The fastest way to add a friend on Switch

You can add a friend on Switch in three ways: by their user profile if they're nearby, by their friend code, or by searching their username if you know it. The method you choose depends on whether you're in the same room, whether you already have their friend code, or whether you know their exact username.

The quickest method when you're sitting next to someone is to search for their profile directly on your console. If you're apart, you'll need either their 12-digit friend code or their exact Nintendo username. Friend codes never change, so once you have one, you can use it anytime.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add friends by searching their username, using their friend code, or scanning their profile if you're in the same room.
  • Your own friend code is a 12-digit number that never changes and can be shared with anyone you want to befriend.
  • When adding by username, you must type it exactly as it appears on their profile, including capital letters and spaces.
  • Once you send a friend request, the other person must accept it before you can play together or see their online status.

Adding a friend by searching their username

From the home screen, press the X button to open the user menu, then select "Friends." Choose "Add Friend" and select "Search for Users." Type the person's username exactly as it appears on their profile — usernames are case-sensitive, so capitals and spaces matter. Select their profile from the results and choose "Add Friend."

The other person will receive a notification that you've sent a friend request. They can accept or decline it from their own Friends menu. You won't be able to see their online status or play online together until they accept.

Adding a friend using their friend code

A friend code is a 12-digit number unique to each Switch profile. To add someone using their code, go to Friends, select "Add Friend," then choose "Enter Friend Code." Type or paste the 12-digit code and select "Search." When their profile appears, select "Add Friend."

Friend codes never expire and never change, so you can save them in a note or text message and use them months or years later. This method works even if you don't know the person's username or if their username is hard to spell.

Finding and sharing your own friend code

To find your friend code, go to your user profile (the icon in the top-left corner of the home screen), select "Profile," then scroll down to "Friend Code." Your code appears as a 12-digit number. You can share this code with anyone, and they can use it to add you as a friend.

Your friend code is tied to your profile, not your console. If you create a new profile on the same Switch, that profile will have a different friend code. You can view your code anytime, and it will never change.

Adding a friend when you're in the same room

If you're sitting next to someone with their own Switch, you can add them by searching for their profile directly. Go to Friends, select "Add Friend," then choose "Search for Users." Their profile should appear in the local search results if they're nearby and their console is powered on. Select their profile and choose "Add Friend."

This method is faster than typing a username or friend code, but it only works if both consoles are in the same physical location. Once you've added them this way, you can play together online anytime, even if you're far apart.

What happens after you send a friend request

When you send a friend request, the other person sees a notification on their console. They can accept it immediately, decline it, or ignore it. Until they accept, you won't see their online status, and you won't be able to join their games or send them messages through the console.

If someone declines your request, you can send another one later, but there's no way to know they declined it — the request simply won't go through. If you're not sure whether someone received your request, you can always ask them directly or send them a message through another app.

Troubleshooting friend requests that don't go through

If you can't find someone by username, the most common reason is a typo. Usernames are case-sensitive and can include spaces, numbers, and special characters. Ask the person to spell their username aloud or copy it directly from their profile so you can paste it into the search box.

If you're using a friend code and it doesn't work, double-check that you've entered all 12 digits correctly. Friend codes sometimes look similar (like 1 and I, or 0 and O), so verify each digit. If the code still doesn't work, ask the person to confirm they gave you the right code — they may have mistyped it when sharing it with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone as a friend if they haven't added me back yet?

Yes. You can send a friend request to anyone, and they'll see it on their console. They don't have to add you first. However, you won't see their online status or be able to join their games until they accept your request.

What's the difference between a friend code and a username?

A username is the name you choose for your profile — it can change, and multiple people can have similar usernames. A friend code is a unique 12-digit number assigned to your profile that never changes. Both work to add friends, but friend codes are more reliable if the username is hard to spell or remember.

If I delete someone as a friend, can I add them again later?

Yes. Deleting a friend doesn't block them or prevent you from sending another request. You can add them again anytime using their username or friend code. They'll receive a new friend request notification.

Can I see if someone is online without being their friend?

No. You can only see someone's online status if they're on your friends list and they've accepted your friend request. If you're not friends yet, you won't know whether they're playing or offline.

What if I type a username wrong when searching?

The search won't find anyone. Try searching again with a different spelling, or ask the person to confirm their exact username, including capital letters and spaces. You can also use their friend code instead, which eliminates the risk of typos.