Complete these steps

How do you want to add a new user?

• Create a new user
  1. Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.
  2. Scroll down to highlight Users, then select Add User.
     • "Add User" does not appear

       Up to 8 user accounts can be created on Nintendo Switch. If the "Add User" option does not appear, there are already 8 user accounts on the system. You will need to delete an existing user before you can add another one.

  3. Click Create New User.
  4. Select the icon you would like to have associated to your account.
     • User icon options
       • Tap More Options for additional characters/backgrounds to choose from.
       • If you would like to add a Mii instead of a picture, click Mii to create one.
       • Your user icon can be changed at any time once your account is created.
  5. Enter a nickname, then select OK.
     • Your nickname can be seen by other players, so don’t include any personal information.
     • Your nickname can be changed at any time once your account is created.
  6. Select OK again to confirm.
  7. At this point, you will be given the option to link a Nintendo Account to your user account, or proceed without linking a Nintendo Account. If you want to use your system's online features, you will need to link a Nintendo Account.
     • How to proceed without linking
       1. Select Later if you do not wish to create or link a Nintendo Account at this time.
       2. Once your account is created, you will return to the System Settings. Select Add User if you would like to add additional accounts, or press the B Button to return to the HOME Menu.
     • How to link an existing Nintendo Account
       1. Select Link a Nintendo Account to link an existing Nintendo Account.
       2. Sign in to your Nintendo Account using one of the available sign-in methods.
          • If you have forgotten your Nintendo Account sign-in information, you can recover or reset your sign-in information.
       3. Review the Nintendo Account details to confirm that you are linking the correct account, then select Link.
          • Once a Nintendo Account is linked to a user account, this link cannot be undone.
       4. You will receive a confirmation message that your Nintendo Account is now linked to your Sign-In account. Click OK to return to the System Settings.
       5. Select Add User if you would like to add additional accounts, or press the B Button to return to the HOME Menu.
     • How to create and link a new Nintendo Account
       1. Select Link a Nintendo Account.
       2. Select Create a new account.
          • Optional: On the following screen, you can request an email with instructions to link your Nintendo Account with a confirmation code.
       3. On your PC or smart device, visit the Nintendo Account website and create a Nintendo Account.
       4. Once you have created the Nintendo Account, return to your Nintendo Switch and click Sign in.
       5. Sign in to your Nintendo Account using one of the available sign-in methods.
          • If you have forgotten your Nintendo Account sign-in information, you can recover or reset your sign-in information.
       6. You will receive a confirmation message that your Nintendo Account is now linked to your Sign-In account. Click OK to return to the system settings.
       7. Select Add User if you would like to add additional accounts, or press the B Button to return to the HOME Menu.
• Copy/transfer user data from another console
  1. Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.
  2. Scroll down to highlight Users, then select Add User.
     • "Add User" does not appear

       Up to 8 user accounts can be created on Nintendo Switch. If the "Add User" option does not appear, there are already 8 user accounts on the system. You will need to delete an existing user before you can add another one.

  3. Click Import User Data from Another Console.
     • You may need the previous console with the profile you want to transfer, or need access to the Nintendo Account associated with the profile you're trying to copy. If you don't have these, you may need to create a new user.
  4. Follow the on screen prompts based on your situation. If you want to use your system's online features, you will need to link a Nintendo Account.
     • How to link an existing Nintendo Account
       1. Select Link a Nintendo Account.
       2. Sign in to your Nintendo Account using one of the available sign-in methods.
          • If you have forgotten your Nintendo Account sign-in information, you can recover or reset your sign-in information.
       3. Review the Nintendo Account details to confirm that you are linking the correct account, then select Link.
          • Once a Nintendo Account is linked to a user account, this link cannot be undone.
       4. You will receive a confirmation message that your Nintendo Account is now linked to your Sign-In account. Click OK to return to the System Settings.
       5. Select Add User if you would like to add additional accounts, or press the B Button to return to the HOME Menu.