In Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH), you can transfer your save data from one Nintendo Switch to another using the Island Transfer Tool.

To learn more about how to safely move your island and resident data to another Switch console, read on!

Save Data Transfer Explained

Introduced in Ver 1.6.0 Winter Update

The Winter Update has introduced a way to transfer you save data to another Switch. This is useful for those who bought a new system but don't want to start a new island again.

Two Ways to Transfer Data

Moving the Island

This option allows you to move your entire island to another Nintendo Switch system. You need to download the Island Transfer Tool from the Nintendo eShop.

Moving the Residents

This option allows you to move player residents to another Nintendo Switch system. This is for people who shared a Switch before and now have their own console to start their own island.

*Resident Representatives cannot move to another Nintendo Switch system.

Things to Note When Moving Islands

Your game must be updated to Version 1.6.0

Transferring data is only available for Version 1.6.0 and above.

What can be transferred when moving islands?

Your entire ACNH Save Data

Things needed to move islands

Nintendo Switch / Switch Lite System (Source of save data) Nintendo Switch / Switch Lite System (Target of save data) Island Transfer Tool (Available for free on the Nintendo eShop) Nintendo Switch Account (Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required)

How to Move Islands

Steps to Move Islands

1	Create a backup save data.
2	Transfer your User Data to the new Switch.
3	Link a Nintendo account.
4	Download the Island Transfer Tool.
5	Start the Island Transfer Tool.

1. Backup Your Save Data

We recommend setting a backup of your island before using the Island Transfer Tool as data might be lost during the transfer process.

How to Backup Your Saved Data

2. Transfer Your User Data to the New Switch

Move all user accounts from the main Switch unit to the destination unit. You cannot move multiple users at once, so repeat the process until all users have been transferred.
How to Transfer User Data and Accounts to Another Switch

3. Link a Nintendo Account

A new user will be added after the transfer is complete. Link any Nintendo Account to this user.

4. Download the Island Transfer Tool

On both Nintendo Switch units, download the Island Transfer Tool from the Nintendo eShop.

5. Start the Island Transfer Tool

Start the Island Transfer Tool on both Switch units. Follow the on-screen instructions and select if the Switch unit is the Target or the Source of the save data.

The nicknames of the Target Switch and Source Switch will be displayed. Confirm that all information is correct and start the transfer.

*Once the transfer is complete, saved data will be deleted from the Source Switch.

Things to Note When Moving Residents

Things That Will Carry Over

Player Data	・Player Name ・Birthday ・Appearance and Gender ・Reactions you have learned ・Wand Transformations ・Unlocked Hair Styles
Bells	・Bells in possession (Wallet and ATM) ・Items in Home Storage ・NookPhone pattern ・Unlocked patterns
Home	・House Upgrades ・House Exterior ・Wallpapers and Rugs ・Loan Balance ・Mailbox ・Customizations that are in progress
NookPhone	・ Unlocked Apps ・ Passports ・ DIY Recipes ・ Critterpedia ・ Status of Custom Design PRO ・ Island Creator
Catalog	・All items purchased and in possession
Nook Miles	・All achieved milestones and current mileage

Things That Will Not Carry Over

Items	・ Lost Items ・ "What Was This Again?" ・ Villager Quest Items ・ Treasures ・ Communicator Parts (will become Rusted Parts) ・ Communicator (will become Rusted Parts) ・ Wisp Spirit Piece ・ House Kits ・ Mailbox
Relocation Status	・The cost of the relocation will be refunded to your bank account

Things That Will Carry Over Once Conditions are Met

Custom Designs	・You can only carry over the Custom Designs if you become the Resident Representative on the Target Switch.
Best Friends List / Custom Designs Creator ID	・ Ensure that the Nintendo Account that was linked to that user is the same.

How to Move Residents

Steps to Move Residents

1	Transfer your User Data to the Target Switch.
2	Start the game on the Target Switch.
3	Move the resident from the Source Switch.
4	Start the transfer on the Target Switch.
5	Confirm the transfer on the Source Switch.

1. Transfer Your User Data to the Target Switch

Move all user accounts from the main Switch unit to the destination unit. You cannot move multiple users at once, so repeat the process until all users have been transferred.

How to Transfer User Data and Accounts to Another Switch

2. Start the game on the Target Switch

Open Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Target Switch. Pick the user account of the resident who will move. When prompted by the Nook Twins, choose the Moving from another island option.

3. Move the resident from the Source Switch

Open the game using the Resident Representative account on the Source Switch. Go the settings by pressing the Minus (-) button on the title screen.

Choose Move to a new island and select the respective resident to move to the Target Switch. Follow Tom Nook's instructions and make sure that all information is correct.

4. Start the transfer on the Target Switch

You'll be notified on the Target Switch that a resident will be moving. The name of the island and resident from the Source Switch will be shown. Confirm if the info is correct and proceed with the transfer.

5. Confirm the transfer on the Source Switch

The name of the user on the Target Switch will be displayed on the Source Switch. Confirm the info and start the transfer.

If the Target unit doesn't have an Animal Crossing: New Horizons save data, the transferred resident will be the Resident Representative.

If you moved to a Target unit that has a save data, the transferred resident will be considered as a second player.

Related Guides

All Tips & Tricks

System Info

System Info
Server Maintenance | How to Fix Errors	Island Backup and Restoration | How to Recover Save Data
How to Delete and Transfer Save Data	How to Add or Delete Players
How to Restart Your Game	Can You Transfer Data From Pocket Camp?
NookLink Features	List of amiibos and Compatibility
List of Controls	The Language Setting
System Requirements	Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online?
Island Transfer Tool Guide