Preparing your environment

Before you use the headset in a new environment, we recommend you take a moment to prepare your surroundings. This will help you get the best experience when using the headset.

Always clear the room of any obstacles that might get in your way. Also check that you have enough room to move around freely when using the headset. When using the headset, be aware that real-world objects in your environment may be obstructed by virtual ones. Keep in mind the location of the headset cables as you move around.

If possible, cover all reflective surfaces in the room as they may interfere with tracking.

Make sure that your room has good, even lighting when you set up and use the headset. Lighting is particularly important to get the optimal performance from the front-facing cameras on your headset when using mixed reality features and chroma key especially.

For best results with Varjo inside-out tracking (Beta), it helps to have clearly detectable and stationary features in your environment for the headset cameras to follow. You can also use a Varjo reference marker to improve tracking accuracy.

Starting a VR application

To start a VR application in your headset, simply run the application on your Windows computer. The application will open directly in your headset.

Make sure that your VR application is compatible with Varjo headsets. For instructions on how to migrate your existing applications to Varjo headsets, visit our Developer portal.

Starting a SteamVR application

To start a SteamVR application or game, launch it either in Steam or using its own application executable. Do not start SteamVR manually, it will start automatically.

Note that to use SteamVR (OpenVR) applications, you will need to set up SteamVR™ Tracking for your headset.

Quitting a VR application

To close a VR application running in your headset, simply close the application on your Windows computer.

Powering the headset on and off

XR-3, VR-3, and Aero
Your headset is powered by the power supply units connected to the headset adapter(s). If the power supplies are plugged in, the headset remains powered on even when you turn off your computer. The LED light will shine orange.

The headset will go idle when you are not using it. The headset displays are turned off and the LED light shows a dim green pulsing pattern.

Your headset is automatically activated when you move it. The displays are turned on and the LED light turns a solid green.

After using your headset, disconnect the headset from the power source. For example, using a smart plug or an extension cord with a switch allows for easy access to the device’s power supply.

To restart your headset, press and hold both the Menu button and Action button until the LED light blinks once. Alternatively, disconnect and reconnect the power cables to restart.

XR-1 Developer Edition, VR-2 Pro, VR-2, and VR-1
Your headset is powered by the Link Box power supply. If the Link Box is plugged in, your headset will remain powered on even when you turn off your computer.

The headset will go idle when you are not using it. When idle, the headset displays are turned off and the LED light blinks white.

Your headset is automatically activated when you move it. The displays are turned on and the LED light turns green.

After using your headset, disconnect the headset from the power source. For example, using a smart plug or an extension cord with a switch allows for easy access to the device’s power supply.

To restart your headset, press and hold both the System button and Application button until the LED light blinks once. Alternatively, disconnect and reconnect the power cable to restart.

Using the headset buttons

XR-3, VR-3, and Aero
There are two buttons and an LED light on the right side of your headset.

 The Action button is used to interact with applications. This button can serve different purposes depending on the application.

 The Menu button opens the Menu when you are wearing the headset.

 The LED light indicates the status of your headset. A full list of LED light patterns and associated statuses can be found in the FAQ section.

XR-1 Developer Edition, VR-2 Pro, VR-2, and VR-1

There are two buttons on your headset: (1) the System button and (2) the Application button.

Use the System button to open the Menu when wearing the headset.

Use the Application button to interact with applications. This button can serve different purposes depending on the application.

The System button also features an LED light to indicate the status of your headset. A full list of LED light patterns and associated statuses can be found in the FAQ section.

Using the Menu

The Menu contains shortcuts for frequently used features of your headset. You can open the Menu at any time while using the headset. There are a few different ways to use the Menu.

Opening the Menu

XR-3, VR-3, and Aero
Press the Menu button to open or close the Menu. Alternatively, select Menu button in the Tools menu in Varjo Base.

XR-1 Developer Edition, VR-2 Pro, VR-2, and VR-1
Press the System button to open or close the Menu. Alternatively, select System button in the Tools menu in Varjo Base.

Using your hands

XR-3 and VR-3

With XR-3 and VR-3, you can also use the Menu with your hands. Simply push the menu items with one or more fingers.

Using the headset buttons or controller

XR-3, VR-3, and Aero
Turn your head to focus on a menu item and use the Action button to select. You can also point and select with a controller.

XR-1 Developer Edition, VR-2 Pro, VR-2, and VR-1
Turn your head to focus on a menu item and use the Application button to select. You can also point and select with a controller.