HTC released its VR(Virtual reality) headset/wireless controller back in 2016. It is used to experience the Virtual reality World, Play games in VR mode, use in Business, and many more.

But, sometimes people experience issues like the Camera not getting detected by the headset and controller, the Camera not working, and other Vive camera-related connectivity issues.

But, why the camera is there in the HTC Vive controller? The camera acts as the vision when we are using the Vive.

It captures the objects around it and integrates them with virtual reality objects.

It's used to create a Blurry Monochrome version of the real world inside the Virtual reality world.

The below steps will work on all HTC Vive PCVR devices like Vive, Vive Pro, Vive Pro 2, Vive Pro Eye, Vive Cosmos, and Vive Cosmos Elite.


    Reasons why the HTC Vive Camera is not working!

    This could be due to a variety of reasons including settings, hardware, or driver issues that are causing the camera not to work as expected for the Vive Headset.

    We'll have a look at some of those reasons:

    1. Camera is disabled in SteamVR - Maye the Camera option is disabled inside the SteamVR settings.

    2. Camera driver needs to be rolled back or reinstalled - Try to uninstall the current version of Camera Driver and get the older version from the Web.

    Place it inside anywhere in C drive and try to update the from Device Manager.

    3. SteamVR is outdated - The SteamVR firmware may need an update. It's the most common reason that creates compatibility issues with Vive HMD & controllers.

    4. Camera might be blocked by physical obstructions - Sometimes the reason could be physical only. There might be something stuck in the Camera lens or inside the VR HMD.

    5. Issues with USB cables & Ports - There might be a possibility that due to USB cables & ports, the camera is not working.

    6. Camera may be physically damaged or faulty - As you try all the fixes, and nothing seems to work. Then this could be the reason for Camera not working. 


    FIX: HTC Vive camera not working!

    To fix the Camera-related issue, we'll do certain things. Follow each and every step carefully,

    I. Keep SteamVR updated

    The Primary thing you can do for a quick fix is Keep the SteamVR PC app updated.

    Maybe you missed the update which contains a patch fix for this issue addressed by Steam & Vive Dev teams.

    Updating the Vive VR system and other supportive software can fix the issues that may be caused due to software bugs. Sometimes updates fix these issues.

    1. Open your SteamVR settings and search for the 'Check for updates' option.

    2. Now press on the Check for Update button, Now it will fetch the update if available.

    You can also go for the newer version available no matter whether it is stable or Beta. Just try different versions. Sometimes, Beta patches contain Camera Bug fixes.


    II. Enable the Camera option from the settings     

    First, of all, check the Camera flag is enabled in SteamVR. We need to enable this from SteamVR Settings.

    1. Open the SteamVR app on your PC and open its settings

    2. Then Switch to the camera option and Tick the Enable Camera option

    Vive camera not working

    Now, restart your Windows PC. Also, confirm that You have to check that the Enable camera option is selected.


    III. Reset SteamVR USB Connection

    If the previous method didn't work, in case the issue is with the SteamVR connection, we can reset USB connections at the application level.

    1. Open SteamVR and select three horizontal lines

    2. Now, select the Developer > Developer settings option

    3. Choose the Remove All SteamVR USB Device option

    Remove All SteamVR USB Device

    It will remove all the USBs connected to SteamVR. Now, our task is to reboot the System and then connect all the Vive devices again.


    IV. Editing values in SteamVR files

    If previous methods didn't work for you, then there are higher chances that this method will work.

    1. Open File Manager and follow this Path

    C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\SteamVR\resources\settings\default.vrsettings

    2. Now open the file and Scroll Down until you see

    "camera" : { "enableCamera" : false, "enableCameraInDashboard" : false,
    "enableCameraForCollisionBounds" : false, "enableCameraForRoomView": false,

    Vive Camera SteamVR Settings

    3. Now edit of enableCamera, enableCameraForRoomView, and enableCameraForCollisionBounds flags from false to true and save it

    4. Now Restart the SteamVR application.

    NOTE: Be careful while editing the file. It can break the entire file. Edit only the required and mentioned Variables. In case, if you broke the file structure. So, to reset it you will need to reinstall all the SteamVR.


    V. Change the USB port with XHCI Mode

    If you've tried switching between USB 3.0 & 2.0, and it didn't help, then you can try to change the compatibility of your PC USB 3.0 port to adapt according to Connected USB type.

    That feature is called XCHI Mode. We can change the XCHI mode through BIOS Settings from the bootup menu.

    There are 4 types of modes that you can choose:

    Disabled - USB 3.0 will convert to 2.0 when the outer USB cable/Drive is connected.

    Enabled - USB 3.0 will work as it is even when the outer USB cable/Drive is connected.

    Auto - Until your operating system gets going and loads the right drivers, USB 3.0 ports act like slower USB 2.0 ports. It will happen whenever your OS is started.

    Smart Auto - It will convert the USB 3.0 into USB 2.0 to save power until the Driver starts loading & running for that specific USB device.

    By switching XCHI Mode to Smart Mode in BIOS settings, your HTC Vive USB will get connected to the 3.0 port as the 2.0 port.

    Vive will consider it as a USB 2.0 port, even though it's 3.0. Will resolve the compatibility issues for almost every kind of USB device.

    VI. Wait for the 'Issue fix Patch'

    At last, we'll need to wait for the Issue fix patch from HTC Vive Corp. The issues may be caused due to incorrect coding techniques, Software Bugs, or glitches.

    If the previous methods still do not fix your issue, then you can proceed with this article - HTC Vive with SteamVR Camera communication failed!


    FIX: HTC Vive camera not working on Discord!

    First of all, check that Camera permission is given to the Discord application.

    In order to fix the Vive camera issue on Discord, first try out the above solutions. If the issue persists, you can try it after restarting the HTC Vive device along with the Windows PC.

    It will close all the other apps that are using the camera simultaneously with Discord & your Vive VR console.


    Conclusion

    All the mentioned methods are working for almost all HTC Vive PCVR series like Vive, Vive Pro, Vive Cosmos series, etc.

    The mentioned techniques are proven and working. We have tested it & it's working.

    I hope it will help you to fix the issue of the HTC Vive camera not working & the Vive camera stopped working.

    If you have any queries regarding this article guide, feel free to ask in the comments. I will definitely help you to solve your problem.