Pokémon Unite: How to fix connection errors on Nintendo Switch

How-to
By Rebecca Spear
last updated

Pokemon Unite Nintendo Switch
Pokemon Unite Nintendo Switch (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / iMore)
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If you're here, that probably means you've been having a really frustrating experience trying to play Pokémon Unite. Internet connection errors and network errors are common, but fortunately, there are some things you can do that might fix the issue so you can get back to playing one of the best Pokémon games on Nintendo Switch. Most of these are quick fixes that won't take you more than a couple of minutes to test out. Try each option out in the order they appear to see if it helps.

Pokémon Unite connection error Why is this happening?

There are several reasons that you might be unable to play Pokémon Unite properly.

  1. You could have a bad internet connection.
  2. The software might need a reboot.
  3. Something could be wrong with your Nintendo Switch.
  4. The Pokémon Unite server could be down.

How to fix a Pokémon Unite connection error

Pokemon Unite (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Since there are various reasons you could be getting a Pokémon Unite connection error, there are also many ways to fix the issue. Try each of these solutions in order.

Check your Internet Connection

Router Computer Wi Fi (Image credit: iMore)

It's very likely that something is disrupting your Wi-Fi on your end, so you'll want to check your connection first.

  1. From the Switch home menu, select Settings.
  2. Scroll down and select Internet. Your Connection Status will be displayed.Source: iMore

Nintendo Switch System Settings (Image credit: iMore)

Nintendo Switch System Settings Internet Settings Edited (Image credit: iMore)
  1. If your'e not connected to a good Wi-Fi network select Internet Settings.
  2. Choose a trusted Network to connect to and log in.Source: iMore

Nintendo Switch System Settings Internet Settings (Image credit: iMore)

Nintendo Switch System Settings Internet Settings Network (Image credit: iMore)
  1. If that doesn't do the trick, unplug the router for 10 seconds and then plug the router back in.
  2. Try the Pokémon Unite again to see if that fixed the internet connection.Source: iMore

Router Computer Wi Fi (Image credit: iMore)

Pokemon Unite Switch Home Menu Select (Image credit: iMore)

If doing this doesn't fix your internet connection, you should reach out to your internet provider to see if they can assist you further.

Restart the game

Pokemon Unite Menu (Image credit: iMore)

It's possible the game just needs a reboot to get it working properly. Here's how to do that.

  1. If you currently have the game open, press the Home Button to get to the main menu.
  2. Now make sure you're hovering over the Pokémon Unite iconSource: Rebecca Spear / iMore and iMore

New Pokemon Snap Home Button Cropped (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / iMore)

Pokemon Unite Switch Home Menu (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Press the X button.
  2. Select Close.Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore and iMore

Nintendo Switch X Button (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / iMore)

Pokemon Unite Switch Home Menu Close (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Now select Pokémon Unite again and see if it works correctly.

Pokemon Unite Switch Home Menu Select (Image credit: iMore)

If the error still persists after restarting the game, it's time to try something else. Move on to the next thing to see if it fixes the problem.

Try Airplane Mode

Pokemon Unite 5 Character Team Orange (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

Switching Airplane mode on and off again might do something to fix the issue. Here's how to do that on Nintendo Switch.

  1. Hold down the Home Button for a few seconds until a small side menu appears.
  2. Scroll down and turn Airplane Mode on. This disrupts the Wi-Fi connection temporarily.Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore and iMore

New Pokemon Snap Home Button Cropped (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / iMore)

Nintendo Switch Airplane Mode On (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Wait a few seconds. Now turn Airplane Mode off again. This might be enough to get everything working properly again.

Nintendo Switch Airplane Mode Off (Image credit: iMore)

Hopefully doing that jogged your internet connection and stabilized it. If it didn't, try the next set of steps to see if they help.

Restart your console

Nintendo Switch Console on blue background (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / iMore)

The issue might be more rooted in the console itself. Restarting the system might resolve the problem.

  1. Hold down the Power button for a few seconds until a menu appears on the screen.
  2. Select Power Options.

Power Button Nintendo Switch (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / iMore)

Pokemon Unite Power Options Switch (Image credit: iMore)

Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore and iMore

  1. Now select Restart.

Pokemon Unite Restart Switch (Image credit: iMore)

Restarting devices fixes a good chunk of issues. Hopefully this makes it possible to play Pokémon Unite. If it doesn't try the next set of steps.

Check for Updates

Pokemon Unite Thumbnail (Image credit: The Pokémon Company)

It's possible a new update has released, but your Switch hasn't downloaded it yet. Getting to the latest version might fix connectivity issues.

  1. While in the main menu hover over Pokémon Unite.
  2. Press the + Button on your controller.Source: iMore and Rebecca Spear / iMore

Pokemon Unite Switch Home Menu Select (Image credit: iMore)

Acnh Plus Button (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / iMore)
  1. Select Software Update.
  2. Now select Via the internet.Source: iMore

Pokemon Unite Software Update (Image credit: iMore)

Pokemon Unite Software Update Via Internet (Image credit: iMore)
  1. When it's done checking for the latest version select OK.

Pokemon Unite Software Update Ok (Image credit: iMore)

If there was an update, but the connection error hasn't gone away, you'll need to restart your console. That might fix the issue.

Check the Server

Pokemon Unite Absol Pikachu (Image credit: iMore)

Occasionally servers for big games go down either unexpectedly or for scheduled maintenance. If it's scheduled maintenance, the Pokémon Unite Twitter account will likely explain this. There's currently no official way for checking the Pokémon Unite server. You can also check Twitter or a Pokémon Unite Subreddit to easily find out if other fans are having issues connecting at the same time as you.

If the server is down, there's nothing you can do but wait for it to come back up again.

It might be your friend

Pokemon Unite Playing With Friends (Image credit: iMore)

If you're attempting to play with friends, it's possible the issue you're experiencing could somehow be related to one of their connections. Have them go through the same steps listed above and see if that fixes the problem.

Contact Nintendo

Nintendo Logo (Image credit: Nintendo)

If you've tried all of the above options and you're still getting connection errors, there may be something wrong with your console. You'll want to contact Nintendo Customer Support to see if they can help you to either further troubleshoot or repair your Switch.

The rainbow connection

Maintaining a strong internet connection is imperative to enjoying a MOBA game like Pokémon Unite. Hopefully, these troubleshooting tips will have helped you solve any issues you were having.

Rebecca Spear
Rebecca Spear
Gaming Editor

Gaming aficionado Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated gaming editor with a focus on Nintendo Switch and iOS gaming. You’ll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air handy. If you’ve got a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or just about any other Nintendo series check out her guides to help you out. Rebecca has written thousands of articles in the last six years including hundreds of extensive gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves checking out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has her ear to the ground when it comes to covering the next big trend.