Cancel matchmaking in Splatoon 3 by holding the minus button before matching with a team. Read on to learn how to cancel a match and what you can do when a match cannot be canceled.

How to Cancel a Matchmaking

Hold the − Button to Cancel

While the game is attempting to find you a match, you will spot a cancel icon to the top left of the screen underneath Matchmaking. While this icon is present, you are able to cancel matchmaking by holding down the − button.

You Cannot Cancel Once the Icon Disappears

After a few seconds, the icon to the top left disappears. This means the game has found you a match or close to finding one for you. When it disappears, you will no longer be able to cancel the match.

You Cannot Cancel after Continuing a Previous Match

Once a match has finished, you are given the option to continue playing matches. If you select to ‟Keep Going”, the cancel icon does not appear during matchmaking and you will be unable to cancel.

Restart the Game If You're Unable to Cancel

If you really need to cancel matchmaking but are unable to do so due to the reasons above, you can still cancel the match by returning to the Switch Home Screen and quitting the software. However, be careful not to do this once the match starts as it comes with certain penalties.

Splatoon 3 Related Guides

Tips and Tricks: Beginner's Guide to Splatoon