Unable to Start or Join GameChat Room
Follow these steps if you are unable to use GameChat on Nintendo Switch 2. You may receive one of the following error messages:
"An error has occurred."
"GameChat can't be used with your current network environment."
Before you start
A Nintendo Switch Online membership and persistent internet connection are required to use GameChat. Note: Welcome Offer: GameChat can be enjoyed for free until the end of March 2026. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.
You must register a phone number to your Nintendo Account to use GameChat.
If this is your first time opening GameChat, you need to go through first time setup. If you are under the age of 16 or are a parent/guardian with a child under the age of 16, we have a separate guide with additional steps.
Your console must have the latest system update installed to use GameChat.
Visit Nintendo's Network Status page and check for any posted service maintenance or outages.
If an outage or maintenance posted that impacts GameChat service, wait until the outage or maintenance has ended and check whether the issue is resolved before following this troubleshooting.
Possible solutions
If you received an error code, look up the specific error code you received to troubleshoot the issue with your network connection. If you have a smart device, you can scan the QR code that appears with the error code to search for it.
Otherwise, select the option below that fits your situation.
Are you using a wireless or wired connection?
Test your connection after any changes are made to the console or network environment to determine if the change resolves your issue.
Move the Nintendo Switch 2 console within 2 to 3 meters of the wireless router to improve the signal strength during troubleshooting.
It may be helpful to remove the Nintendo Switch 2 console from the dock while troubleshooting, and then return the console when troubleshooting is complete.
If you have any filing cabinets, speakers, power strips, glass, or cordless phones, next to your system or wireless router, move them away.
Restart the console.
Power cycle your home network. Once network devices have powered back on and other devices can connect online, test your console's internet connection.
Create a new internet connection.
Situation Not Resolved:
To continue troubleshooting potential issues related to the router, contact the router's manufacturer for help with the following:
Updating the router's firmware.
Resetting the router back to its factory default settings.
For further assistance with the Nintendo Switch 2 console, it will need to be sent in for assessment.
Test your connection after any changes are made to the console or network environment to determine if the change resolves your issue.
Check that both ends of the Ethernet cable are securely attached to the networking device (e.g., router or modem) and the LAN port on the dock.
Try a different Ethernet cable if either end of the cable does not stay secure.
Restart the console.
Power cycle your home network. Once network devices have powered back on and other devices can connect online, test your console's internet connection.
Use a different Ethernet cable to determine if the original cable you were using is damaged or no longer working.
Connect your Ethernet cable to a different port on the router, if you are connecting to a device with multiple LAN ports. Most routers will have at least 4 ports available for network devices.
Situation Not Resolved:
To continue troubleshooting potential issues related to the router, contact the router's manufacturer for help with the following:
Updating the router's firmware.
Resetting the router back to its factory default settings.
For further assistance with the Nintendo Switch 2 console, it will need to be sent in for assessment.
Make sure you have approved friends to use GameChat with. These friends must have also already gone through GameChat setup on their end before you will be able to invite them.
If you tried inviting from chat history, it's possible one of the users is not on your friend list, or is no longer an approved friend. You may be prompted to send a friend request to a user who isn't on your friend list, or to approve a user who is already on your friend list.
Confirm that you have consented to the GameChat terms. If you withdrew your consent to the terms, you will be unable to use GameChat until you consent again.
If you are under the age of 16, have your parent or guardian confirm that parental controls are still set up for your account.
Depending on your age and the other users that are invited to a room, you may be prevented from joining a room you received an invite for.
In most cases, you'll need to ensure the other users in the room are on your friend list and also approved to use GameChat with you.
If you are under the age of 16, have your parent or guardian confirm that parental controls are still set up for your account.
Other users in the GameChat Room | Able to join? | |
User 16 or older | Only approved friends | Can join |
Includes a friend who you have not approved | Can join by approving that friend | |
Includes a user who is not on your friend list | Can join after being notified | |
Includes a user who is blocked | Cannot join | |
User under 16 | Only approved friends | Can join |
Includes a friend who has not been approved by parent/guardian | Can send an approval request to parent/guardian | |
Includes a user who is not on your friend list | Cannot join | |
Includes a user who is blocked | Cannot join |