How to Add Friends on the Nintendo 3DS

Last Updated: June 3, 2021

Want to play online with your friends on your 3DS? In order to do that, you both need to exchange friend codes. Grab your system now and follow these steps.

Steps

1
Turn on your Nintendo 3DS.
2
Press the little orange smiley face icon at the very top of the menu. It's called your Friend List.

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3
Once it's activated, press Register Friend (located at the top of the touch screen).
4
From here, there are two options for adding friends. If your friend's 3DS is within range (as in within a few feet), use Local. If your friend's 3DS is far away from your current location, use Internet. Note that if you use the Internet option, both of you must be connected to Wi-Fi when you are adding each other.
- If you pressed Local, tell your friend to also select Local on their 3DS. If it has been done correctly, you should see your friend's Mii on the bottom screen. Tap the friend card to add them.
- If you pressed Internet, you must ask your friend what their friend code is. It is located on the top screen of their own card (the first friend card).
5
Once you have their friend code, enter it into the number pad. Then enter a temporary name of your friend. Your friend should do the same.
6
Once the Mii of your friend shows up, you're done!

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Community Q&A

Question

How can I easily give others my friend code?

Nightcat

Community Answer

I'd recommend any social media that has a direct messaging system. Those work for me.
Question

My son can't get his Friend Code for his Nintendo 3DS. What can he do?

Community Answer

Turn on/open the Nintendo 3DS, then tap the orange face at the top of the touchscreen. Switch over to the card with the Personal Mii (the Mii of the 3DS owner) and look at the top screen. At the bottom of the card you will see a 12-digit number. That is your Friend Code.
Question

My Nintendo's friend address is replaced by question marks. How do I get rid of those?

Community Answer

If a Mii's name is replaced by '???', this means it's a blocked user. To unblock, go into Mii maker. Click on the list of controls, then enter Blocked User Settings. From here you can either block or unblock people on your friend list.
Question

Why isn't this working for me?

Community Answer

First, make sure that you are connected to the internet, specifically wireless. Your friend should also have wireless internet activated. Also, make sure that you enter the code correctly, and that you and your friend have both selected "Local."
Question

What is a "provisionally registered friend?"

Community Answer

It means that you've registered your friend, but they haven't registered you. Check with them to make sure they've entered your code correctly.
Question

My Friend Code keeps saying it's invalid when I give it to others. How do I resolve this?

Nightcat

Community Answer

As a last resort, you can format your memory on your 3DS. This will change your Friend Code. Note that this clears everything stored on your 3DS (not cartridge data).
Question

How do I remove friends from my Nintendo 3DS?

Community Answer

Tap settings on the first card on the top left and choose "Delete Friend Card."
Question

Can I add a friend on a DS from a 2DS?

Community Answer

No, 3DS/2DS systems cannot connect to a Nintendo DS. A 3DS can connect to a 2DS however, because those are the same generation of system.

Warnings

Note that if you used the Internet option, both parties must enter in friend codes. Otherwise, your friend will end up being listed as a provisionally registered friend.

Thanks!
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