This handy feature backs up your island data into the Nintendo Switch Online cloud, so you can re-download it in the event that your console gets lost or damaged. However, unlike how Nintendo handles backing up save data with its other games, the process for New Horizons is a bit more restrictive.
Nintendo won’t restore your save data unless your Switch is lost or damaged and it can’t be restored on your own, but we’ll cover that part later.
Follow these steps to enable island backup and find out how to restore your save data.
HOW TO BACKUP ISLAND DATA IN ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW HORIZONS
Backing up your island data in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is very easy and can be accessed on the title page.
Be sure your edition of the game is updated to version 1.4 and follow these simple steps to access the settings of New Horizons. You also need to be a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber. From there, Tom Nook will explain the process and what enabling island backup means.
Open Animal Crossing: New Horizons and select a user with a compatible Nintendo Account.
In order to enable island backup:Use a Nintendo Account with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Use a Nintendo Account that has a resident on the island. Each user on a Nintendo Switch system can create a resident and move to the island soon after starting the game. Your Nintendo Switch system must have a stable connection to the internet. Your game must be updated to the latest software version (1. 4. 0 or later). Island backup cannot already be enabled. If any other resident on the island has already enabled island back up, you will not be able to enable it as a different resident. The original resident can disable island backup if you wish to enable it using a different account.
If island backup cannot be enabled, it may be because your Nintendo Switch is not currently connected to the internet or your Nintendo Account does not currently have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
RESTORING ISLAND DATA
Now that you’ve enabled island backup there may be a scenario where your Nintendo Switch console is lost or damaged. Fear not, as you will be able to access your save file for when you get a new or repaired console. Players will also need an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
In the event of loss or damage, contact Nintendo Consumer Support, and a representative can help you restore the island and user save data on your new or repaired Nintendo Switch system. Standard charges apply for non-warranty repairs.
DISABLING ISLAND DATA IN ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW HORIZONS
If you want to disable the island backup feature in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you’ll need to go back to the game’s setting on the title page and follow these steps:
Open Animal Crossing: New Horizons and select the user with the Nintendo Account that originally enabled island backup. In order to disable island backup:Your Nintendo Switch system must have a stable connection to the internet. Your game must be updated to the latest software version (1. 4. 0 or later). From the title screen, press the – button to access the Settings menu. Select Island backup, Disable island backup, then Yes, disable backup to confirm. If island backup cannot be disabled, it may be because your Nintendo Switch is not currently connected to the internet or you are not using the same Nintendo Account that was used to enable island backup.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available now for Nintendo Switch.
