How to Set Up PlayStation VR: Get Started with PSVR on PS4

Tom Bedford November 29, 2020

If you’ve bought a PlayStation VR (PSVR), you don’t want to waste your time working out how to connect it to your PlayStation 4 (PS4); you just want to play some of the best VR games available. Thankfully, Sony has made it easy to connect a PSVR set to both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro with minimal hassle.

How to Set Up PlayStation VR: Get Started with PSVR on PS4

To confuse matters somewhat, there are actually two types of PlayStation VR headsets, including CUH-ZVR1 and CUH-ZVR2. Initial set-up stages for the two are identical, but they vary towards the end of the process. The CUH-ZVR1 has a sliding cover on the processor unit and the power button is on the headset connection cable. The CUH-ZVR2 doesn’t have a sliding cover on the processor unit and its power button is on the headset directly. ZVR2 is also capable of HDR passthrough, making it a better model to use with the PS4 Pro and your shiny 4K TV. Make sure you know which model you have.

You’ll also need a PS Camera to get PlayStation VR to work. These don’t come as standard with the PSVR set, but you can buy a Starter Kit bundle that includes one.

How to Connect PlayStation VR

Before you set up the PlayStation VR, make sure your PS4 and TV are turned off. If you bought the PS4 with the PlayStation VR, you’ll have to set up the console first.

Connect the PSVR processor unit to your TV. It’s best to use the longer HDMI cable that came with the PS4 for this.

Source: playstation.com
Connect the PS Camera to the PS4. Sony recommends placing the camera at least 1.4 meters (approximately 4 foot 7 inches) off the ground.

Source: playstation.com
Connect the PSVR unit to the back of your PS4 console using the supplied HDMI cable (labeled #1) and to the front of the console using the USB cable (labeled #2).

Source: playstation.com
Use the AC power cord (labeled #3) to attach the processor unit to a power socket. Remember, you’ll need to keep the PS4 plugged into an outlet.

Source: playstation.com

For more details, see Sony’s PSVR Installation guide.

From here, the process for setting up the PlayStation VR differs slightly between models.

How to connect PlayStation VR: CUH-ZVR1

The CUH-ZVR1 VR headset cable includes an inline remote, which has the power button on it. Find the headphones jack on the remote and connect your headphones.
Attach the two PSVR HDMI connection cables (labeled #4). To do this, you’ll need to slide the VR HDMI port cover (the entire right-side portion of the VR processor unit) back to expose the sockets. Match up the four PS symbols to their counterparts on the cables, and then slide the port cover back into place.
Connect the other end of the PSVR HDMI connection cable to the headset cable (labeled #5), matching up the symbols appropriately.
Turn on the TV first, then your PS4. Once these devices are powered up, fire up the PSVR with the power button on the inline remote. The blue lights on the top of the headband light up when it’s ready to use.
You’ll be prompted to update or download the PlayStation VR Device Software. You’ll need an internet connection for this, but it won’t take long.
Read and follow the on-screen instructions to properly configure and optimize your VR headset.

How to connect PlayStation VR: CUH-ZVR2

The CUH-ZVR2 VR headset cable does not include an inline remote with a headphones jack like the CUH-ZVR1 but features the jack on the headband instead. Find the headphones jack and connect your headphones.
Insert the two PSVR headset cables (labeled #4) into the processor unit. CUH-ZVR2 does not have a sliding port cover like the CUH-ZVR1 model. Match up the four PS symbols on each plug to the same ones found on the processor unit.
Turn on the Tv, then the PS4. Once the devices power up, turn on the PSVR using the power button on the headset. When the device is ready, the blue lights on the top of the headband will display.
Follow the on-screen instructions to properly configure and optimize the VR headset.