Unable to Connect Using Local Communication
The information in this article can help you if:
- You're attempting to play a multiplayer game using local communication and the consoles are unable to communicate with each other.
- You're attempting to transfer a user and/or save data and the source and target consoles are unable to communicate with each other.
What to do
How are you trying to use local communication?
Multiplayer gameUser data transferSave data transfer
- Ensure that each user has their own profile with a unique Nintendo Account.
- Ensure that all consoles have the latest system update.
- On each console, check for any available software updates for the game.
- Make sure all the consoles can connect to the internet.
- You may notice the console disconnecting from the internet while using local communication. Issues connecting to the internet could also result in issues when trying to use local communication.
- Attempt to connect locally again within the game.
Did this resolve the issue?
You’re all set! For information about Nintendo’s products, be sure to check out Nintendo's website for all the latest news.
- Attempt to connect locally using different software.
- Super Kirby Clash is a free-to-download game that can be used to test local communication if you don't have other software you can try.
Were you able to connect locally using different software?
The issue is likely related to the original software used. Troubleshooting may be required to determine the specific issue with the software.
The console is failing to connect locally. Try connecting through online multiplayer for online gameplay.
If you would like further assistance with the Nintendo Switch console, please contact us for additional support.
There are some prerequisites for transferring your user data, so please ensure that you’ve reviewed those first before proceeding with the steps below.
- Ensure that both consoles have the latest system update.
- Make sure that both consoles can connect to the internet.
- You may notice the console disconnecting from the internet while using local communication. Issues connecting to the internet could also result in issues when trying to use local communication.
- Ensure that the desired Nintendo Account is only linked to a user on the source console.
- If the same Nintendo Account is linked to a user on both consoles, this could affect the user data transfer.
- Delete any users on the target console if needed.
- Attempt the user data transfer again.
Did this resolve the issue?
You’re all set! For information about Nintendo’s products, be sure to check out Nintendo's website for all the latest news.
The console failing to connect locally may need to be repaired. This will be the console that either failed to update or connect to the internet wirelessly. If you cannot determine which console is failing to connect to local communication, both consoles may need to be sent in for repair.
Please click here to book a repair.
There are some prerequisites for transferring your save data, so please ensure that you’ve reviewed those first before proceeding with the steps below.
- Ensure that both consoles have the latest system update.
- Make sure that both consoles can connect to the internet.
- You may notice the console disconnecting from the internet while using local communication. Issues connecting to the internet could also result in issues when trying to use local communication.
- Attempt the save data transfer again.
Did this resolve the issue?
You’re all set! For information about Nintendo’s products, be sure to check out Nintendo's website for all the latest news.
The console failing to connect locally may need to be repaired. This will be the console that either failed to update or connect to the internet wirelessly. If you cannot determine which console is failing to connect to local communication, both consoles may need to be sent in for repair.
Please click here to book a repair.