When we try to establish a connection of HMD with SteamVR, sometimes we see a "Bluetooth not available" message in SteamVR Bluetooth settings.

The error simply means that HMD is not properly connected with the PC/SteamVR due to various reasons like outdated drivers, faulty USBs or Base stations, Software bugs/glitches, etc.

This guide is for the "Bluetooth is not available" error on SteamVR for Index/Vive/Quest devices.


    FIX: SteamVR Bluetooth is not available!

    There is no single solution that will work. The root cause will be different for everyone.

    So, try all the below fixes patiently.

    I. Ensure Bluetooth is Enabled in SteamVR Settings

    Double-check that all parts of the Vive system, including the headset, base stations, & link box, are powered on and running.

    Often, a component might need to be noticed, leading to connection issues.

    1. Open SteamVR

    2. Click on the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner

    3. Go to Devices > Bluetooth Settings

    4. Ensure that the Bluetooth toggle is turned on

    You've connected your Bluetooth device with a Windows PC. But, it's disconnected at SteamVR's end. So, it may resolve the issue.


    II. Disable and Re-enable Bluetooth Communication:

    If the Bluetooth option is enabled in SteamVR settings, then you can try to re-enable it.

    Go to SteamVR settings, disable Bluetooth communication, power cycle the base stations and link box, and then re-enable Bluetooth communication.


    III. Disable the Secondary display

    Disabling the external display could resolve the issue. Windows 10 has a setting that enables a secondary or wireless monitor.

    1. Open the notification center & select the Project option

    Change extended monitor windows

    2. If the Duplicate or Extend is selected, change it to PC Screen only 

    It has nothing to do with Bluetooth devices & SteamVR. But in some cases, it fixes the "No Bluetooth available" kind of issues.


    IV. Manual Installation of Bluetooth Driver:

    Manually running the Vive Bluetooth driver installer from the SteamVR internal files can resolve issues caused by corrupted or missing drivers.

    1. Disable Bluetooth communication

    2. Run the driver installer(vivebtdriver.exe or vivebtdriver_win10.exe) manually from the below PATH:

    C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\SteamVR\tools\lighthouse\bin\win64

    3. You don't need to download any file from the web. The file is available in the mentioned folder

    4. Power cycle and re-enable Bluetooth communication

    The driver's name is Broadcom (BTWUSB) BTW. It will just fresh driver freshly in case of conflicts created by installed existing driver.


    V. Disable Memory Integrations from Windows Core Isolation 

    If the drivers are not installed using the previous method, it’s possible that Windows is blocking SteamVR from installing the necessary updated Bluetooth-related drivers.

    To resolve this, you’ll need to disable the Windows Core Isolation feature.

    Core Isolation is a built-in security feature in modern versions of Windows designed to prevent the installation of potentially malicious or suspicious drivers.

    In this case, Windows may be mistakenly identifying the Bluetooth drivers as malicious.

    1. Follow the path - Windows settings > Updates & Security > Windows Security > Device Security > Core Isolation > Memory Integrity

    2. Turn off the option & restart PC

    disable core isolation to install SteamVR Bluetooth drivers

    3. Now try to install drivers using the previous method

    It will install all the required drivers & Bluetooth-related issues will be fixed.


    VI. Change the Base station Channels

    You can try to update the firmware & change the case station channels. It has 3 channels - A, B, & C

    The current channel is indicated by a light sequence or indicator on the base station:

    • One flash: Channel A
    • Two flashes: Channel B
    • Three flashes: Channel C


    VII. Check Hardware Connections

    Ensure that your Bluetooth dongle (if you are using an external one) is properly connected to your PC.

    If your headset or other hardware has built-in Bluetooth, ensure that the connection is stable and that the device is powered on.

    You can also try this: Remove all the USB cables except your Vive/Index/Quest USB.

    Restart the Headset & PC. Check whether the SteamVR is detecting Bluetooth or not.


    VIII. General Troubleshooting:

    You can try general troubleshooting like Ensuring the latest drivers are installed, Check for Windows updates, Verify the integrity of SteamVR files, etc.

    Sometimes the issue is not actually related to Bluetooth. Maybe another factor like USB, outdated firmware, or Faulty Base station is creating a barrier to Bluetooth communication.

    Identify the root cause & try to fix that. We've written some articles on Vive/Index USB troubleshooting & faulty Base stations. You can check those posts.

     

    XI. Power Headset with external HMD Charger

    If nothing is working from the above solutions, you should consider changing the power source for your VR Headset.

    Get a wall charger for your VR Headset. Instead of plugging it into the PC, plug it into a wall charger.

    Sometimes Bluetooth is not an issue behind SteamVR & HMD connection. Maybe your device is not properly getting power input.


    Workarounds for Missing Bluetooth

    Still, if SteamVR is not detecting or your PC lacks Bluetooth. You can use these workarounds.

    1. Manually Control Base Stations:

    Use the physical power button on the base stations or plug them into a smart power outlet.

    2. Alternative Power Solutions:

    Use a smart home system (e.g., Alexa or Google Home) or a remote-controlled power strip.

    3. Skip Bluetooth-Dependent Features:

    Features like automatic base station management are optional and do not impact the core VR experience.

    4. Use USB Instead Bluetooth 

    If the Bluetooth is not working with SteamVR, just use USB instead of Bluetooth.


    FAQs:

    Do you need Bluetooth for SteamVR?

    You do not necessarily need Bluetooth to use SteamVR, but it can provide some additional functionality, such as Base Station Power Management, Firmware Updates, 


    Why does my SteamVR say Bluetooth is not available?

    SteamVR says Bluetooth is not available because the VR Headset is not connected to the PC/SteamVR due to various reasons like outdated drivers, SteamVR Bluetooth Feature Disabled, Conflicts with Other Bluetooth Devices, Firmware or Software Bugs, etc.