Reference

Troubleshooting

Fix common MoltenVR problems: the headset not finding your Mac, USB connection issues, choppy streams, missing game audio, games that won't start in VR, and permissions.

Most problems fall into a few groups: the headset and Mac not finding each other, stream quality, audio, and games. Work through the section that matches.

Connecting

The headset doesn't find my Mac

Make sure you're running the MoltenVR headset app, and that it's up to date. Plug in over USB and use Settings → Headsets → Install on headset to update it.
On Wi-Fi, the Mac and headset must be on the same local network, ideally 5 GHz or 6 GHz.
Try a USB-C cable: the headset app finds the Mac over USB too.

USB connection not detected

Use a USB-C data cable. Many charge-only cables don't carry data.
On a Quest, turn on Developer Mode, then put the headset on and accept Allow USB debugging.
Unplug and replug the cable, then reopen the headset app.

The headset app says ALVR mode

Your Mac is set to stream with ALVR, which is for ALVR's own headset client. The headset app shows how to switch the Mac back to MoltenVR's stream.

Stream quality

Choppy or laggy stream

Press Find best settings. It tests your Mac and connection and picks resolution, refresh rate and codec that hold up.
On Wi-Fi, move closer to the router and avoid 2.4 GHz. Put the Mac on Ethernet if you can.
Try a USB-C cable for the steadiest stream.

Motion looks uneven in a heavy game

Turn on Steady frame rate. When a game can't keep up, it locks to half the refresh rate so motion stays even.

Games

A game won't start in VR

Check the game's community setups, in the app or on its compatibility page, and apply one that matches your Mac.
For Windows games, try the other graphics engine (DXMT or D3DMetal) for that game. See Wine & Graphics Engines.
For Half-Life: Alyx, make sure Steam for Mac is running.
Still stuck? Tell us on Discord or open a GitHub issue with the game's name.

Audio

No game audio in the headset

Game audio needs no extra install on macOS 14.2 and later. macOS asks once to let MoltenVR record system audio; if that's turned off, MoltenVR's Home screen tells you where to turn it back on. On macOS 14.0 and 14.1, install BlackHole 2ch. See Game Audio.

Permissions

Why is MoltenVR asking for Screen Recording or Accessibility?

Only the Mac desktop view in VR needs them. Everything else works without them on macOS 14.4 and later. See VR Shell & Desktop View.

License

My trial ended

MoltenVR keeps working as MoltenVR Free. To unlock Pro, enter your key with MoltenVR → Activate License…. See Free and Pro.