Fixing "Error Code 2618-0514: Unable to Connect to the Other Console" by Changing DNS Settings

Posted by Miguel Lopez on Mon 28 April 2025 in tutorials

Introduction

If you've been struggling with connectivity issues while playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you're not alone. Many of us have encountered errors when trying to connect to the internet or visit other players' islands. After hours of troubleshooting, I found a solution that worked for me and a friend. Here's a detailed guide to help you fix the issue.

Common Errors

Here are some of the common error messages players have reported:

  1. "Error Code 2618-0514: Unable to connect to the other console."
    Referenced in this Nintendo support thread: Nintendo Support Post #1

  2. "One or more other consoles are not responding" (Error Code: 1618-0521)
    This often occurs while trying to fly or open gates.

  3. "Error Code: 2154-0107"
    This error appears when failing to connect to the internet with Dodo Airlines.

What NOT to Do

Some articles and forums suggest drastic measures that are either unsustainable or overly complex for the average user. Avoid the following:

  1. ~~Hard resetting your Switch and reinstalling games~~
  2. ~~Changing the NAT type on your router~~
  3. ~~Adding a DMZ to your router~~

These options are unnecessary and may introduce additional complications.

The Solution: Change DNS Settings

After some research, I found a solution in an article by Tegan Jones on Gizmodo. The fix involves manually changing the DNS settings on your Nintendo Switch. This resolves the DNS resolution issue causing the connectivity errors.

You can read the full article here: Link to Gizmodo Article.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Go to your Nintendo Switch System Settings.
  2. Navigate to Internet > Internet Settings.
  3. Select your active internet connection and choose Change Settings.
  4. Scroll down to DNS Settings and change it from Automatic to Manual.
  5. Enter the following values:
  6. Primary DNS: 008.008.008.008
  7. Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
    (Note: It may auto-populate as 008.008.004.004, which is fine.)
  8. Save your changes and reconnect to the internet.

Confirmation of the Fix

I tested this solution on my own Switch and confirmed it resolved the issue. Additionally, a friend experiencing the same problem was able to connect successfully after applying this fix.

Conclusion

If you're encountering connectivity issues in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, changing your DNS settings is a simple and effective solution. Thanks to Tegan Jones for sharing this fix!

Let me know if this worked for you. Happy and safe travels, Islanders!

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