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The online tool to automatically generate the unlock code for my Switch
| There is an online tool that generates the “master key” (unlock code) for 3DS, Wii U, and Switch parental controls. |
| As we have just explained, normally you have to contact Nintendo and explain the situation, or have it sent by email to the account holder. |
| The main advantage of this tool over others is that it supports newer platforms. |
| To use it, you just need to have the application number displayed on the device. In some cases (v0 / v1 / v2) the date present on the system is also required. |
| For algorithm v4 (see below) the console device ID must be provided in the additional data field. |
| The required algorithm will be automatically selected based on your input. |
The master key generation site is Mkey.salthax.org.
It is compatible with the following Switches:
- Versions 1.0.0 -> 7.0.1: all regions (v3)
- Versions 8.0.0 -> 10.0.1: all regions (v4) – requires device ID in additional data field
With v4 (Switch 8.0.0+), Nintendo changed its algorithm to require a unique identifier of the device, stored on the console, which can be difficult to obtain without tapping into the console.
How to bypass Nintendo Switch parental controls?
A while back I wrote an article on the root of this problem called “Your Kids Aren’t Smarter Than You, Just More Motivated”.
In the case of the Nintendo Switch hackers, they went to a website that literally generates the switch master key by typing the request number on the site.
- First, enter the wrong key about six times in a row.
- Enter the wrong PIN code enough times in a row.
- Then you will get a warning telling you that you entered the wrong PIN too often, wait 30 minutes before trying again.
- At this point, at the bottom of the screen on the right side, there are three options: Help, Switch to keyboard input, and Close. Select the middle option.
- When you return to the disabled login screen, tap the “More” button at the top right, near the X button.
- You will then get a new screen about disabling parental controls, scroll down. You will find your application number there.
- Press the PLUS button to get the inquiry number
- Fifth, on any device with a browser, navigate to the site: mkey.salthax.org. There you will find some simple questions to answer, the type of device, the date of the system and the number of the request.
- Fill in all of these boxes including the Inquiry number which is now present on the Switch screen, again from step four above. This will generate a master key.
- Enter the request number in the illicit web page to get a fake master key.
- Enter the master key generated in the browser in step five in the Switch master key box. The switch will ask you for a new PIN code, and after entering a new PIN code of your choice, you can immediately temporarily deactivate all parental controls.
Always remember that your kids are not smarter than you, but more motivated.
- Stay vigilant
- stay engaged
- and remember if they keep quiet they are probably up to something wrong
How to reset and remove Switch parental controls
- The parental control help screen (by pressing + PIN code entry screen) takes you to a screen with recovery instructions.
- Scrolling down also shows you a page with a link to a reset.
- This screen varies between update versions, but it always includes an application number and a button to enter the serial number from the console.
- This key is provided by Nintendo and you must enter it to reset your Parental Controls PIN.
- With this information, you can go to the Nintendo PIN reset page.
Switch PIN code change request number
- The page needs your home location. Depending on your region, Nintendo will ask you to contact support for your reset process.
- Then the page checks your serial number and your application number.
- You must agree to Nintendo’s terms before proceeding.
- Nintendo will ask you to accept its charter and verify your card.
Final parade: hack the Switch
Last solution: brutally hack the Switch by inserting a program that will reset the parental code.
For this method, you need a memory card that you can insert into your Switch.
You will need to copy this program to this memory card, which will flash the console. You therefore need both a memory card and a card reader to be able to access it from your computer.
The problem is that the program has not been updated since April 2020 and it will not necessarily work on the version of your Switch.
Using parental controls on Nintendo Switch
The Switch offers several parental control options. While it is possible to restrict the games your child plays from the console, you can also exercise more control over their playing time remotely from your smartphone or tablet using the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, available on Android. and iOS. By creating a Nintendo Child Account, you will also be able to choose whether or not to restrict access to and purchases made on Nintendo eShop.
♦ Note: Parental control restrictions apply to a console (except for purchases which are linked to a Nintendo Account) and not to a specific user. If several children use the same console, it is therefore impossible to apply restrictions specific to each of them.
If you also use the console yourself, you will of course be able to override these restrictions by using a secret code. All you have to do is press the orange button (Remaining time) located at the top center of the console screen to enter the code and thus temporarily deactivate parental controls until the next stop or standby. of the device.
Step 1: set up parental controls on the console
In the Switch main menu, tap the icon .
Navigate the menu to access and press .
The next page invites you to download the application Contrôle parental Nintendo Switch on your smartphone or tablet. If you do not have such a device or if you do not want to use the application, simply press the button X to directly access the console’s parental control settings.
If the app is already installed on your device, select – See as well Step 2: set up parental controls on a connected device.
Press on on the next screen.
You can then determine the parental control restriction level in detail on your own or by opting for one of the three predefined settings: Adolescent (child up to 16 years old), Child (up to 12 years) and Young child (up to 7 years). Each of them offers restrictions adapted to the age group of your child. To do this, press to open a drop-down menu.
- Adolescent : only blocks software rated 17 years and older based on the rating GO.
- Child: blocks software rated 13 years and older based on the rating GO and prohibits the publication of screenshots and videos on social networks as well as communication between online users (messages, chat, etc.)
- Young child: blocks software rated 13 years and older based on the rating GO and prohibits the posting of screenshots and videos on social networks as well as communication between users online. Also prohibits the use of VR mode (3D view) offered by some software.
If none of these profiles are suitable for you or if you want to further define the parental control settings, select . You can then determine the following parameters.
⇒ Blocked software (according to their PEGI classification)
Select the age classification you want for your child.
⇒ Publication of screenshots / videos (restricted or unrestricted)
Users under the age of 13 with a Nintendo Account cannot post anything regardless of these settings.
⇒ Free communication between users (restricted or unrestricted)
Here you can restrict the use of online communication functions: sending and receiving messages, voice chat, consulting and sharing any profile information and any image created or modified by a user, and this for all games or for only some of them.
⇒ VR mode (3D view) (restricted or unrestricted)
It is strongly recommended to select if the console is intended for use by a child under the age of 7 (As of summer 2019, only Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 4 – Kit VR game uses VR technology on Switch).
Finally, you will be asked to finalize the parental control settings by choosing a secret code comprising four digits (or up to eight if you use the application). The latter will be essential to change the parental control settings, reset the console and set up an Internet connection.
Step 2: set up parental controls on a connected device
Nintendo provides a free application available for smartphones and tablets on the Google Play Store and the App Store, which allows you to set up parental controls in the same way as you do from the console. Above all, it allows you to manage several consoles (if your children each have one, for example) and to limit the playing time on each of them for each day of the week.
