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How To Turn On Your PSVR: A Comprehensive Guide

Turning on your PlayStation VR (PSVR) is the first step to diving into immersive virtual reality experiences on your PlayStation console. The process is generally straightforward, but understanding each step is crucial for a smooth start. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to power up your PSVR, along with troubleshooting tips and answers to common questions.

The Basic Steps to Power On Your PSVR

To successfully turn on your PSVR, follow these steps in order:

Power on Your PS4 or PS5: Ensure your PlayStation console is completely powered on and is displaying on your television. The PSVR relies on the console to process the VR content.
Power On the DUALSHOCK 4 (or Dualsense) Controller: If you are using a PS4, power on the Dualshock 4 controller by pressing the PS button. If you are using a PS5, power on the Dualsense controller. This will allow you to navigate the console menu.
Power On the PSVR Headset: Locate the power button, designated with (A), located on the underside of the PlayStation VR headset scope. Press the power button briefly.
Check the Tracking Lights: Once powered on, you should see the tracking lights on the rear of the headset glowing blue (B). This indicates that the headset is powered on and ready for use.
Ensure Cables are Secure: Make sure all necessary cables—including the headset connection cable, HDMI cables, and USB cables—are securely connected between the PSVR processor unit, the PlayStation console, and the television.
Check Inline Remote: Ensure that both the headset and the processor unit are powered on, which is often indicated by lights on the inline remote.

Once all these steps are completed, your PSVR should be powered on and ready to transport you to your chosen VR world.

Troubleshooting: What If Your PSVR Isn’t Turning On?

Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and your PSVR might not power up correctly. Here’s a more detailed look at potential issues and their solutions:

The Lights Aren’t On

Check Power Connections: Make sure the power cord is securely connected to both the processor unit and a working power outlet. If using a power strip or surge protector, try plugging directly into a wall outlet to rule out any potential issues with the strip.
Secure Cables: Verify that all cables (USB, HDMI, and headset cable) are firmly connected to their respective ports. A loose cable is a common cause of a non-responsive PSVR.
Inline Remote Check: Confirm the inline remote is connected properly and that the headset and processor unit are receiving power. The inline remote also has indicator lights. If these aren’t illuminated, there is likely a power issue.
Try Another USB Port: If the processor unit’s power light is on but the headset is not, try connecting the USB cable to a different USB port on your PlayStation. Sometimes, a specific USB port might not be functioning correctly.
Unplug and Replug: Unplug the VR headset connection cable from the VR headset and then firmly plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the connection and allow power to flow correctly.

Hard Reboot

Perform a Hard Reset: If none of the above work, try a hard reboot of the PSVR headset. Hold down the Power button on the headset for more than 30 seconds and up to 60 seconds until the LED light turns white. This can often resolve issues if the headset is stuck or unresponsive.

Issues with the Processor Unit

Red Light: A solid red light on the processor unit means that it is in rest mode and is not sending any information to the TV through the HDMI cable. Ensure the processor unit is completely powered on and connected.
Overheating: If the indicator light on the processor unit is flashing red, the fan is making a loud noise, or you see an on-screen overheating message, move the unit to a well-ventilated area to prevent it from overheating.

Controller Issues

Controller Doesn’t Turn On: If your VR controllers are not turning on, press and hold the System button for at least 5 seconds. If this doesn’t work, charge the controller using a different cable and adapter and try a different power outlet.
Waking up Controllers: If the controllers are asleep, try shaking them gently to wake them up or press the buttons on the controllers first. If controllers are off, briefly press the VIVE button on the right controller and the Menu button on the left controller. Check that the controller LEDs will turn blue while they are connecting, or green when they are connected.
Controller Charging: The controller’s status indicator will slowly blink white and turn off when charging is complete. Do not use the controllers while charging.
Fully Charged Controller Indicator: While charging, your controller’s status indicator slowly blinks white. When charging is complete, the status indicator turns off and so does the controller. Check your controller’s battery level from Accessories in the control center on your PlayStation.

Headset Display Issues

Black Screen: If your PSVR headset screen is black, check that the headset is powered on. Ensure that when the headset was last powered on, it was in view of the PS4 camera. You may need to recalibrate the system in game while being sure the front of the headset is in view of the camera.
Blurry Images: To fix blurry images, access the PSVR settings and select Adjust Lens Distance and VR Headset Position. Recalibrating the eye-tracking technology and cleaning the lenses can also improve clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PSVR Startup

1. How do I enable VR on PS4?

To access and customize PSVR settings, go to Settings > Devices > PlayStation VR on your PS4. These settings are available only when the PSVR is connected to your system.

2. What does the white light on my PSVR mean?

A solid white light on the processor unit or headset indicates that the PSVR is ready to begin play. It signifies that the unit and console are connected, powered on, and sending a signal to your TV.

3. How do I know if my PSVR controller is charging?

When charging, the sphere on your PSVR controller will slowly flash orange and stop flashing when fully charged. To charge your controller while your system is in rest mode, go to Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode > Supply Power to USB Ports.

4. Is PSVR bad for my eyes?

VR isn’t inherently bad for your eyes. While VR screens can cause temporary vision effects, practicing good eye habits can alleviate most symptoms. Like all digital screen use, balancing your VR usage with eye care is important.

5. Can I watch Netflix with PSVR?

Yes, you can use PlayStation VR to watch anything that can run through your PlayStation 4 or 5, including streaming apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.

6. Why is my VR controller blinking red?

A blinking red light on your VR controller usually indicates low battery. You’ll need to charge the controller soon.

7. What should I do if my VR is crashing or stuttering?

If you encounter errors such as crashing, stuttering, or a distorted image, restart your VR device and software, update your drivers, and disable any background programs or antivirus software. You can also try using a different USB port or HDMI cable.

8. Why won’t my VR headset turn off?

Try pressing and holding the power button until the headset restarts. If it still won’t turn off, you may need to contact PlayStation support for further assistance.

9. Why is my VR not charging?

Ensure you’re using a working power source and cable. Try a different power outlet and charging cable. Check if you can open the boot menu on your headset by holding the power and volume (-) buttons on the headset simultaneously until the boot screen loads.

10. What does the black screen of death mean on my VR headset?

A black screen of death can be due to several issues including dead batteries, stuck updates, corrupt firmware, or even hardware problems. Try a hard reset, or ensure it’s not a headset connection issue, by checking all cables and connections.

11. Is PS VR better than Oculus?

The choice between PSVR and Oculus depends on your needs. The Oculus Quest 2 is more powerful and versatile, while the PSVR is more budget-friendly and accessible for PlayStation owners.

12. Can the PSVR overheat?

Yes, the PSVR processor unit can overheat if not properly ventilated. If you see a flashing red light or hear loud fan noise, place the processor unit in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.

13. How do I wake up my VR controller?

Shaking the controllers gently will often wake them up. If that doesn’t work, try pressing the buttons on the controllers. If that does not work, the controllers might be off. You will need to turn the controllers on by pressing the buttons.

14. Why won’t my VR controller wake up?

This could indicate that the battery is low, try changing the batteries ensuring they are inserted with correct polarity.

15. Why is my PSVR so blurry?

The main solution to fix blurry images on PS VR is to access its settings and select Adjust Lens Distance and VR Headset Position. Recalibrating the eye-tracking technology can also help, as well as cleaning the lenses.

By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you should have no problem powering on your PlayStation VR and diving into a fantastic virtual reality experience. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to contact PlayStation support for further assistance.

How do I turn on PSVR?