The fastest way to add a friend on Nintendo Switch

You can add a friend on Nintendo Switch in three ways: by their user ID (a 16-digit number), by their friend code (a 12-character code), or by searching their username if you both have Nintendo Accounts linked to your consoles. The quickest method depends on whether you know the person's ID or have their code already.

To add someone by user ID, go to your profile on the home screen, select "Friends," then "Add Friend." Choose "Search with User ID" and type in their 16-digit number. If you have their friend code instead, select "Search with Friend Code" and enter the 12-character code. Both methods work when ready once you enter the correct information.

If you both have Nintendo Accounts set up on your consoles, you can search by username. This is the easiest option if you know their account name but not their ID or code. Go to Friends, select "Add Friend," choose "Search with Username," and type their name. The Switch will show you matching accounts, and you can send a request to the right person.

Key Takeaways

  • You need either a friend's 16-digit user ID, their 12-character friend code, or their Nintendo Account username to add them.
  • User ID and friend code searches work when ready and do not require the other person to have a Nintendo Account linked to their console.
  • Username search only works if both players have Nintendo Accounts set up, but it is the easiest method if you know their account name.
  • Once you send a friend request, the other person must accept it before you can play together or see their online status.
  • You can find your own user ID and friend code in your profile under "Friends" so you can share them with others.

Finding your own user ID and friend code to share

Before you add friends, you will need to share your own information with them. On your Nintendo Switch home screen, select your profile icon in the top left corner. Go to "Friends" and you will see your user ID displayed at the top of the screen — this is the 16-digit number you give to people who want to add you.

Your friend code is also in the Friends section, shown as a 12-character code. You can share either your user ID or friend code with someone, and they can use whichever one is easier for them. Both codes are permanent and unique to your profile, so you can share them as many times as you want without changing anything on your console.

Adding friends when you are in the same room

If you are sitting next to someone with a Nintendo Switch, you can add them without typing anything. Both of you go to your profile, select "Friends," then "Add Friend." Choose "Search Nearby" on both consoles. The Switch will scan for other consoles in the area and show you a list of nearby players. Select the person you want to add from the list, and the friend request goes through when ready.

This method works best when you are close together — usually within a few feet. It is faster than typing a user ID or code, and it removes the chance of making a typo. Once you both confirm the connection, you are friends and can see each other's online status and play together.

What happens after you send a friend request

When you send a friend request, the other person will see a notification on their console. They can accept or decline the request from their Friends list. Until they accept, you will not be able to see their online status, and they will not appear in your friends list.

If someone sends you a friend request, you will see it in your Friends section under "Pending." You can accept it right away, or you can leave it pending and decide later. You can also decline a request if you do not want to be friends with that person. There is no penalty for declining — the other person will straightforward see that you did not accept.

Blocking someone if you do not want to play with them

If you add someone by mistake or change your mind about being friends, you can remove them from your friends list. Go to your Friends section, find the person's name, and select "Remove Friend." They will no longer see you online, and you will not see them in your friends list.

If someone is bothering you or sending unwanted messages, you can block them instead. Go to their profile, select "Block User," and they will not be able to see you online, send you messages, or invite you to games. You can unblock someone at any time by going to your profile settings and finding them in your blocked list.

Playing with friends once you are connected

Once someone accepts your friend request, you can see when they are online and what game they are playing. From your Friends list, you can select a friend and choose "Invite to Game" if you are both playing the same title. You can also send them a message through the Switch's messaging system, though this requires both of you to have Nintendo Accounts.

Some games have their own friend systems built in, separate from your Nintendo Switch friends list. For example, you might need to add someone as a friend within the game itself to play certain modes together. Check the game's instructions to see if it has its own friend system, or ask the person you want to play with how they prefer to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone if I do not know their user ID or friend code?

Yes, if you both have Nintendo Accounts linked to your consoles, you can search by their username. You can also add them by searching nearby if you are in the same room. If you do not have any of this information, you will need to ask them for their user ID or friend code first.

What is the difference between a user ID and a friend code?

A user ID is a 16-digit number unique to your profile, and a friend code is a 12-character code. They do the same thing — either one lets someone add you as a friend. You can share whichever is easier for the other person to type or remember.

Do I need a Nintendo Account to add friends?

You do not need a Nintendo Account to add friends using a user ID or friend code. However, you do need a Nintendo Account if you want to search by username or send messages to friends. A Nintendo Account is free to create and takes a few minutes to set up.

Can I add someone who does not have a Nintendo Switch yet?

No, you can only add people who have a Nintendo Switch console and a profile set up on it. Once they get a Switch and create a profile, you can add them using their user ID, friend code, or username.

What if I typed in the wrong user ID and sent a friend request to a stranger?

The person will see your friend request in their pending list. They can decline it, and nothing else happens. You can also remove them from your friends list if they accept by mistake. There is no way to cancel a request once you send it, but declining or removing them is quick and straightforward.