Nintendo Switch Manual page 76

Either method requires an internet connection.
Sending friend requests
You can send a friend request using the following
methods:
• Send to local users
• Send to users you've played with
• Send via friend code
Send to local users
You can send friend requests to nearby people
with Nintendo Switch consoles.
Select "Search for Local Users" and follow the
on-screen instructions.
If your console is not connected to the internet,
your friend request will be saved temporarily and
will be sent automatically the next time you
connect to the internet.
Send to users you've played with
You can send friend requests to users you've
played with online.
Select "Search for Users You've Played With",
then select the user you'd like to become friends
with and send them a friend request.
Send via friend code