Fix: Steam VR Headset Not Detected Error

As the name suggests, Steam VR is a Virtual Reality headset for experiencing VR content like videos, movies, and games. The best part is that it works well with all the popular VR headset models from HTC, Oculus, Valve, Razer, Primax, etc. So, you don’t need to worry about compatibility issues in most scenarios. However, some of the Steam VR Headset users are facing the Not Detected Error whenever they’re trying to connect the VR headset with other devices.

According to multiple reports online, it seems that plenty of users are encountering the same issue which is quite frustrating. The specific Steam VR Headset-related error also throws an error message that says “Headset Not Detected. Make sure your headset is connected properly, then reset it below. (108)” Additionally, this error also offers users to either choose ‘Reset Headset’ or ‘More Info’ accordingly. So, what to do right now?

1. Restart VR Headset and PC

It’s highly recommended to restart the VR headset as well as the computer to ensure there is no connectivity glitch or temporary cache data troubling you. Though this is a quite simple method for troubleshooting, it may come in handy in most scenarios. To reboot the Steam VR Headset, you can follow the steps below:

Launch your SteamVR > Right-click on the headset icon.
Select Devices > Choose Reboot Headset.
Wait for the process to complete and then check for the issue again.

2. Check for Connectivity Options

Sometimes issues with the connectivity options or loose ports can also trigger not detected errors with the devices. It’s highly recommended to check for the connectivity options properly and whether the SteamVR headset is connected to the PC or other devices properly or not. You can follow a couple of steps below to ensure it:

Plug your Link Box into a UBS 2.0 port on your PC because some ports do come with USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 connectivity which can trigger connectivity issues whatsoever.
You should also use the USB or HDMI cable directly of your SteamVR headset into the computer. You can also connect the power supply to Link Box or choose another power adapter.
Make sure to power cycle the Link Box by just disconnecting all the cables on the SteamVR headset and unplugging the Link Box.
Try removing USB devices from the SteamVR headset (if previously connected) and then reconnect it. To do so: Launch SteamVR > Go to Settings > Select Developer > Select Remove All SteamVR USB Devices and wait for the process to complete > Once done, plug back the cables again.

3. Run Steam as an Administrator

Issues with the user account control on the PC with your Steam application may trigger multiple conflicts whatsoever. You should grant the admin permission to your Steam launcher by following the steps below:

Right-click on the Steam app on your PC > Click on Properties.
Select the Compatibility tab > Click on the Run this program as an administrator checkbox to enable it.
Then click on Apply and OK to save changes > Once done, you can just double-click on Steam to launch it with admin access from now on.

4. Close all Steam apps including Steam VR

It’s worth recommending to close all running Steam apps on your computer from Task Manager including the SteamVR app too. By doing so, you’ll be able to re-open the SteamVR and Steam apps on the PC freshly which will eliminate temporary glitches or cache data issues. To do so:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open up the Task Manager.
Now, click on the Processes tab > Click to the Steam or SteamVR task and select End Task to close it. [Make sure to do the same steps for each task one by one]
Once done, restart your system to apply changes.

5. Reconnect the Connectivity Cables and Power Cable

Try reconnecting the USB or HDMI cables as well as the power cable to the SteamVR and PC properly to ensure both ends are connected well enough. Sometimes connectivity issues with the HDMI and USB on the PC can trigger the not detected error. Whereas issues with the loose power cable to the power outlet can also occur such errors.

6. Turn Off USB Power Management

In some cases, the SteamVR Power Management feature may cause the headset not to be detected easily. It’s recommended to turn off the USB power management manually to check for the issue. To do that:

Open SteamVR > Go to the Settings panel.
Choose the Developer tab > Click on Disable Power Management.
Make sure to save changes and then check for the Steam VR Headset Not Detected Error again.

7. Update Device Drivers

You should always check for the available update of your installed device drivers on the PC because a corrupted or outdated device driver can eventually trigger multiple issues whatsoever. Drivers are quite useful in creating a communication bridge with multiple devices on the PC. So, it’s important to install the latest driver update (if available). To do so:

Right-click on the Start Menu to open up the Quick Access Menu.
Click on Device Manager from the list.
Now, double-click on the specific adapter category to expand the list.
Then right-click on the dedicated device.
Select Update driver > Choose Search automatically for drivers.
If there is an update available, it’ll automatically download and install the latest version.
Make sure to do the same steps for each device driver whatever you want to update. If there is no update available, leave it.
Once done, make sure to reboot your computer to change the effects.

8. Opt-in for SteamVR Beta

if none of the methods worked for you then you should opt-in for the SteamVR Beta program directly from the Steam application. Sometimes the beta version does come with additional and new features that can come in handy. To do so:

Launch the Steam client on the PC > Go to Library.
Click on Tools > Right-click on SteamVR.
Click on Properties > Select the BETAS tab from the left panel.
Choose Beta – SteamVR Beta Update from the drop-down list.
Once done, reboot the Steam client to check for the issue.

Please Note: If you’re already on the Beta version then you can turn it off by choosing NONE – Opt-out of all beta programs to check for the issue.

That’s it, guys. We assume this guide was helpful to you. For further queries, you can comment below.

Fix: Steam VR Headset Not Detected Error