Fix Vive and Index Camera Communication failed

A "Camera Communication failed!" is the most common issue when we try to use the HTC Vive VR Consoles, Valve Index, or any other VR console with SteamVR.

It simply means that our Vive VR camera isn't connected to the SteamVR app on a PC.

It is the Communication failures between the Camera and the Computer or VR system, which could be due to SteamVR Camera/Privacy settings, USB ports, Software drivers, Connectivity or bandwidth issues, etc.

So, to counter the problem we need to check the camera settings on both sides and other solutions too.


    HTC Vive SteamVR Camera communication failed issue fix

    We'll try to fix the issue with different fixes. Because there's not a single solution that will work for everyone.

    Everyone faces the same issue for different reasons like USB connections, tests, 3rd third-party software like NaLo.

    I. Plug out and reboot the Vive console

    The first thing you can do before getting started with any other solutions is just try to plug it out and reboot the Vive console.

    It sounds simple and basic, but in most cases, it fixes the issue. For a long time, we haven't even plugged out the cables and USBs of Vive consoles, controllers, Hub, or base station with PC CPU.


    II. Use a USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 port and update USB Drivers

    If the previous method isn't working in your case, then you can check USB port types. Check your USB Port whether it is a 2.0, try 3.0, 3.1, or 3.2(As per your availability).

    In my case, my laptop has three ports - 2.0, 3.0, and 3.1. I Switched to 3.0(because it's connected to my Motherboard).

    I use 2.0 for the mouse only. I plug PenDrive and other USB storage media into 3.0, 3.1, or 3.2.

    That may fix the Camera connection issue because your Camera may not be connected properly or USB port 2.0 isn't capable enough anymore.

    Sometimes outdated or corrupted USB drivers can cause Vive camera-related issues.

    Along with changing the USB ports, you have to update your USB and device drivers.

    To update the USB driver, you can follow the below steps

    1. Press WINDOWS + R, then type devmgmt.msc then press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER(it will run a program as administrator)

    Windows device manager - update drivers

    2. Then click on the Universal Serial Bus controllers, Right-click on the USB driver, and then on the Update driver.

    Now, select Search automatically for drivers and it will search for the latest drivers.

    You can also try to unplug other devices from your USB 3 Series ports and just keep plugged in the HTC Vive on those USB 3 Series ports.

    Try changing the USB within USB Port 2.0, 3.0, or 3.1 which may help, because sometimes the problem is in Connectivity.

    You can also try changing the cables that come with your VR Device. For e.g., you can use your Smartphone device's USB Type C Cables to check the compatibility.

    For detailed troubleshooting of USB-related issues for HTC Vive devices, refer to this guide - 5 Ways to Fix HTC Vive USB Not detected on Windows 10 & 11!


    III. Uninstall 3rd party softwares

    3rd party addon software/plugins like NaLo(Natural Locomotion) or an OpenVR Input Emulator are causing the issue for SteamVR with HTC Vive & Steam Valve Index cameras.

    Most people face this Camera communication issue because of this reason. It is the Driver of the software that causes the Camera problems.

    So, you can simply uninstall this software or just find a replacement for them.

    While uninstalling NaLo, remove the Natural Locomotion folder from these locations - C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Natural Locomotion.

    For OpenVR, check the path <Drive>\Program Files\OpenVR-InputEmulator and run the Uninstall.exe 

    Also, remove the driver files from this location(if exist in this folder) - Steam\steamapps\common\SteamVR\drivers


    IV. Disable the Default Windows 10/11 Camera app

    You can also check Navigate to Windows settings and follow the below path -Windows Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Camera

    Disable Camera app permission

    Then, disable the Camera permission and terminate the app. Also, disable the permissions for other apps that are using the Camera like Skype, Teams, or any other unwanted app.

    You can disable it through the Privacy option.

    Now, try to open SteamVR and see if the Camera is working or not? Most probably now you've fixed your Camera communication issue.

    If the above guide wasn't helpful to you, you can check this guide on the HTC Vive Camera not working!


    Final Wrapup

    We've suggested a few methods to fix the Camera Communication failing issue.

    If any of the solutions work for you, please drop your valuable feedback in the comment section. So, others will know which fix is correct for their case.

    If none of the methods is working, then maybe the problem is with your Hardware.

    Consider changing the Motherboard or you can change your existing PCI USB Port to a 3.0, 3.1, or 3.2 compatible PCI USB Card. That will fix your issue for sure!

    Otherwise, we're suggesting you use the Windows 10 Camera app instead of the SteamVR PassThrough view.