In Splatoon 3, a “A communication error has occurred” message means the game lost its connection to the online match network. It usually happens during matchmaking or while connected to other players.
This can be due to your connection, another player’s connection, or sometimes server issues. Splatoon 3 uses peer-to-peer networking after matchmaking, so if one connection drops or lags badly, the game often ends the match for everyone involved.
If you are currently being kicked from matches, here is a breakdown of the current situation and the best ways to stay in the game:
Current Network Status
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Nintendo Servers: The official status shows all servers are operational.
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Recent Reports: There has been a spike in community reports regarding “Communication Error” messages following recent system updates. Some users suggest that the newer hardware handshakes (if you’re playing on or with people on Switch 2) require a “near-perfect” connection to prevent desync.
Quick Fixes & Troubleshooting
If you’re getting “Communication Error” over and over, try these steps in order:
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The “Splatsville Reset”:
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Put your console into Airplane Mode.
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Launch Splatoon 3 and walk around Splatsville/Inkopolis for a moment.
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Turn Airplane Mode OFF while still in the city, then enter the Lobby. This often forces a clean handshake with the servers.
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Hard Wired is King:
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If you are on Wi-Fi, Splatoon 3 is notorious for dropping if there is even a millisecond of packet loss. Using a LAN adapter (or the built-in port on OLED/Switch 2 docks) is the most effective fix.
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Clear the Cache:
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Go to System Settings > System > Formatting Options > Clear Cache. Select your user profile and restart. This can resolve “looping” errors that happen right when you enter the lobby.
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MTU Settings:
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Some players find stability by manually changing their MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) in the internet settings from 1400 to 1500.
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Also Read : Client Error On X | App “Attestation Denied” Fix
Penalties to Watch Out For
Be careful: the game doesn’t distinguish between a manual “rage quit” and a legitimate internet drop. Frequent errors can lead to:
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Short-term bans: Starting at 5–10 minutes and scaling up to 60+ minutes.
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Rank/Vibe loss: You will lose points or win streaks even if the error happens during the “Game Saved!” screen.
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