Playing online games on your Nintendo Switch is a lot of fun. To do this, you need a stable Internet connection that allows your console to connect to other users.
This guide covers the issue where your Nintendo Switch cannot connect to other consoles leaving you unable to join online matches. We’ll talk about what triggers this issue and how you can fix it.
Issue Description
- When you try to join online matches, you get an error message informing you that your Nintendo Switch console is unable to connect to other users.
- If you manage to join the match, you are disconnected a few seconds after it starts.
Why Does This Issue Occur?
There are two main causes that may prevent your Switch console from connecting to other consoles:
- You’re not using the right NAT type for establishing a peer-to-peer connection with other players.
- Match-making times out due to latency problems.
Knowing what causes this issue is a good starting point for troubleshooting the problem.
Unable to connect to other users on Nintendo Switch
Fix 1 – Run a connection test
As Nintendo suggests on its support page, you need to assess your connection first in order to check your download and upload speed, as well as the NAT type your console is currently using.
You’ll use this information for troubleshooting purposes.
Fix 2 – Improve your network signal strength
You can improve your wireless connection strength by doing the following:
- Restart your router
- Place your console near the router, 3 or 4 meters if possible.
- Make sure there are no metal objects or electronic devices near your console and router. They might interfere with the WiFi signal.
- Turn off any other devices that may be using the connection.
Fix 3 – Check your router
If power cycling your router and moving the console closer to it didn’t bring any improvements, make sure to install the latest firmware updates on your router. If you don’t notice any changes after this step, try resetting the router back to factory settings.
Fix 4 – Optimize your NAT type
Keep in mind that certain NAT types may prevent you from interacting with other players online.
- NAT Type B or C may block the connection to users utilizing restrictive NAT types such as D.
- NAT Type D users can only connect to NAT Type A players.
- NAT Type F users can’t connect with other players.
Ideally, you want to use NAT Type A.
So, if you’re using NAT Type B, C, D or F, you need to check and troubleshoot your NAT settings. For more information, go to Nintendo’s support page where you’ll find all the steps you need to follow.
Fix 5 – Call your ISP
If you’re still experiencing this issue, call your ISP and ask their support team to check the network settings and see if they can do anything to improve your Internet speed.
There you go, we hope one of these 5 troubleshooting suggestions helped you fix your Nintendo Switch online match issues.