Virtual reality (VR) has rapidly gained popularity, offering immersive gaming and experiences that feel almost real. With more people adopting VR headsets, the demand for wireless solutions like the Oculus Quest 2 and 3 is rising. ALVR (Air Light VR) has emerged as a leading solution for Quest users, allowing them to wirelessly stream PC VR games to their headsets. As one of the few tools supporting wireless VR gaming on Linux, ALVR is a vital option for Quest users looking to enjoy a seamless experience without the need for cables.
Prerequisites:
- Oculus(Meta) Quest
- Linux PC (Preferably with a VR-ready GPU)
- SteamVR not installed
- Wi-Fi 6 router (for optimal streaming. Wi-Fi 5 should work well enough however)
Step 1: Install ALVR Launcher
- Download the ALVR Launcher from the official downloads page.
- Extract to a folder and Run(Might need to Right click > Properties> Allow executing file as program beforehand)
- Click Add version
- The default options for channel should be “Stable” and version should be the latest available, so double check then click Install
Step 2: Installing on the headset
There are two ways you can install ALVR on your headset.
Easy way:
- Search for “ALVR” on the Meta app in your phone(alternatively, you can use this link)
- Click install and open
Slightly harder way:
- Connect the headset to your PC through cable
- Inside the launcher, click install APK
- Open the app in the headset
Manually installing the apk like this might require developer mode.
Step 3: Setting up
- In the launcher, press “Launch” next to the version you installed on step 1.
- A setup wizard will pop up, teaching how to setup firewall rules and whatnot. Follow the instructions.
- Install and launch SteamVR
If the screen is blank, simply close it and open again, a new driver should be installed.
- Launch the ALVR app on your headset
- While the screen is on, click “Trust” next to your device’s name(in the ALVR streamer app on PC, in the
Devices
tab) and it should start streaming
Everything should be working by this point, but you may adjust things to your liking in the Settings tab, on your PC, within the launcher. Most changes will require steamVR to restart.
Basic Troubleshooting
Stutter/Lag:
- If the stream is lagging or stuttering, it might be due to wi-fi speeds/quality or hardware limitation. Try lowering resolution, bitrate and framerate(try avoiding lowering the later below 90 otherwise it might cause headaches and dizziness)
Headset not detected:
- if your headset isn’t being detected after openning SteamVR, that might be because its blocking ALVR on startup. Check within steamVR settings > Startup/Shutdown> Manage Add-ons if ALVR_server shows up and is enabled
For more advanced troubleshooting/issues, check the official wiki page.