Steam VR not detecting headset? So, let’s get to work on it! There are many reasons Steam VR may miss your headset, and fortunately, there are multiple solutions to the problem. If you can’t get Steam VR to work, this article will help you determine what’s wrong and how to fix it.
Why Is Steam VR Failing To Recognize My Headset?
If your connection is poor, steam VR not detecting headset. As a result, ensure that the connection is secure before looking for solutions.
This problem can also occur because of a bug. Most of the time, the computer does not recognize the new headset. The fix is to restart the computer. There are some additional solutions that we will discuss later in this article. So, let’s start the visit without any further delay.
How Do You Fix It If Steam VR Not Detecting Headset?
Before troubleshooting:
- Make sure that all the connections are tight and proper.
- Connect the USB and HDMI plugs on the headset and computer sides of the Link Box.
We must run Steam VR games and experiences using your computer. If you receive the error, Steam VR not detecting headset, when attempting to launch a game or experience, there are several things you can try to troubleshoot the problem. It should solve your problem and allow you to dive into VR! First, you’ll need to perform some basic troubleshooting steps and ensure that it configured your headset correctly on your system.
1- Ensure That It Recognizes Your Headset
Whether you use Oculus Link, Air Link, or Virtual Desktop, you must install the Oculus Link PC Software to detect the headset correctly in Steam VR.
If you haven’t, we’re almost sure that this is the source of your problem. So download the setup, install the Oculus Link PC software, and connect your headset there. If you followed all the steps correctly, it should list your headset as active when you open the app and select Device.
Now that Oculus Software has detected the headset launch the Steam VR application, and there’s a good chance you’ll have even more success!
2- Relaunch Steam VR
It should go without saying, but if in doubt, restart the application in question. If you click the “Reset Headset” button, Steam VR will automatically renew.
Also, make sure you’re wearing your headset, place it on your brow if you need to see your PC desktop, and don’t let it go to sleep.
3- Turn on Unknown Sources
The most common cause of the problem is a simple setting that may work against you without your knowledge. It’s a setting in the Oculus app rather than in Steam.
As part of the headset’s extensive settings, other devices can detect it when it is in contact with them. Before we get into the more complex diagnostics, you’ll need to ensure you turned this on.
Turning it on is relatively simple; when you don’t, it’s complicated. To begin, navigate to the settings menu in your Oculus app. There is a setting within these referred to as “general settings.” Enter that menu.
Then, enable the “unknown sources” option. It should improve communication between the Oculus and Steam VR.
All that remains is to restart the Oculus app and Steam before attempting to reactivate them. It activates the changes you’ve made to the settings.
4- Reinstall Steam VR If Necessary
If a setting did not cause the problem in the Oculus app, the next most likely cause is that Steam VR is currently a little buggy. Those who use Steam regularly are well aware that it is prone to bugs.
Fortunately, these problems are rapidly corrected with swarms of updates that frequently arrive daily. But none of us enjoys waiting for these problems to resolve themselves. Simply reinstalling Steam VR is an excellent way to regain control and clear out the bugs.
The procedure isn’t too tricky. Here we go. Foremost, go to your Steam game library. Then, look for Steam VR on this menu and right-click on it. It will provide you with the option to uninstall the app. Click on it to confirm your action. After that, they left all that to do was reinstall it.
Go to the Steam store and look for it, then download it. After all of that, everything will work perfectly. If not, there is one more thing you can try as a follow-up to this suggestion.
Navigate to the Steam VR app on Steam and then to the properties file. You will see an option to verify the files from here. Click on that and wait for it to do its thing. Then, reconnect your Oculus once more.
5- Align the Headset with the Sensors Once Again
While configuring the VR headset and Steam VR, sensors detect whether you are wearing the headset. Occasionally, something may block these sensors or set up so that they do not line up with the headset itself.
To correct this, ensure that everything is in its proper place. When everything is in place, see some green lights to show that everything is in order.
6- Enable the Steam VR Beta Update Option
Here is another simple fix we can accomplish: going to Steam VR’s properties and making a slight change. However, there is a catch. Before we get started, we recommend you uninstall and reinstall Steam VR. They provide the instructions above.
After that, navigate through the Steam library to access the Steam VR properties. Under these properties, you will notice a “beta tab” option. You’ll be able to enable “Steam VR Beta Update” from here. You can try it out and see if it fixes the issue.
7- Experiment with Different Approaches
When something doesn’t work, the goal is to collect as much information as possible. It helps to narrow down and identify the root cause of the problem.
We recommend testing the same scenario with an alternative method of launching PCVR for our current steam VR not detecting headset issues. So, if you’re having problems with Oculus Air Link, try Virtual Desktop or the wired Link connection. If you’re using Oculus Link, try one of the wireless PCVR methods, and so on.
Based on the results, you’ll have a better idea of where to look next to solve the problem. Alternatively, you may be satisfied with the alternative method where you abandon debugging the issue and stick with what’s working. It is entirely up to you.
8- Contact Steam VR Support.
We recommend contacting Steam VR support as a last resort. Ensure you provide a detailed description of the exact problem you’re experiencing and your steps to resolve it.
Make sure to include both Oculus and Steam logs from the last 24 hours. These will aid the support teams in better understanding and debugging your problem.
If you use Virtual Desktop, we also recommend going to the VD Discord and searching for your problem in the history and asking the community about it.
Conclusion
To have the best VR experience on Steam, you must have your headset and PC correctly set up and work together. If steam VR not detecting headset, follow the above steps. The steps outlined above can help you troubleshoot this issue and ensure that your headset is configured correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does Steam VR request you plug in your VR headset?
A: Steam VR has not detected a running CloudXR server if you see this message. When Steam VR can detect the CloudXR server but cannot detect the headset connected to the machine, it displays “Please plug in your headset” instead of “Headset not detected.”
Why am I unable to connect my Oculus to my PC?
If you still can’t activate Oculus Link after updating your software, try the following troubleshooting steps: If you don’t see Add Quest as a device in the PC software, log out and then log back in. If the Enable Link pop-up does not appear on the PC software, log out and log in.
Is there a VR headset that works with steam?
Steam VR is the ultimate tool for experiencing VR content on your preferred hardware. Steam VR is compatible with the Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality, and other headsets.
Is it possible to use any VR headset with steam?
It’s less expensive than high-end VR headsets like the Valve Index and Reverb G2, but it can still provide an augmented experience. And, because this collection of VR headsets is all PC-powered, they’re all Steam-compatible
How do I connect to my virtual reality headset?
Insert one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on the link box and the other end into the HDMI port on your computer’s graphic card. Insert one end of the USB cable into the USB port on the link box and the other end into the USB port on your computer.
Is Virtual Desktop required for Steam VR?
Quest users can now use Virtual Desktop to access their entire catalog of Steam VR and Oculus Rift titles, including AAA releases like Half-Life: Alyx and Bone work and fan favorites like Blade & Sorcery and Phasmophobia. Those wishing to stream PCVR content will also require a VR-capable PC besides a Virtual Desktop.