General Troubleshooting

The following steps resolve most issues. Before following any additional instructions, please make sure to:

1. Verify Integrity of Tool Files: In the Steam Client, go to your Library, search for "SteamVR", right-click on SteamVR, and select Properties... > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Tool Files.
2. Check and update your graphics drivers: Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date. For more information, see Updating Drivers.
3. Restart SteamVR and test the issue again.
4. Rerun Room Setup from the SteamVR status window.
5. Restart Windows.

Problems with your play area

My virtual position is different from my actual position

These issues are usually caused by tracking problems. Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

1. Check the orientation of your play area by running Room Setup from the SteamVR menu.
2. Use the advanced settings in Room Setup to adjust the orientation of your play area.

The orientation of my play area is incorrect.

If the position of your virtual floor or the "front" of your virtual space is incorrect, you can run Room Setup again from the SteamVR menu. You can also adjust orientation and other features through the advanced settings in Room Setup.

Common issues

VR Headset is not connecting or loses connection.

Check all of your VR Headset's connections. If you see any of the following messages, securing loose cables and restarting the VR Headset (SteamVR Menu > Devices > Restart Headset) may resolve the issue:

• VR Headset display disconnected
• VR Headset not detected
• Laptop: VR Headset display disconnected

SteamVR fails to start, quits unexpectedly, or is unresponsive.

1. Start by following the steps in the General Troubleshooting section above.
2. If the issue persists, you can try running SteamVR in safe mode:
   • Type "run" into the Windows search bar.
   • Type vrmonitor://safemode/enable in the Run window.
   • You can exit safe mode at any time from the dialog above the SteamVR status window.

VR Headset Not Tracking Properly

• Ensure proper lighting: Make sure the room is evenly lit. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can interfere with tracking sensors.
• Clear obstructions: Remove reflective or obstructive objects near the play area, such as mirrors or windows.
• Update base stations (If applicable): If using SteamVR Base Stations, ensure their firmware is up to date by going to Devices > Update Firmware in the SteamVR menu.

Controller issues (Not pairing or unresponsive)

• Re-Pair the Controllers: Go to Devices > Pair Controller from the SteamVR status window and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Check Controller Battery: A low battery can affect tracking and connectivity. Recharge or replace batteries as needed.
• Controller Firmware Update: Make sure the controller firmware is updated. In the SteamVR menu, go to Devices > Update Firmware.

Poor performance or frame rate drops

• Lower Graphics Settings: Go to Settings > Video in SteamVR and reduce supersampling or graphical settings to improve performance.
• Check Background Apps: Close any unnecessary apps running in the background, as they can affect VR performance.
• Set Power Management to High Performance: Go to Control Panel > Power Options in Windows and ensure your power plan is set to High Performance.

Troubleshooting VR environment

Chaperone boundaries not showing

• Restart SteamVR: Sometimes, restarting SteamVR will fix boundary display issues.
• Reset Chaperone Settings: Go to Settings > Chaperone and reset the boundary setup.
• Check Room Setup: If boundaries are misaligned or missing, rerun Room Setup to correct the play area dimensions.

Virtual boundaries incorrectly positioned

• If boundaries appear shifted or skewed, recheck your physical play space to ensure nothing is obstructing the sensors and recalibrate your play area.
  
  You can find the official article here: SteamVR Chaperone FAQ 

Advanced settings for power users

SteamVR settings optimization

• Custom Supersampling: Use SteamVR > Settings > Video to manually adjust supersampling values. Lowering this can reduce system strain and improve frame rates.
• Motion Smoothing: Enable or disable Motion Smoothing from the Settings > Video menu, which can improve smoothness in fast-paced VR experiences.

Debugging via SteamVR logs

• If SteamVR is crashing or experiencing performance issues, you can view detailed logs by going to SteamVR > Developer > View Logs. This can help identify the root cause of crashes or performance problems.

External devices and accessories

Troubleshooting base stations (If applicable)

• Base Station not tracking properly:
  • Ensure base stations are placed at least 6.5 feet apart and mounted at a height that allows them to cover the play area.
  • Restart the base stations by disconnecting and reconnecting their power source.
  • Verify that the base stations are in Sync mode if they require syncing.

External audio issues

• No sound or poor audio quality:
  • Go to SteamVR > Settings > Audio and check if the correct playback device is selected.
  • Verify that your external headphones or speakers are properly connected.
  • Test audio in other applications to determine whether the issue is specific to SteamVR or system-wide.

If you're still having issues, please click on the Contact Support button to reach out to our support team for further assistance.

For more detailed troubleshooting steps, you can also visit the official SteamVR Help Page.