How to Unlock and Reset Nintendo DSi XL Parental Controls

Need to erase everything on your Nintendo DSi or DSi XL? Whether you’re troubleshooting, starting fresh, or passing it on to someone else, performing a factory reset on a DSi is easy—even if you forgot the parental controls PIN. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about how to reset a Nintendo DSi.

Quick Answer: How to Factory Reset a Nintendo DSi

To reset your Nintendo DSi or DSi XL to factory settings:

• From the home screen, tap the System Settings icon (wrench).
• Use the arrow to navigate to page 4.
• Select Format System Memory.
• Confirm by tapping Format again.
• Your system will erase all data and restart.

A DSi factory reset will permanently delete all system memory, including photos, saved games, and downloaded titles.

Other Tips: Deleting Photos

Unfortunately there is not an easy way to delete all of the photos at once. You need to delete each photo individually, which can be very time consuming.

The best way to delete all of the info off of a DSi is to reset it back to the factory settings, but sometimes there is a parental control password that does not allow you to reset it to factory settings.

This is how to remove the parental controls pin number so you can reset the Nintendo DSi (or XL) to factory settings:

First, go to the Nintendo system settings. It is the icon that looks like a wrench:

Scroll to the 3rd page and select “Parental Controls”:

You will see a screen that asks you to enter a 4 digit code. Select the “I Forgot” button on the bottom:

It will then bring you to a screen that asks you to answer the secret question. You do not need to know the answer. Just type in at least 6 characters and click “OK”:

It will tell you that your answer is incorrect. Click “OK”:

Repeat the last two steps a few times.

After you answer the secret question wrong 3 times in a row, the DSi will bring you to a screen with an inquiry number.

Click OK to get to the next screen.

Now you will need to visit this website: https://wii.marcan.st/parental

If that does not work, try here: https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2982/~/forgot-parental-controls-pin-on-wii

The site says that it is for resetting the Wii parental control password, but it also works with the DSi and DSi XL.

Be sure that the date on that website matches the date on your DSi. Enter the Inquiry Number from the DSi into the “Confirmation Number” box on the website.

Now enter the 5 digit code from the website into the DSi and click OK:

It will bring you to the next screen where it will give you a few options. I choose the “Clear Settings” option:

Click “Yes”:

Then go back into the DSi system settings screen from step 1 (looks like a wrench).

Scroll to the 4th page until you see “Format System Memory”:

NOTE: Formatting the system memory will delete everything off of the DSi.

Follow the steps on the screen:

Wait a few minutes for the system to restore. The DSi will shut off when it is done.

When you turn it on, you will need to enter information such as the time and date.

You will be setting it up as if you turned it on for the first time.

Now you are ready to resell the Nintendo DSi or DSi XL with no information from the previous owner.

What a Nintendo DSi Factory Reset Deletes

• A factory reset will permanently erase:
• Saved games and game data
• Downloaded software (DSiWare)
• Photos and sound recordings
• Internet and user settings
• Parental control settings
• Make sure to back up anything important before resetting.

I hope this tutorial helps. Please share this article if you found it helpful.

Common Questions About Resetting a Nintendo DSi

How do I reset a Nintendo DSi?

Navigate to System Settings → Page 4 → Format System Memory and confirm. This will factory reset your DSi.
How do I reset my DSi without a PIN?

Use the Parental Controls Master Key method to bypass the PIN. Once unlocked, you can reset the DSi from the system settings.

What is the DSi Master Key?

The DSi Master Key is a 5-digit code that unlocks parental controls. It’s generated using your Inquiry Number and current system date.

Does this work for both DSi and DSi XL?

Yes, the steps for how to reset a DSi and how to reset a Nintendo DSi XL are the same.

Final Tips for DSi Factory Reset Success

• Always double-check the system date when using the Master Key generator.
• Be patient—the formatting process takes a few minutes.
• You can follow the same process even if your DSi hasn’t been used in years.