Using PSVR is much easier than it used to be – here’s our step-by-step guide on how to set up PlayStation VR on PS4 or PS5.

Virtual reality is more accessible than ever, and barely more accessible than PlayStation VR, which works with the PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 you might already have. However, while the world of VR is exciting, the setup process can complicate things a bit when it comes to PSVR. Where do all those cables go anyway?

Fear not, as we explain what you’ll need to get into the virtual world of PlayStation VR, plus a step-by-step guide on how to set up PlayStation VR for PS4 or PS5.

Read: How to fix PlayStation 4 error code NP-37602-8 for YouTube?

PlayStation VR Checklist

Although you might think this is a silly section to include in a setup article, unlike other systems, Sony’s PlayStation VR doesn’t come with everything you need in the box.

The standard pack doesn’t even include the PlayStation Camera, which is crucial for using the PSVR. So, to sum it up, here’s everything you need to play PlayStation VR:

• PlayStation VR Pack (headset, processing unit, headphones, HDMI cable, USB cable, power adapter and cord, connection adapter for PSVR headset)
• PlayStation camera
• PlayStation 4 / PlayStation 4 Pro / PlayStation 5
• PlayStation Move Controller x2 (optional but recommended)
• PlayStation Camera Adapter (Required for PlayStation 5)

How to set up PlayStation VR for PS4

The first thing you’ll notice when you open the PlayStation VR box is the massive number of components and cables—and that doesn’t include the PlayStation 4, PlayStation Camera, or Move Stick, all of which are sold separately. OK, where to start?

1) Locate the processor (black box) and slide the cover so the rear port is visible. Take the supplied HDMI cable and plug it into your PS4’s HDMI output, then plug the other end into a port on the processing unit labeled “HDMI PS4.” Connect the second HDMI cable to your television, with the other end connected to the processing unit’s “HDMI TV” port.

2) Locate the supplied USB cable and plug the Micro-USB side (short side) into the back of the processor. Plug the other end of the USB into a USB port on the PS4 – Note that there’s an additional USB port on the back of the PS4 Pro, ideal for use with a PSVR.

3) Plug the AC power supply into the processor and connect it to the power outlet.

4) Find the VR Headset Connection Cable and plug the VR Headset Connection Cable into the front of the processor, making sure the symbols match up to get the correct orientation. Plug the VR headset into the other end of the connection cable, again making sure the symbols on the cable and the corresponding port match.

5) Now that the VR headset is connected, the next step is to connect the PlayStation Camera (not included). Connect the PlayStation Camera cable to the corresponding port on the back of the PS4 and position the camera on the top or bottom of the TV, making sure no obstacles are blocking the view of your play area.

6) With all the components now plugged into your PS4, it’s time to turn on the console. Simply turn on the console and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your play area and complete the initial VR system setup.

Once done, you should be ready to go to VR! If you purchased Move sticks, connect them to the PS4 using the supplied USB cable and press the PlayStation button to pair them.

How to set up PlayStation VR for PS5

The bad news is that if you already have a working PSVR setup, it won’t work with the PlayStation 5. The good news is that you only need one part free, and once you have it that’s all.

The problem is that the PlayStation 5 doesn’t have the custom port used by the PlayStation Camera accessory. Fortunately, Sony offers free adapters to all PSVR owners – all you have to do is provide your PSVR serial number and the company will mail you a free adapter.

Once you have this, just connect the PlayStation Camera to the adapter and follow the steps above for PS4, the same for PS5. Once you get to Step 5, simply plug the PlayStation camera into a rear USB port on your console via the new adapter, and you’re good to go.

A quick note: You might be tempted to use this as an excuse to upgrade to the new HD camera for PlayStation 5. No. It’s designed only for you filming for live streaming and is not compatible with PlayStation VR. It may be part of the expected PlayStation VR 2 whenever it does, but at the moment it won’t help you with the VR setup at all.

And that’s it – now you’re ready to get trapped, explore virtual environments and fight virtual baddies. If you need some gaming inspiration, check out our list of the best PlayStation VR games.