How to fix common problems with the Nvidia Shield 1st Generation that was released in 2015 (model number P2571). This includes the 16 GB and 500 GB models
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My controller will not connect or will not stay connected for long to my Shield
Your Shield device may be off. Make sure your Shield device is turned on by checking to see if the device’s light is turned on.
The battery in your controller might be low or dead. If the battery is low/dead, then the wireless connection to the Shield device will be weak, thus not connecting to the device. You should charge your controller, then try again. If the controller will not charge, your battery might be dead and will need to be replaced. You can check out our Battery Replacement Guide to replace your battery.
Parts: Nvidia Shield Controller Battery, Nvidia Shield Controller Charging Cable
If the controller is not accurately executing the commands your are telling it to, it may not be in sync. Touch and hold the power button on the Shield’s device until the “connect accessory” screen appears on your TV and the light on the device is flashing. Make sure your controller is unplugged, then touch and hold the NVIDIA button on your controller until it flashes. The controller should connect after a few moments. If the button did not flash, please charge your controller then try again. Try holding Back + Home + the Shield button (or mic for the remote) for 15 seconds to “reboot” the controller. You’ll notice the lights blink a slightly different pattern when it restarts.
Ensure that you do not try to connect too many controllers to the device. The connection limit for a single Shield’s device is four Shield controllers.
Make sure your Shield controller is updated. To manually check for updates, navigate to Settings > About > System Upgrade.
Whenever I turn on my Shield, a black screen appears with the text “No Output”
Ensure that the HDMI is securely plugged into the corresponding spots on both the Nvidia Shield and the TV or monitor. If the HDMI is plugged into the correct spot and there is still a black screen, try a different HDMI cord as the one you are using may not be functioning properly.
Part: HDMI Cable
It could be possible that the port on the Nvidia Shield that connects to the TV is damaged. In this case, you would have to replace the entire I/O board that holds all the ports within the Nvidia Shield, as they are all connected. Please check out the I/O Board Replacement Guide. Note that it could also be your TV’s ports that may be damaged.
If you are certain that the HDMI is plugged in correctly, you may have a faulty motherboard. You must replace the motherboard completely. Please check out the Motherboard Replacement Guide on how to replace it.
I can’t get any sound to play through my TV or the sound is not in sync when connected to my Shield
Volume may be muted on the television, ensure the volume is up.
If the audio does not seem to be accurate with what is being seen on the screen, your audio is probably out of sync. Go into the advanced settings found within the Shield interface and select Audio Video Sync and use the slider to properly adjust the sound so it matches and is in sync.
The HDMI plug, which displays the visuals and audio onto the TV, may not be properly secured to either the TV or the Shield. Ensure that the plug is properly connected to the TV and the Shield. If it continues to not work, the ports on the shield may be damaged. In this case, the I/O Board with all the ports must be replaced as they are on the same piece. Please check out the I/O Board Replacement Guide.
Ensure that the device’s software is completely up to date, if not try updating it. To manually check for updates, navigate to Settings > About > System Upgrade in your device. If your device is up to date and there is still no sound, try completely unplugging and restarting your Shield. If nothing above works, a factory reset may fix the problem.
No matter how many times I push the power button, my controller will not turn on
Your controller may have a low battery. Try plugging in your controller to charge.
You controller may not be paired to your Shield device. To pair your device, touch and hold the power button on the Shield’s device until the “connect accessory” screen appears on your TV and the light on the device is flashing. Make sure your controller is unplugged, then touch and hold the NVIDIA button on your controller until it flashes. The controller should connect after a few moments. If that doesn’t work, try holding Back + Home + the Shield button (or mic for the remote) for 15 seconds to “reboot” the controller. You’ll notice the lights blink a slightly different pattern when it restarts.
Your charging cable may be defective and not work. Make sure the cable is not damaged and there are no protruding wires. If so, you will need to buy another charging cable.
Part: Nvidia Shield Controller Charging Cable
Your battery in your charger might be completely dead. If so, it will need to be replaced. Please check out our Battery Replacement Guide to replace your battery.
Part: Nvidia Shield Controller Battery
My shield will not connect to my router
You may have Wi-Fi disabled on your Shield device. Make sure the Wi-Fi settings on the shield are turned on by going into your device’s settings.
The issue may arise from a problem with your router. Try changing the channel settings on your router.
