PSVR Red Light Problems & How to Fix Them

The PS VR is an impressive virtual reality headset, with some fantastic features and excellent performance. Unfortunately, all this greatness can be slightly compromised by a minor problem – the PSVR Red Light of the device’s camera might stay on longer than you would expect, which can cause concern for some users. The good news is that these problems are usually easy to fix. If your PS VR won’t turn on, or if you see a red light instead of blue when you power it up, there are steps you can take to get back up and running quickly and safely. Read this article to learn more about the potential causes of a Red Light problem with your PSVR, and what you can do to fix them.

Check the HDMI cable

All PS VR users should make sure the HDMI cable connecting their headset to the PS4 is seated properly and undamaged. If the cable doesn’t fit snugly, or if it appears damaged, it could be interrupting the headset’s connection with the console, and causing a problem with the red light. First, disconnect the PSVR Red Light from the console, then flip over the PS4 and inspect the HDMI connection to make sure it is clean and intact. If the cable appears dirty, is bent or broken in any way, or is not completely inserted into the PS4, clean it with a soft cloth and try again.

Confirm the PS4 is on and working

If your PSVR Red Light is connected to a working HDMI port, and the cable is clean and undamaged, you should still see a blue light on the PS4’s front panel. If your PS4 is powered up and connected to the same router as your PS VR, you should see a blue light when you power on the headset as well. If you don’t see the blue light, or if it starts flashing, the PS4 might be having issues. If your PS4 is having problems, you’ll likely notice other issues too, like a blue light that doesn’t turn on when you turn on the console, or a flashing blue light when the headset is powered on. If you see these issues, try restarting your PS4 by unplugging it from its power source for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. If you’re using a PS4 Slim or PS4 Pro, you may also want to manually restart the device by pressing the power button on its front panel for 10 seconds.

The room is not dark enough

The PS VR’s camera has a built-in red light that only turns on when the device is in “dark” mode. It’s built-in red light is used to enhance contrast between the headset’s wearer and the surrounding environment, allowing the camera to better see your movements and what’s in the room. If you’re in a brightly lit room, it’s likely the camera can’t see well enough to turn on the red light. Move your PSVR Red Light to a darker location, like a room with mostly closed blinds, and the light should come on.

The VR headset’s mic and speaker are not connected

Some PSVR Red Light users may have accidentally disconnected the headset’s built-in mic and speaker during setup. If this happens, the headset won’t be able to send or receive sound properly, and the camera’s red light will stay on. If you’re sure the headset’s mic and speaker are connected, but you still see the red light, it could be a sign that the camera is having network issues.

Network issues

If the PS VR’s camera is having network issues, you may be able to fix the problem by switching the device to Ethernet. If you’re currently using a Wi-Fi connection to connect your PSVR Red Light, try plugging the headset into an Ethernet port in your router, and see if the camera’s light turns blue.

If you don’t have an Ethernet port near your PS VR, or you have an older PS4 that doesn’t have one either, you may need to use an Ethernet bridge to plug your PS4 into a wired connection. If you’re able to plug the PS4 into an Ethernet connection, but the camera’s light stays red, it could be a sign of device problems.

Device problems

The PS VR’s camera is a complex piece of hardware, but it is backed by a one-year warranty that covers defects in workmanship and materials. If you’re seeing a red light on your PSVR Red Light, and you’ve already tried each of the above solutions, it’s possible that the camera is faulty and should be replaced. If you suspect the camera is broken, contact PlayStation customer support. They may ask you to send the camera in for repair, or they might send you a new device. If you’re not under warranty, you may need to pay for a repair or replacement.

Conclusion

You can’t control when problems like a red light issue with your PSVR Red Light occur, but you can prepare for them by knowing what can cause them and taking the proper steps to fix them. If you experience a red light problem with your PSVR Red Light, start by checking your connection, the environment you’re using it in, and the device itself, and take the appropriate steps to solve the problem.