How to Delete a Friend Code From Your Nintendo 3DS

Nintendo 3DS in Aqua Blue
Wikimedia Commons
by Nadia Oxford
Nadia Oxford is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire and a writer/gamer who has been writing about video games and media for more than 10 years.
Updated March 17, 2019

Every Nintendo 3DS system has a unique Friend Code that is required in order for two Nintendo 3DS systems to communicate with each other in certain instances. For example, you need to register a friend before you can send him or her a SwapNote.

Before a friend can be registered, however, he or she must complete the process by registering your code on his or her Nintendo 3DS. If your friend on the other end neglects to complete this process, your friend's profile will look like an anonymous gray outline and his or her status will forever be stuck as a "Provisionally Registered Friend" (PVR). You can't exchange any kind of information with a PVR.

If you want to get rid of those unattractive-looking PVR profiles — or if you want to delete registered friends — you can follow these easy steps to delete a Nintendo 3DS Friend Profile.

Here's How

  1. Turn on your Nintendo 3DS.

  2. Look near the top of the touchscreen for the Friend List icon. It looks like an orange smiley face. Select it.

  3. Look at the top of the touchscreen again. On the left side of the Register Friend button, there's a Settings button. Select it.

  4. When the menu pops up, choose Delete Friend Card.

  5. Select the Friend Card you want to delete (PVR cards are at the very end of the queue).

  6. If you're sure you want to delete that Friend, select Yes or press the A button. Otherwise, press B to back out.

  7. Say farewell!