How to Set Up Your Samsung Gear VR and Controller

This article explains how to get your headset working with your Galaxy device. It also includes instructions for the Gear VR controller setup process.

How to Attach the Straps to the Gear VR Headset

First, connect the straps to your Gear VR headset:

1. Slide the wide strap through the rings on either side of the Gear VR headset, then fasten the Velcro tabs.

2. If your Gear VR headset has a second, narrower strap, insert the hook on one end of this strap under the metal bar on the top of the Gear VR headset. Then, snap it to secure the strap to the headset.

   

3. Slide the other end of the narrow strap through the loop in the center of the wide strap, then fasten the Velcro tab.

How to Connect Your Galaxy Device to the Gear VR Headset

Next, connect the headset to your Galaxy smartphone:

1. Open the connectors on the front cover of the Gear VR headset, and then remove the cover.

2. Depending on the model number of your Galaxy device, it may have a USB-C or a USB Micro connector port. If you need to switch the connector port on the headset to accommodate your Galaxy device, complete the following steps:

   1. Slide the left connector tab to the unlocked position.
   2. Remove the connector.
   3. Insert the proper connector.
   4. Slide the connector tab to the locked position.

   Deactivate any screen lock features on your Galaxy device before connecting it to the Gear VR headset.

3. Connect your Galaxy device to the left connector port on the Gear VR headset with the screen facing inward. Then, use the right connector to lock the device into place.

4. When you hear the voice prompt, remove your Galaxy device from the Gear VR headset.

   Your device displays the "Samsung Gear VR Welcome" screen.

How to Install the Meta Quest App on Your Galaxy Device

Follow these steps to set up the Meta Quest app on your phone:

1. Select Next to download the Meta Quest app to your Galaxy device.

   Do not download the version of the Meta Quest app in the Google Play Store: It is not compatible with Gear VR.

2. Read the Warning Notice, select Agree, then select Next.

3. On the next page, select Install.

4. On the Samsung Gear VR welcome page, select Start.

5. If you have an Oculus account, sign in now or create a new account.

   If any software updates are available, download and install them now.

   

6. On the next page, select Turn on Bluetooth. Then, confirm the device permissions for enabling Bluetooth.

How to Pair the Gear VR Controller With Your Headset

Next, you'll need to set up the controller to interact with VR games and experiences.

1. In the Meta Quest app, select More (the three horizontal bars), and then select Controllers.

2. Insert the 2 AA batters that came with the Gear VR controller.

3. On the controller, press and hold the home button.

4. When the LED on the bottom of the controller turns blue, select Pair.

How to Calibrate the Gear VR Controller

Finally, you need to calibrate your controller:

1. Select Next to calibrate your controller.

2. Hold the controller in the hand you plan to use, and then draw a figure "8" in the air.

3. Select Left Handed or Right Handed depending on how you'd like to use your controller.

   You can change which hand you want to use at any time by going into the controller settings.

4. Select Done.

   When the pairing is complete, the LED on the controller turns green, and "Paired Gear VR controller" appears on your Galaxy device.

   

When Gear VR controller setup is complete, your Galaxy device loads the Gear VR store. Connect your smartphone to the Gear VR headset, put the headset on, and you're ready to go. Use the controller to navigate the store, play games, and access other content—all in VR.

Which Galaxy Phones Work With Gear VR?

Before you begin setting up your Gear VR components, make sure your smartphone will work with Gear VR. Several Gear VR models are currently available, and most are compatible with Galaxy devices running Android Lollipop 5.0.1 or later, including the following:

• Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+
• Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+
• Galaxy Note8
• Galaxy Note FE (Fan Edition)
• Galaxy A8 and Galaxy A8+
• Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge
• Galaxy Note5
• Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, and Galaxy S6 edge+