenance. If you haven’t already, check Nintendo’s Status page to see if the servers are down. You can also try waiting a few hours for the maintenance period to get over. If your console still has trouble connecting, restart your 3DS and your router and let them discharge properly. Turn the router back on first, let it sync for a few minutes and then connect your device to see if the issue has been resolved.
If the problem persists: Go into your system’s ‘Connection Settings’, select the connection file you are connected to, and then select ‘Change Settings’. Click the right arrow, find and select the field for ‘MTU Value’, tap the back arrow to clear the previous values and enter a new value of ‘1300’. Select ‘OK’, ‘Save’ and then ‘OK’ again and you’ll be good to go. Be sure to test the connection before you try Nintendo’s online services again.
Error Code 001-0811
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
001-0811 Error Explained: This error pops up when Nintendo’s servers are down or there was some problem while connecting to the servers.
How to solve 001-0811: The first thing you should try is powering off your console, letting it discharge for a few seconds and then turning it back on again. If that doesn’t work, check if Nintendo’s servers are undergoing maintenance through their official Network Status page.
Error Code 022-5531
- Severity: Minor to Moderate
- Problem Category: Network
022-5531 Error Explained: This error is mainly caused by Nintendo’s server maintenance when you are trying to connect to online services.
How to solve 022-5531: To check if Nintendo servers are undergoing maintenance, go to their Network Status page and look out for any notice or information. Even though the error says that there is a connection issue on your side, more often than not it’s Nintendo’s own servers that are down. Wait for a few hours and you’ll be good to go. If that doesn’t work, try resetting your router and changing the DNS settings on your console. A detailed guide to both of these is given in the ‘first steps’ section above.
Error Code 007-2913
- Severity: Moderate
- Problem Category: Network
007-2913 Error Explained: This error occurs when your eShop game download gets interrupted because of connection issues.
How to solve 007-2913: Make sure that your WiFi is working properly by checking it with some other device. If you haven’t done so already, update your console to the latest firmware version. If that doesn’t fix the issue, log into your router settings through a web browser, search for firewall settings and temporarily disable them. Alternatively, you can try using another WiFi network or a mobile hotspot as a temporary solution to finish the download. Another important tip you might not know is that you can easily continue your downloads from where they stopped after getting the error. To do this, go to your Nintendo eShop, scroll through the settings on the left until you see ‘Settings/Other’. Select it, then find the ‘Redownloadable Software’ menu and then select ‘Redownload’ on the game you want to download again. Now simply select ‘Download’ and then ‘Download later’, and you’ll be good to go after a while.
Error Code 006-0811
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
006-0811 Error Explained: This error appears when your console is unable to connect to a game’s online service and indicates that Nintendo’s servers are down for maintenance.
How to solve 006-0811: Check the Network Status page offered by Nintendo to see if the servers are down for maintenance. Wait for a few hours and try connecting again to see if you still get the issue.
If the problem persists: Contact Nintendo Support immediately.
Error Code 009-2916
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
009-2916 Error Explained: This error occurs when you are trying to download a game title or a game update from the eShop and the connection gets timed out.
How to solve 009-2916: Unlike other systems, the 3DS allows you to simply continue your download from where they last failed. If your download attempts are continuously getting stopped, go to the Nintendo eShop, head into ‘Settings/Other’, select ‘Redownloadable Software’ and then ‘Redownload’ next to the game you wish to download. Select ‘Download’ and then ‘Download Later’. The download will begin when your console enters sleep mode – leave it alone for a while and check back after an hour or two.
If the problem persists: Access your router’s settings through your web browser and search for your Firewall settings. Once you’ve found it, disable your router’s firewall temporarily, restart your console and see if it helps. You can also try using another WiFi connection or mobile hotspot as a temporary download solution.
Error Code 005-4240
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
005-4240 Error Explained: This error occurs when you try to access the Nintendo eShop and indicates there is a service issue.
How to solve 005-4240: Check if Nintendo’s servers are down through their Network Status page. If they are, wait for a few hours until the maintenance period is over and you’ll be good to go. If they aren’t, restart your console and try entering the eShop again to see if you still get the same issue. If you haven’t done so already, make sure that your console is up-to-date with the latest firmware update.
Error Code 003-2001
- Severity: Moderate
- Problem Category: Network
003-2001 Error Explained: This error indicates that your Nintendo 3DS family system is connected to your wireless router but was unable to connect to the Internet.
How to solve 003-2001: First things first – check if your router is working properly with some other device like your laptop or smartphone. Ensure that your console is as close to the router as feasibly possible and there is no interference in the way. If that doesn’t work, power reset your router (check our ‘first steps’ section to see how to properly do so) and then restart your console. If even that doesn’t help, change the DNS settings in your connection file. If they are default, change them to custom DNS servers like the ones from Google or Cloudflare and if they are custom servers, change them to the default option ‘Auto-obtain’. If you are confused, we also have a guide on this in our ‘first steps’ section.
Error Code 007-2100
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
007-2100 Error Explained: This error code occurs when there is a connection problem accessing the Nintendo eShop.
How to solve 007-2100: As always, make sure that your router is working properly as it should by testing it with some other device such as your smartphone or laptop. Ensure there is minimal interference between your console and router and that it’s as close to the router as feasible. If that doesn’t help, try power resetting your router and restart your router – you can find detailed steps on how to power reset your console in the ‘first steps’ section of our guide. If you are still getting the error, change the DNS settings of your console to default if they are custom, or to custom servers if they are default. Again, our guide explains how to do this in better detail.
If the problem persists: Access your router’s settings through a web browser by entering your IP address and router login information. Once you’re in, find your router’s firewall settings and disable them temporarily. Restart your console and connect again to see if the issue persists. You can also try using another WiFi connection or a mobile hotspot to see if it helps.
Error Code 007-2916
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Network
007-2916 Error Explained: This error indicates there was a connection problem that stopped your eShop download.
How to solve 007-2916: Clear out your router as the culprit first by checking if it’s working properly. If it is, try restarting your download and see if it gets stopped again. In case it does, go into your Nintendo eShop settings, find ‘Redownloadable Software’, select ‘Redownload’ on the game that you are trying to download and select ‘Download Later’ when you are prompted for it. Simply let your 3DS stay idle for a while until it goes to sleep mode and it’ll start downloading the game.
If the problem persists: Try disabling your router’s firewall for a while to see if it helps resolve the issue. To do this, access your router’s settings through a web browser, find the section for firewall settings and click disable. Save the settings, restart your console and your issue should be resolved.
Nintendo 3DS General Related Error Codes
Apart from the internet and payment issues, the 3DS also suffers from a few common general error codes that often stem from download codes. This section will help you explain how to resolve these errors and finally activate the code you bought with your hard-earned money.
Error Code 026-6561
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Miscellaneous
026-6561 Error Explained: This error occurs when Nintendo’s eShop can’t recognize your download code.
How to solve 026-6561: Before you do anything else, check if your code has been activated first. The cashier at the retail store you purchased your download code at is supposed to activate it for you and only then you’ll be able to use it. If your cashier didn’t let you know or if you are unsure, it’s a good idea to call the store or the retailer directly and ask them for a confirmation. If you’ve confirmed the code is activated but it still won’t get redeemed, make sure that you are entering it correctly. It’s extremely easy to make typing mistakes between similar letters and symbols like O and 0, W and VV, S and 5, etc. Note that not a single download code uses o, i and z.
If the problem persists: Ensure that you are adding the code in the right place. If it’s a theme code, you need to activate it in the theme shop. If it’s a funds code, you need to activate it in the ‘Add funds’ section of the menu. If it’s a game download code for a DLC or additional content, you either need to activate it in the eShop, in the game’s main menu or during normal gameplay. For example, the Fire Emblem games only lets you activate the download codes after Chapter 6 while the Monster Hunter Generation series you the option in the main menu itself or in the theme shop.
Error Code 007-1221
- Severity: Minor
- Problem Category: Miscellaneous
007-1221 Error Explained: This error occurs when you try to redeem a download code within the eShop.
How to solve 007-1221: It’s important to note that not all download codes are redeemed the same way. While the majority of them can be redeemed through the eShop to get extra content for a game, some games simply have a different way of redeeming them. For example, Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright’s download code for the ‘Conquest’ DLC can only be activated through a shop that unlocks after chapter 6, Monster Hunter Stories has an in-game menu for DLC content and Monster Hunter Generations’ download code can be activated through the Theme Shop’s settings, which are on the top left corner of the main menu. Make sure you check the software manual for the download code to check how to activate or ask the seller for more information.
Nintendo 3DS Payment Related Error Codes
Due to Nintendo’s decision to pull the plug for the 3DS family system’s eShop on March 27th 2023, it’s not really possible anymore to make any form of digital payments. But since we wanted our guide to be comprehensive, we still included a common error code related to payment issues.
Error Code 026-7511
- Severity: Severe
- Problem Category: Payment
026-7511 Error Explained: This error indicates that there was a problem purchasing a game with your credit card either because of incorrect info or unsupported cards.
How to solve 026-7511: Unless the transaction has been completed from your bank’s side and the funds have been withdrawn, the best solution to this error is simply purchasing eShop gift cards, adding the funds to your account and purchasing the title you want. Or atleast, it was the best solution until March 27th 2023 when the eShop was closed forever. You can’t purchase digital titles from the eShop anymore – not until Nintendo goes back on their decision and starts the service again. However, you can still get game cartridges from retail stores – just don’t expect them to be cheaper than before since the eShop’s ban will likely hike physical game prices for the upcoming years.