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How to Use Nintendo Switch Voice Chat

Two ways to chat means more fun with friends!

By Stefanie Fogel Stefanie Fogel Writer, Editor, Commerce Producer University of Central Florida Stefanie Fogel has written about consumer technology since 2009. Her work has appeared on Variety, Engadget, Polygon, and many other online publications. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 3, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Consoles & PCs Xbox Buyer's Guide

What to Know

Important first step, download and install Nintendo Switch Online app on an Android or iOS device.Sign in with Nintendo account > launch game > enter a mode that supports chat > on device, tap Start.For games that have built-in voice functionality, plug your headset into the Switch’s audio jack or USB-C port. This article explains two ways to use Nintendo Switch Voice Chat. You can find a list of games that support voice chat in the app. Tap Main Menu > Voice Chat > Supported Software.

How to Start a Nintendo Switch Voice Chat Session

Download and install the Nintendo Switch Online app on an Android or iOS device. Launch the app and sign in with your Nintendo account. (If you don't have an account, you'll need to register for a Nintendo account.) Launch the game you want to play using the same Nintendo account and enter a mode that supports voice chat. On your smart device, tap Start when asked if you want to begin your voice chat session. The app will create a lobby others can join as you play online. That's it!

Nintendo Switch Games With Their Own Voice Chat

Certain Nintendo Switch titles come with their own built-in voice chat functionality, meaning you can skip the app altogether and talk to your teammates within the game itself. Two online games currently offering this are Epic Games' battle royale title Fortnite and Digital Extremes' co-operative third-person shooter Warframe. To use voice chat in either one, simply plug your headset into the Switch's audio jack or USB-C port. You can adjust the volume from the game's audio settings or disable the voice chat option altogether if you don't want to use it.

Limitations of Nintendo Voice Chat

Obviously, the Nintendo Voice Chat app is not a perfect solution. Both Sony and Microsoft built chat functionality into their respective consoles, and the fact that Nintendo didn't follow suit is baffling. Using the app means you can't listen to game audio and voice chat through a single headset. You also can't use the app to chat with friends without first launching a game. However, there is some good news. When the app first launched, people had to keep their phones unlocked and the app running or they'd get disconnected. Nintendo has since updated it so voice chat will continue, even in the background. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Set up and Use a Nintendo Switch Microphone How to Download and Play Fortnite on Nintendo Switch How to Play Multiplayer on a Meta (Oculus) Quest 2 How to Use Discord on Xbox How to Connect Nintendo Switch to Bluetooth Headphones How to Fix An Xbox One Mic That Isn't Working How to Transfer Save Data Between Users on the Switch How to Connect a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to a PC How to Fix It When an Xbox One Controller Won't Recognize the Headset How to Use Nintendo Switch With a Keyboard and Mouse How to Use Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons on PC How to Set Up and Use Meta (Oculus) Quest 2 How to Reset Nintendo Switch How to Start a Chat Session in Gmail How to Connect Bose Headphones to Your iPhone How to Fix It When Nintendo Switch Won't Connect to Wi-Fi Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies