PS VR troubleshooting

PlayStation VR troubleshooting

Find out how to solve common problems you may experience with your PlayStation®VR.

No lights display before play is started 

As the front lights don't need to be tracked in non-VR mode it's normal for only the two back lights to turn on if you're playing a non-VR game or watching a video through your VR headset. The front lights will turn on when you start VR mode. 

If you’re in VR mode and none of the lights are on, check the following: 

  1. Make sure all cables are securely connected and the headset and processor unit are turned on via the inline remote. 
  2. Unplug the VR headset connection cable from the VR headset and then plug it back in. 
  3. Try another USB port on your console. 
  4. Try bypassing the VR headset connection cable and plug the headset directly into the processor unit. If this corrects the problem it may be an issue with the VR headset connection cable. 
  5. If you’re still experiencing problems, your PS VR may need to be repaired.

No lights display after play is started 

If your headset turns off during play, the headset may be too warm. Try powering off your console, the processor unit and VR headset and try again after 30 minutes. 

If your VR headset frequently turns off, it may need to be returned for repair.

PlayStation VR isn’t connected correctly 

  1. Check the PS VR set-up guide for details on how to connect your PlayStation VR. 
  1. All audio and video is sent through the processor unit, so make sure it’s turned on. The indicator light on the processor unit is a solid white when the power is on. 
  2. PlayStation VR doesn’t support HDMI extensions. Connect PlayStation VR directly to your display device. 
  3. Make sure all connectors are clean and free from dust using a dry cloth. 
  4. Turn off the processor unit by pressing the VR headset inline remote power button for 7 seconds. Then power it back on. 
  5. If, after checking through the previous steps you’re still experiencing problems, your PlayStation VR may need to be repaired.

The VR headset lights are on but aren’t tracking correctly

If you’re in Cinematic mode, only the back lights turn on. Start a VR game to turn all lights on.

To fix tracking issues, calibrate your VR headset.

PS VR picture drift while in cinematic mode

If the screen shifts to one side, press and hold the options button on your controller to center the screen.

PS VR Picture drift while in VR mode 

If your controller is connected to your console with the charging cable, this can sometimes interfere with the PlayStation Camera's view of the light bar. Play wirelessly to stop this issue. 

  • The recommended distance from the camera for optimal play is approximately 1.5 m - 2.0 m (4‘ 9“ - 6’ 5”). 
  • Place the camera in a vibration-free location. 
  • Adjust the height, direction, and angle of the camera. 
  • Play directly in front of the camera. 

If the issue persists, take off the VR headset and leave the power on. Place the VR headset in a location that is stable and free from vibration for approximately 10 seconds.

The VR headset displays a crossed-out HDMI icon 

  1. Disconnect the HDMI cable from the back of the processor unit. 
  2. Connect the HDMI cable directly to the TV and change your HDMI channel.
    You should now see the console display on your TV. 
  3. Update your system software and PS VR firmware. 
  4. Reconnect the HDMI cable directly to the PS VR processor unit.

The VR headset displays a distorted image or interference

  1. Unplug the VR headset connection cable from the VR headset and then plug it back in.
  2. Try bypassing the VR headset connection cable and plug the headset directly into the processor unit. If this corrects the problem it may be an issue with the VR headset connection cable. 
  3. If you're using the headset for the first time make sure you've removed the screen protectors.
  4. You may find that the edges of the screen are a little blurred to mimic peripheral vision. Move your head around to see these areas more clearly.
  5. Are the headset and processor unit connected correctly?

  1. Use the supplied microfiber cloth to make sure the PS VR headset lenses are clean.

  2. Calibrate your VR headset.

  3. Make sure all connectors are clean and free from dust using a dry cloth.

  4. If, after checking through the previous steps you’re still experiencing problems, your PlayStation VR may need to be repaired.

The VR headset displays no image 

  1. Unplug the VR headset connection cable from the VR headset and then plug it back in. 
  2. Try bypassing the VR headset connection cable and plug the headset directly into the processor unit. If this corrects the problem it may be an issue with the VR headset connection cable. 
  3. If your VR headset turns off directly after turning it on, check your TV screen for a message stating that the headset is off. If you see this message, the VR headset connection cable may be faulty. 
  4. Make sure your TV display is set to the correct input. 
  5. Are the VR headset and processor unit connected correctly?

  1. All audio and video is sent through the processor unit, so make sure it’s turned on. The light indicator should be a solid white. 

  2. Make sure all connectors are clean and free from dust using a dry cloth. 

  3. If, after checking through the previous steps you’re still experiencing problems, your PlayStation VR may need to be repaired.

PlayStation VR image is the wrong size

  1. Change the screen size on your console.

Select Settings > Accessories > PlayStation VR > ScreenSize.

Press the PS button on your controller for 3 seconds to open the quick menu and select Adjust PlayStation VR > Screen Size.

  1. If you notice that the image is not clear during play, calibrate your VR headset.

No image is displayed on the TV 

  1. Make sure your TV display is set to the correct input. 
  2. Is the processor unit connected correctly?
  1. All audio and video are sent through the processor unit, so make sure it’s turned on. The light indicator should be a solid white.
  2. If, after checking through the previous steps you’re still experiencing problems, your PlayStation VR may need to be repaired.

TV displays black bars

PS VR games render in a 4:3 aspect ratio on your TV display. To remove the vertical black bars, use your TV's aspect ratio menu and zoom in. Any alteration to the aspect ratio of your TV may cause some clipping to the top and bottom of the image.

How to calibrate your PlayStation VR

  1. Go to Settings > Accessories > PlayStation VR > Adjust VR Headset Position, and move the headset until the image is clear. 
  2. From the PlayStation VR menu, select Adjust Playstation Camera.
  1. Press the PS button on your controller for 3 seconds to open the Quick Menu. 
  2. Select Adjust PlayStation VR > Adjust HeadsetPosition, and move the headset until the image is clear. 
  3. Go to Settings > Devices > PlayStation VR > Adjust PlayStation Camera.

Need help? 

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