How to Fix PS VR2 Controller Tracking Issues? (Easy Fix!)

ps vr2 controller tracking issues

If you’re frequently experiencing PS VR2 controller tracking issues, don’t worry, there are a ton of things that can cause this fault.

So, in this quick guide, we’ll go over the best possible solutions against tracking problems and help you achieve seamless responses. 

Let’s name a few of the most common suspects:

  • Badly calibrated Play Area
  • Too dim/bright environment
  • Obstructed PSVR cameras
  • Active IR-interfering sources
  • System bug in the controller

PS VR2 Controller Tracking Issues – Fixed in 6 Easy Steps!

Note: Have you tried restarting your PS5 and PSVR 2?

1. Calibrate the Play Area Thoroughly 

calibrate the play area thoroughly

One of the main reasons for tracking issues on PSVR 2 is due to insufficient calibration during the setup of your Play Area.

Unfortunately, the VR headset notifies you that you’ve scanned the area sufficiently way too early, which often leads to frequent PSVR 2 controller tracking issues.

However, what most users don’t know is that even when your headset prompts you to continue, you can keep scanning to ensure the calibration is thorough. 

How to Recalibrate PS VR2 Play Area?

how to recalibrate ps vr2 play area

So, just ignore the “I’m done” prompt for a few more minutes of scanning the area, to ensure that the controller’s tracking would be accurate.

Note: If you still experience severe tracking issues, try to set a different play area to justify if the problem is coming due to the specific environment.

2. Try a Different Play Area lighting

The PSVR 2 controller tracking works by using built-in cameras that follow the movement of the Sense controllers in the 3D environment.

So, when the lighting in the room is too dim or too bright, you may encounter tracking issues, especially when you look in certain areas or corners.

try a different play area lighting

To avoid lighting-related tracking issues, we recommend the following:

  • Verify that the play area is well-lit–turn on the lights.
  • Ensure no big shadows are being cast by furniture.
  • Try to play during the daytime with natural sunlight.
  • Avoid sunlight from directly shining on the cameras.
  • Prevent area reflections like mirrors/metal surfaces.

Also, if you’re not using strong and warm lights, tracking issues may occur due to the color and the intensity of the lighting.

  • We recommend avoiding LEDs, unnatural colors (neon), and others.

Quick Tip: Try to identify the problematic direction, in which you always experience tracking issues, and try to correct the lighting.

3. Clean the Built-In PSVR 2 Cameras

clean the built-in psvr 2 cameras

As mentioned, the tracking works via the VR headset cameras.

So, if they are dirty or blocked by anything including dust, sweat, smudge, etc, you’ll definitely face potential tracking issues.

So, before rushing to conclusions, we strongly recommend wiping clean the most important 4 cameras located at the front-facing PSVR 2 panel.

It’s also crucial to clean the controllers since they communicate over IR (Infrared) light, so if the IR beam is blocked, this may be your culprit.

Note: You don’t need to use any special materials, except a clean and soft cloth as well as a mild amount of lukewarm water.

4. Set Play Area in a “MESSY” Room

Yes, that’s correct. If the PSVR2 controller not tracking, perhaps the environment is way too tidy!

Too clean and aesthetic environments have proven to be the culprit for tracking issues for many users. Well, the solution is somehow messy!

When users experience tracking issues, they try to minimize the clutter around the room, but it’s exactly the opposite.

set play area in a “messy” room
  • The more things and furniture are around the VR headset, the better your PSVR 2 cameras will detect your environment, and the better Sense controller tracking works. 

So, clutter up around the play area and test. If this helps, well there is no problem with your VR headset, it’s simply because of the room’s aesthetics.

Quick Note: The best solution if cluttering up helps, would be to try setting a play area in a different room or environment.

5. Find & Remove Interfering Sources

As mentioned, the tracking on PSVR 2 happens through the lenses (cameras) that detect the IR light from the Sense controllers.

This means that any sources that can interfere with the infrared light will also impact the tracking and detection of your PSVR 2.

find & remove interfering sources

Here is a list of common devices/appliances that may be interfering:

  • IR remote controls – The infrared light from remote controls can impact the IR detection of the VR headset, so avoid using IR remotes near the Play Area.
  • Big monitor or TV – Large monitors or TV screens can significantly affect the boundaries of the PSVR 2’s controller.
  • Heat emitting units – Devices that emit heat like radiators, heaters, and air conditioners will not impact the IR signals but can affect the camera’s detection.
  • Tracking systems – If you’re using other smart home appliances or tracking units such as Meta Quest, or another PSVR, they may interfere with each other.

Note: Another thing to pay attention to is flickering or fluorescent lights that may emit IR, which can confuse the tracking of your PSVR 2.

6. Reset the PSVR 2 Sense Controller

Sometimes, the PS VR2 controller tracking issues are not because of the VR headset or its detection, but rather of the Sense controllers.

So, the final step would be to reset the controller/s that are causing you tracking issues, then pair them to the headset again and test functionality.

reset the psvr 2 sense controller

Here’s how to factory reset PSVR 2 Sense controllers in easy steps:

  1. Power off the PlayStation 5 and disconnect the PSVR 2.
  2. Find the small reset pinhole on the back of the controller.
  3. The reset button pinhole is typically labeled as “RESET.”
  4. Use a pointy tool to hold the reset button for ~5 seconds.
  5. Turn on your PS5 and connect the PSVR 2 to the USB-C.
  6. Press the PS button on the PSVR 2 controller to connect.

That’s it. However, we recommend setting your Play Area from scratch now that your controller is reset, which may be enough to resolve the problem.

Note: If you’re still facing issues, even after resetting the controller, contact Sony support, since there might be a defective component in your PSVR 2 setup.