Learning how to add friends on Nintendo Switch is essential for anyone who wants to enjoy multiplayer games, share game highlights, or stay connected with family and fellow gamers. The Nintendo Switch offers a unique blend of local and online play. However, its social features require setup before you can send or accept friend requests. Unlike some consoles, the Switch uses a hybrid system involving usernames, friend codes, and the Nintendo Switch Online app. Getting started takes a few steps, but once you understand the process, connecting becomes second nature.
Moreover, adding friends unlocks many features. You can join online lobbies in games like Splatoon 3, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. You can also see what your friends are playing and send voice messages through compatible apps. Whether you’re a parent linking with a child or a player joining a gaming community, knowing how to add friends on Nintendo Switch enhances your experience. Transitioning from solo play to social gaming starts with a single friend request.
Understanding the Nintendo Switch Friend System
How Friend Codes and Online Accounts Work
To add friends on the Nintendo Switch, you need a Nintendo Account linked to your console. This account ties your profile to online services. Without it, you cannot send or receive friend requests. Once logged in, each user has a unique Friend Code—a 12-digit number used to find other players.
Nintendo uses this code system instead of usernames to protect privacy. You can share your code with trusted contacts. Others enter it in the “Add Friend” menu to send a request. No one can add you without your code, reducing spam and unwanted connections.
You can find your Friend Code in the Home Menu. Go to your user icon, select “Profile,” and scroll down. It appears at the bottom of the screen. Save it somewhere safe or show it to friends during play sessions.
Some games support in-game invites. For example, Animal Crossing: New Horizons lets players exchange codes at Nook Miles terminals. Splatoon 3 allows adding friends after battles if you played together.
The system avoids open searching. This keeps interactions secure and intentional.
Transitioning from anonymous play to personal connections requires trust and setup.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Friends on Nintendo Switch
Using Friend Codes from the Console Menu
Adding a friend using their code is straightforward. From the Home Menu, open your user icon in the top-left corner. Select “Add Friend.” Then choose “Enter a Friend Code.”
Use the on-screen keypad to type the 12-digit code. Double-check for accuracy. A single wrong number results in an error. Once entered, select “Send Friend Request.” The system verifies the code and sends the invite.
The other player receives a notification. They must accept the request to complete the connection. Until then, you remain pending. You can cancel the request at any time.
If the request fails, check the code again. Ensure the other user hasn’t blocked requests or deleted their account. Internet connection issues can also delay delivery.
You can view your sent requests in the “Friends” menu. It shows pending, accepted, and blocked statuses.
This method works for distant friends. It’s ideal for connecting with people online or across time zones.
Transitioning from strangers to linked players starts with a simple code exchange.
Alternative Methods to Add Friends
Using Nearby Connections and In-Game Features
Besides Friend Codes, the Nintendo Switch offers other ways to add friends. The “Find Friends” option in the Friends menu lets you connect with nearby players. If someone is within local wireless range, their name appears on your screen. Tap to send a request instantly.
This works well during local gatherings. Bring your Switch to a friend’s house. Sit close and enable local communication. Both consoles must have local wireless on. This feature is disabled by default in Parental Controls.
Some games include built-in friend systems. Splatoon 3 displays teammates after matches. Tap their name to add them directly. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe shows recent players under “Ghost Data.” Select to send a request.
The Nintendo Switch Online app also helps. Download it from your phone’s app store. Sign in with your Nintendo Account. Go to the “Friends” tab. Scan QR codes from other users. This speeds up the process.
Parents can use the app to approve or decline requests for child accounts. This adds a safety layer.
Transitioning from manual entry to quick scans makes adding friends faster and easier.
Managing Your Friends List
Organizing, Removing, and Blocking Contacts
Once you’ve learned how to add friends on Nintendo Switch, managing them is just as important. Open the Friends menu from the Home screen. Scroll through your list to see who is online, what they’re playing, or if they’ve sent messages.
To remove a friend, select their name. Choose “Remove Friend.” Confirm the action. This cuts the connection. You can re-add them later if needed.
Blocking is an option for unwanted contacts. Select the profile. Tap “Block User.” They can no longer send requests or view your status. This is useful for strangers or disruptive players.
You can also hide your online status. Go to System Settings > Parental Controls > Online Settings. Choose “Let’s Play Settings.” Pick “Don’t Show.” Others won’t see when you’re playing.
Sort your list by recent activity or alphabetically. This helps find active friends quickly.
Set notifications for when friends come online. These alerts keep you updated.
Transitioning from a cluttered list to an organized one improves your social experience.
Playing Together After Adding Friends
Joining Games and Using Voice Chat
Adding friends unlocks multiplayer fun. In supported games, go to online mode. Select “Play with Friends.” Choose a friend from your list. Send a session invite. They receive a notification and can join instantly.
For Animal Crossing: New Horizons, visit friends’ islands using Dodo Airlines. Enter their Dodo Code or select them from your list. You can trade items, decorate, or explore together.
Splatoon 3 allows squad battles with friends. Create a team before entering Turf War or Anarchy Battles. Use voice chat through the Nintendo Switch Online app. Speak clearly during matches.
Some games require all players to own the title. Others support cross-play. Check game details before inviting.
Share screenshots and videos via the album. Send them directly to friends. Comment on their posts for interaction.
Playing together strengthens bonds and improves teamwork.
Transitioning from solo mode to shared adventures brings new joy.
Privacy and Safety Tips for Adding Friends
Keeping Kids and Personal Data Secure
Safety matters when learning how to add friends on Nintendo Switch. Parental Controls let you restrict friend requests. Disable them for young children. Only allow approved contacts via the Nintendo Switch Online app.
Teach kids not to share friend codes publicly. Avoid posting them on social media or forums. Only exchange with real-life friends or trusted groups.
Enable filtering for chat and communication. This blocks inappropriate messages. Use restricted profiles for children under 13.
Review friend lists regularly. Remove unknown or suspicious users. Monitor online time and activity.
Nintendo does not support private messaging on the console. All communication happens through external apps or in-game functions. This limits exposure.
Report abuse through Nintendo’s support site. Provide codes and timestamps. The team reviews each case.
Transitioning from open access to controlled connections protects your family.
Troubleshooting Common Friend-Adding Issues
Fixing Errors, Connection Problems, and Delays
Many users face issues when trying to add friends. A common error says, “Could not connect to the server.” Check your internet connection. Test it in System Settings. Restart your router if needed.
If a code doesn’t work, verify it again. The sender may have read it wrong. Ensure no spaces or extra numbers are entered.
Pending requests may take hours to appear. Rarely, they disappear. Ask the other user to resend. Server delays happen during updates or high traffic.
You might see “User Not Found.” This means the code is invalid or the account doesn’t exist. Confirm the user has a linked Nintendo Account.
Some users can’t receive requests. Check System Settings > Profile > Friend Settings. Ensure “Receive Friend Requests” is turned on.
If your console is outdated, update the system software. Older versions may lack full online features.
Transitioning from frustration to solution requires patience and checks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adding Friends
Can I add someone without a Friend Code? No. Codes are required unless you use nearby detection.
Can I message friends on the Switch? Not directly. Use the Nintendo Switch Online app for voice or text.
Why can’t I see my friend’s game? They may have privacy settings on. Ask them to adjust.
Do both players need Nintendo Switch Online? Yes, for most online multiplayer games.
Can I add friends on a different region console? Yes. Region doesn’t block friend codes.
How many friends can I have? Up to 100 on one profile.
Can I transfer friends to a new console? Yes. Link your Nintendo Account to the new device.
Is adding friends free? Yes. No extra cost beyond online subscription for games.
Final Thoughts on How to Add Friends on Nintendo Switch
Mastering how to add friends on Nintendo Switch opens up a world of shared gaming, connection, and fun. From exchanging Friend Codes to playing together in your favorite titles, the process strengthens your experience. Whether you’re teaming up with family or linking with global players, each connection enhances your Switch journey.
With privacy tools, multiple methods, and easy management, Nintendo makes social gaming safe and simple. Make the most of your console by building your network today. Start adding friends—and turn every game into a shared adventure.