The quickest way to add a friend on Switch

To add a friend on your Nintendo Switch, open the Home menu, select your profile icon in the top left, then choose "Friends." From there, select "Add Friend" and either search for their username, scan their friend code with your camera, or add them from a list of people nearby. The person you're adding will receive a request they can accept or decline.

You don't need to be playing the same game or even own the same games to be friends on Switch. Once someone is on your friends list, you can see when they're online, what game they're playing, and send them messages through the console or the Nintendo Switch Online app on your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add friends by searching their username, scanning their friend code with your camera, or using the local wireless feature if they're nearby.
  • Friend requests go to the other person first — they have to accept before you show up on each other's lists.
  • You can add up to 300 friends on a single Switch account.
  • The Nintendo Switch Online app on your phone lets you send messages and voice chat with friends without using the console itself.

Adding a friend by username or friend code

If you know someone's username, this is the fastest method. Go to Home, select your profile icon, choose "Friends," then "Add Friend." Select "Search for a User" and type in their username exactly as they have it set up. Once you find them, select their profile and choose "Send Friend Request."

If you have their friend code instead, select "Enter Friend Code" from the same menu. A friend code is a 12-character code that looks like this: SW-1234-5678-9012. You can find your own friend code by going to your profile, selecting "Profile," then scrolling down to see it displayed on your profile card. Share this code with anyone who wants to add you.

Using your camera to scan a friend code

The Nintendo Switch has a built-in camera feature that can read friend codes. When you're in the "Add Friend" menu, select "Scan QR Code" and point your Switch's camera at the other person's friend code. The code will appear as a QR-style image on their profile card if they're showing it to you on their phone or another screen.

This method works best when you're in the same room as the person you're adding. Make sure the code is clearly visible and well-lit so the camera can read it properly. If the scan doesn't work the first time, try moving the console slightly closer or adjusting the angle.

Adding friends who are nearby using local wireless

If someone is in the same room with you and also has a Nintendo Switch, you can add them without typing anything. Go to "Add Friend," select "Search for Local Users," and your Switch will show a list of other consoles nearby. Select the person you want to add and send them a friend request.

This feature uses local wireless, so both consoles need to be powered on and in range of each other — usually within about 30 feet. You don't need an internet connection for this method to work, and the other person will still receive a request they need to accept.

What happens after you send a friend request

When you send a friend request, the other person gets a notification on their Switch. They can accept it, decline it, or ignore it. You won't be on their friends list until they accept. If they decline, you can send another request later, but it's better to ask them first if they want to be friends — repeated requests can feel like spam.

Once someone accepts your request, you'll both see each other on your friends lists. You can then see when they're online, which game they're playing, and send them messages. If you want to remove someone from your friends list later, go to their profile and select "Remove Friend."

Using the Nintendo Switch Online app to add friends from your phone

The Nintendo Switch Online app, available on iPhone and Android, lets you add friends without touching your console. Open the app, go to the "Friends" tab, and select "Add Friend." You can search by username, enter a friend code, or scan a QR code with your phone's camera instead of the console's.

The app is useful if your Switch is in another room or if you want to add someone while you're away from home. You'll need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to use the app's full features, though basic friend management works without one.

Troubleshooting friend requests that don't go through

If you can't find someone by username, double-check the spelling — usernames are case-sensitive and must match exactly. If the person changed their username recently, you might need to ask them for their new one. Usernames can be changed once every 30 days, so if you added them before they changed it, you may need to search again.

If a friend code isn't working, make sure you've entered all 12 characters correctly and that there are hyphens in the right places. If you're scanning a QR code and it's not reading, try cleaning your console's camera lens or adjusting the lighting. If the problem continues, restart your Switch and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone as a friend if they don't accept my request?

No. You won't appear on their friends list until they accept your request. They'll see a notification asking if they want to be your friend, and they can accept, decline, or ignore it. If they decline, you can send another request later, but it's respectful to ask first.

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

A username is the name you choose for your profile — it's what other players see when you're playing online. A friend code is a unique 12-character code tied to your account that lets people add you without knowing your username. Both work to add friends; friend codes are just an alternative if you prefer not to share your username.

Can I add friends on Switch if I don't have Nintendo Switch Online?

Yes. You can add friends and see when they're online without a paid membership. However, you won't be able to play online multiplayer games or use voice chat without Nintendo Switch Online. Sending text messages to friends works without a membership on the console itself.

How many friends can I have on my Switch?

You can have up to 300 friends on a single account. If you reach that limit and want to add someone new, you'll need to remove someone from your list first.

What if someone keeps sending me friend requests and I don't want to be their friend?

You can block them. Go to their profile, select "Block User," and they won't be able to send you friend requests or messages anymore. You can unblock them later from your settings if you change your mind.