Nintendo Switch Error Code 2813-5001 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 2813-5001 means your Nintendo Switch could not complete a download or software update. The connection to Nintendo's download servers was interrupted before the download finished. This is almost always a network issue or a temporary problem on Nintendo's end.

Affected Models

Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch OLED

Common Causes

Your Wi-Fi connection was interrupted or dropped during the download
Nintendo's download servers are experiencing high traffic or a temporary outage
Your microSD card ran out of space while the download was in progress
Your router dropped the connection briefly, which is enough to cancel a large download
The Switch entered sleep mode in a way that interrupted the download mid-transfer

How to Fix It

Check your available storage. Go to System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software and confirm you have enough free space for the download.

Games need their full install size plus some extra buffer during extraction. Running out mid-download causes this error.
Cancel the failed download and restart it. On the home screen, press A on the game icon > Software Update, or go to the Nintendo eShop to restart the download.

The Switch can resume partial downloads, so restarting usually picks up close to where it left off.
Move closer to your Wi-Fi router and retry the download. A weak signal is the most common cause of download failures.

For large game downloads over 5 GB, a stable connection is critical. Even brief signal drops can abort the transfer.
Set your Switch to download in sleep mode. Go to System Settings > Sleep Mode and enable Maintain Internet Connection in Sleep Mode. Then leave the Switch to download overnight.

Downloads in sleep mode are unattended and benefit from Nintendo's servers being less busy at night.
Check Nintendo's server status for any announced maintenance. Visit nintendo.com on your phone to look for service notices.

If maintenance is scheduled, wait until it is over and then retry the download.

When to Call a Professional

Error 2813-5001 is a connectivity error and does not require repair. If downloads consistently fail even on a stable connection, contact Nintendo Support at 1-800-255-3700 to check for account or server-side issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay again if my download failed partway through?

No. A failed download does not charge you again. Your purchase is tied to your Nintendo Account. You can restart the download as many times as needed from the eShop or your download queue.

Can I download games while the Switch screen is off?

Yes — this is actually the best way to download large games. Enable Maintain Internet Connection in Sleep Mode under System Settings > Sleep Mode. The Switch will continue downloading in the background even with the screen off and in your bag.

How much storage does the Nintendo Switch have built-in?

The original Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED have 32 GB and 64 GB of internal storage respectively. The Switch Lite has 32 GB. After the operating system, only about 25 GB (Switch) or 56 GB (OLED) is available for games. Most users benefit significantly from adding a microSD card.