Virtual reality headset care and maintenance

The world of Virtual Reality offers some incredible experiences, but at the same time, hardware and accessories require proper care to ensure their functionality and longevity. If you want to keep your virtual reality hardware in tip-top shape, I’ve got a few tips and products to help you protect and get the most out of your setup. Whether you’re using a Meta Quest 3, Quest 3S, or PlayStation VR2, hardware can be sensitive in certain conditions or might not function properly if basic maintenance isn’t adhered to. I’ve put together a “how to” guide with essential steps and tips to get your VR headset running smoothly.

Step-by-step instructions to maintain your Virtual Reality hardware

Step 1 – Regularly clean your VR lenses

It’s essential to keep the “eyes” into your virtual world clean and smudge-free by properly maintaining your VR headset’s lenses. You can use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the lenses gently. Remember to wipe in a circular motion to avoid scratches, and never use household cleaning wipes like paper towels or Kleenex. These materials are too rough on lenses, and you’ll also want to avoid using anti-bacterial or other abrasive cleaning solutions directly on the lenses as they can create a “haze” with prolonged use.

Step 2 – Maintain your Virtual Reality headset and controllers

When it comes to cleaning the exterior and hard plastic surfaces of your device, Lysol wipes work quite well. For stubborn dirt on the outer shell of your device, you can use a liquid alcohol-based cleaner, but make sure it’s not too harsh. You also want to ensure no alcohol-based solutions come into contact with your device’s lenses. Cleaning solutions are not a “one size fits all” for different hardware parts. Some components are plastic, rubber and fabric; check the manufacturer’s recommendations before proceeding.

A general tip for cleaning most tech: avoid using alcohol-based or chemical cleaners directly on surfaces. Instead, apply the cleaner to a cloth first, then gently wipe the surfaces. It’s always good to test a small area first to ensure there are no adverse effects then move to cleaning other areas of the device.

Step 3 – Ensure proper storage and protection for your Virtual Reality components

It’s very important where and how you store your device when it’s not in use. You want to keep your VR headset and accessories in a cool, dry place. Using a storage case or protective cover to prevent dust accumulation and accidental physical damage is key to protecting your investment.

Step 4 – Don’t store your VR components in direct sunlight 

As an owner of a PS VR2, I am especially cognizant of this tip, as sunlight can irreparably damage the headset. This is because of how the Fresnel lenses inside the headset are designed. They are meant to focus light into more intense beams for a more vivid user experience. Consider how a magnifying glass can intensely focus natural sunlight to burn objects.

It’s the same principle; the lenses can also inadvertently do the same with sunlight. As a user, you aren’t in danger from the sunlight or lighting in the headset – but your device left in the sun could accidentally burn the screen. I recommend keeping the headset away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can damage the lenses and internal components.

Step 5 – Maintain good charging habits to protect your battery life

It’s important to regularly charge your headset and controllers to maintain good battery health. Avoid letting the battery drain completely before recharging, and try not to keep your fully charged hardware plugged in at 100%. It is also important to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for charging, as battery types might be different from device to device.

It’s also important to use the original chargers that come with your VR device. Always use the original charging cables and power sources provided by the manufacturer to prevent potential damage. Sometimes, after-market chargers have the potential to deliver too little or too high of a voltage load, which can lead to issues with your headset.

Step 6 – Keep software updated and check device compatibility

It’s important to keep your VR headset’s software up to date to ensure compatibility with the latest games and applications. If you run into issues with your device’s operation, power it down, boot it back up, and check to see if hardware, firmware, or software updates are available. Be sure to make a habit of checking for updates regularly through the device’s settings menu. This will ensure things run smoothly with just about all of your games and applications.

Step 7 – Perform compatibility checks with software and accessories

Sometimes, just keeping your device “up-to-date” isn’t enough. You’ll also want to check compatibility with software to ensure it works with your hardware. For example, some games and applications that are exclusive to certain hardware platforms won’t work on all devices. This is especially true with games, as specific titles are exclusive to the Meta or PlayStation VR platforms. Before installing new software or games, verify their compatibility with your VR headset to avoid performance issues or getting stuck with software not designed for your setup.

Virtual Reality care: other helpful tips and warnings

Along with ensuring your hardware is safe, you also want to ensure your safety. It’s important to clear the space you are using a virtual device in, this will help you to avoid trips and falls. Along with this, be sure to take regular breaks to avoid motion sickness and eye strain. If you are experiencing persistent eye strain, try different settings for your lenses and software; this could help create a sharper field of view and make things easier on your eyes. If you do work out often using your VR hardware, do your best to wipe down your equipment afterward. Excessive amounts of moisture can damage the electronic components. A dry microfiber cloth is always great for removing smudges or removing condensation.

Enjoy your Virtual Reality adventures!

Follow the proper care and maintenance tips outlined above to get the most out of your VR hardware. Make sure to give your VR set-up a regular cleaning, use proper storage practices, and keep things up to date so it can be ready for new adventures when you are. Following these steps will help keep your VR hardware in top condition and provide you with the best possible virtual reality experience.

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