Oculus Rift Troubleshooting

This is the  section of the general troubleshooting guide for the VR Wiki. Please use ctrl+f to search this page for common errors, or use the table of contents below.

General Troubleshooting
The following steps can be taken to resolve most issues:

Check the Cables
Troubleshoot the Oculus DK2 cables to determine if the cable connection is the problem. Positional tracking will be inactive if the camera is not connected properly. Ensure that the sync cable between the Oculus camera and the sync box is properly attached. If it does not work, try the following steps:
 * Reseat and toggle the cable connections to rule out a loose wire or port.
 * Check the connectors on the cables to see if it's bent out of shape or damaged.
 * Check if any of the connector pins have receded or broken off.
 * Swap the Oculus cable set with another known good USB and HDMI cable.
 * Plug the sync cable directly from the tracker to the top of the headset.
 * Swap the sync cable with another known good standard 2.5mm auxiliary cable.
 * Plug the tracker into different USB 2.0 ports on the PC.
 * Swap the USB cable with another known good USB cable.

Check the components of your computer

 * While the USB cable should be plugged into the USB port on the motherboard, try plugging it into different USB ports. Avoid using USB hubs as they are less powerful. This will rule out a faulty USB port.
 * While the HDMI cable should be plugged into the HDMI port on the GPU, try plugging it into different HDMI ports. This will rule out a faulty HDMI port.
 * If you have an Anti-Virus software installed on your computer (such as: Zonealarm, Comodo, Norton, Kaspersky, etc.), temporarily uninstall it and try the DK2 again. If the Oculus DK2 works, this indicates that the Anti-Virus software may outdated or the settings are too high.
 * Close other software programs running in the background to avoid conflicting with the runtime.
 * Make sure you have updated drivers for your graphics card.
 * Try your Oculus Development Kit 2 on another compatible PC to isolate a PC specific issue.

I can't download the Oculus setup program.
First, make sure you're connected to the internet. Then, check your firewall to ensure your traffic isn't being blocked. Finally, try visiting the website using a different device or browser.

Oculus Setup won't install.
Check to make sure you meet the system specifications. Change to an admin account if you're not already on one. Check to see if you have the .NET Framework 4.5 installed.

No video
If you don't see any video, check to make sure you're connected using a good HDMI cable. Then, see if your video drivers are updated. Restart your computer, and re-launch the Oculus application. Make sure you're connected to USB 3 ports.

I keep getting disconnected sensor errors.
Try all the USB3 ports you have to find one that works. Restart the computer and re-launch the Oculus app.

My Rift doesn't fit.
If you're having trouble:


 * Take the headset off and set it down.
 * Unfasten the right and left tabs.
 * Pull the tabs back an equal amount on each strap arm and re-fasten them.
 * Try putting on the headset again.

My firmware won't update.

 * Check to make sure you're still connected to the Internet.
 * Check your Windows firewall settings.
 * Make sure the headset and sensor are still firmly connected to USB 3.0 (blue) ports.
 * Disconnect and reconnect the headset and sensor. If you have additional USB 3.0 (blue) ports, for instance on the back of your computer, try those.
 * Try restarting your computer, and re-launch the Oculus app (not the Oculus Setup app).

My sensor won't update

 * Remember to point the sensor where you'll be standing, not necessarily where you are when you're sitting at your desk.
 * Try moving further back. You don't want the sensor to be closer than 3 feet (1 m) to your head.
 * Make sure nothing's getting in between your head and the sensor. This includes the edges of the surface the sensor is on.
 * Make sure the shiny side of the sensor is pointing toward you. (If you can read the word "Oculus" on the sensor, it's backwards).
 * Make sure you've removed the protective film from the sensor lens.

Oculus remote doesn't work

 * Hold down the select button (the center button, inside the navigation ring) a little longer.
 * Try holding the remote closer to the headset.
 * Make sure both parts of the Rift headset connector cable are still firmly connected to your computer.
 * Try removing the battery and putting the battery back in.


 * 1) Slide the battery door on the back of the remote down, toward the lanyard.
 * 2) Use a pointed tool like the included Audio Tool to pry the battery loose.
 * 3) Check for and remove any pieces of the clear plastic strip.
 * 4) Put the battery back in, with the lettering on the battery facing you.
 * 5) Then try pairing again, by holding down the select button.

Try setting up your Oculus remote using the Oculus app (requires skipping the Oculus remote screen during initial setup):


 * In the Oculus app (on your computer's monitor), click the menu icon in the upper right to open the dropdown menu.
 * Select Settings.
 * Click Devices from the list on the left.
 * Click Configure Rift toward the upper right, and select Add Remote.
 * Try pairing again, this time by holding down the select button and the Oculus button on your remote.

My Xbox controller doens't work.

 * Make sure the Xbox controller is powered on—press the Xbox button at the top center of the controller—immediately before you try pairing.
 * Hold down the sync buttons on both the Xbox wireless adapter and the front edge of the Xbox controller at the same time. Note that the sync button on the Xbox controller isn't the same thing as the Xbox button.
 * Use the USB extender cable to connect the Xbox wireless adapter.
 * Unplug the USB extender cable from your computer, and unplug the Xbox wireless adapter from the USB extender cable. Reconnect the USB extender both to the Xbox wireless adapter and to the USB port on your computer.
 * Make sure you're using a USB port directly on your computer, not a USB hub or a USB port on your monitor. If you have more than two USB 3.0 (blue) ports on your computer, make sure you're using a USB 3.0 (blue) port. (Don't disconnect the sensor or headset from USB 3.0 ports to do this, though.)
 * Make sure both parts of the Rift headset connector cable are still firmly connected to your computer.
 * Re-launch the Oculus app.
 * Try pairing again, making sure you follow this order: Xbox button on the Xbox controller, Xbox wireless adapter sync button, Xbox controller sync button.

My Rift lags and doesn't track right.

 * Make sure there's nothing getting in the way between your headset and the sensor.
 * Make sure your headset and sensor are both still firmly connnected to USB 3.0 (blue) ports.

Position issues in VR
You may notice this type of issue if the floor in VR appears too close, or other objects appear too close to you. You should also try these steps whenever your sensor gets moved from its original position.


 * Try walking back to your starting point, relative to the Oculus sensor. Lift your headset to do this safely.
 * In an individual game or app, use the Reset View option in The Universal Menu to reset your view in that app. If still having issues, continue with the following steps:
 * In the Oculus app (on your computer's desktop), click the menu icon in the upper right to open the dropdown menu.
 * Select Settings.
 * Click Devices from the list on the left.
 * Click the Oculus sensor image.
 * Click Reset Default View in VR to re-enter your height and re-run sensor calibration. Be sure your sensor is positioned correctly in the room first.
 * If you're still having issues, disconnect the sensor from your computer. Then, from the same Settings -> Devices screen, click Forget Device. Then re-connect your sensor.

Blurry text or images

 * Make sure you've taken time to fully Personalize Your Rift.
 * 1) The Rift headset should be snug enough that it doesn't shift as you move your head.
 * 2) Keep in mind that you adjust the sharpness of horizontal lines by slightly raising and lowering the headset on your face each time you put it on, until the image is sharpest.
 * Adjust the sharpness of vertical lines by pushing in and slowly sliding the lens slider on the underside of the headset. Use the Change Lens Spacing option in The Universal Menufor greater precision.
 * Make sure the lenses are free of smudges and dust, as described in Rift Headset and Lens Care guide.

I have a dead pixel
If you see a spec on your lens, it could be dust particles or potentially a dead pixel.


 * Clean the lenses
 * 1) Remove both lenses.
 * 2) Use compressed air to remove any debris inside of the unit and lenses.
 * 3) Wipe the lenses down with the cloth provided (after removing particles with compressed air).


 * Force the pixel to activate
 * 1) Many users have had success in forcing pixels to activate by playing full screen video for a few hours.


 * Determine if it is a Dead Pixel
 * 1) Download and install UD Pixel.
 * 2) Verify that the Rift is set up as your main display.
 * 3) With the UD Pixel program open, select the color that provides the best contrast compared to your defective pixels (Example: if your bad pixel is black, choose the color white in UD Pixel).

Playback is choppy
If you are experiencing choppy playback or judder, please try the steps below.


 * If you are running multiple monitors, set the Oculus DK2 as the primary display.
 * Make sure Aero (desktop composition) is enabled.
 * 1) Having Aero disabled can slow down FPS.
 * Set your monitor's refresh rate to 75Hz
 * 1) This will require a lower resolution, such as: 1280x1024.

Everything is crashing and failing to load
If some games are continuously crashing or failing to load, please try the steps below.


 * Make sure your graphics card (GPU) supports DirectX 11.
 * 1) While older graphics cards may work with some games, it can be a source of issues as many newer games require DirectX 11.
 * Make sure you have the Visual C++ Redistributables installed.
 * 1) You will want both 2010 and 2012 versions in both x86 and x64 flavors.

My Rift crashes when connecting the camera
You may experience this error if you are using a computer that does not support SSE 4.2 (CPUs with Nehalem architecture chips). Programs such as CPU-Z can help you find out if your processor will function properly with the current SDK. Use the Oculus Rift Development Kit 2 on a computer with a newer CPU that does support SSE 4.2.

Profile values don't save and/or the Oculus Config. Utility crashes
If your profile values don't save or the Oculus Config. Utility crashes upon launch, please delete ProfileDB.json.

Exception reports appear when I open the Oculus Config. Utility
If you are using the Oculus DK2 on a Windows 7 computer and you receive an exception report upon opening the Oculus Config. Utility, please try the step below. Install the Platform Update for Windows 7. The Platform Update for Windows 7 enables improved features and performance on Windows 7 Service Pack 1.

Error: [LauncherService] Cannot start installed service: StartService failed
If you are getting this error when the OVR service launches, please try the steps below.


 * Make sure your Windows profile is an administrator (not a guest)
 * Are you using USB display hardware or display/overlay software?

DisplayLink, Dell SuperSpeed, and Asus USB displays conflict with the Oculus Software. If you have it installed, please uninstall the driver and try again.

Error: 57493-Public TCID:158609 is not responding
If you have tried all the steps above and you’re still experiencing issues with your Oculus DK2, please contact Oculus Support with the following information:


 * Your name and email address
 * Serial number of your DK2 unit (located behind the tracker)
 * Full description of the issue
 * Your computer’s DxDiag Log
 * Oculus Rift Diagnostics Log

Lagging or other tracking issues

 * Make sure there's nothing getting in the way between your headset and the sensor.
 * Make sure your headset and sensor are both still firmly connnected to USB 3.0 (blue) ports.
 * Make sure your sensor is positioned correctly. (Set Up Your Oculus Sensor)

Position issues in VR
You may notice this type of issue if the floor in VR appears too close, or other objects appear too close to you. You should also try these steps whenever your sensor gets moved from its original position.


 * Try walking back to your starting point, relative to the Oculus sensor. Lift your headset to do this safely.
 * In an individual game or app, use the Reset View option in The Universal Menu to reset your view in that app. If still having issues, continue with the following steps:
 * In the Oculus app (on your computer's desktop), click the menu icon in the upper right to open the dropdown menu.
 * Select Settings.
 * Click Devices from the list on the left.
 * Click the Oculus sensor image.
 * Click Reset Default View in VR to re-enter your height and re-run sensor calibration. Be sure your sensor is positioned correctly in the room first. (Set Up Your Oculus Sensor)
 * If you're still having issues, disconnect the sensor from your computer. Then, from the same Settings -> Devices screen, click Forget Device. Then re-connect your sensor.

Blurry text or images

 * Make sure you've taken time to fully Personalize Your Rift.
 * 1) The Rift headset should be snug enough that it doesn't shift as you move your head.
 * 2) Keep in mind that you adjust the sharpness of horizontal lines by slightly raising and lowering the headset on your face each time you put it on, until the image is sharpest.
 * Adjust the sharpness of vertical lines by pushing in and slowly sliding the lens slider on the underside of the headset. Use the Change Lens Spacing option in The Universal Menufor greater precision.
 * Make sure the lenses are free of smudges and dust, as described in Rift Headset and Lens Care