HTC VIVE FLOW User manual

User guide

Contents
Unboxing
VIVE Flow features 5
What's inside the box? 6
Connecting to a power source 6
Setting up VIVE Flow 7
Signing in with your HTC Account 8
Putting on VIVE Flow 9
Downloading free titles on VIVE Flow 9
Getting titles from VIVEPORT VR 10
Getting the most out of your VR glasses
About VIVE Flow 11
About the phone controller 12
Adjusting the diopter dial 15
Connecting to a Wi-Fi network 16
Changing boundary size 16
Turning on blue light filter 17
Changing preferred way to hold phone 17
Turning on Passenger mode 17
Mirroring your phone on VIVE Flow 18
Taking screenshots and screen recordings 20
Copying screenshots and screen recordings to your computer 20
Copying files from your computer to VIVE Flow 21
Playing videos from local storage 21
Casting your screen 22
Seeing real surroundings (Passthrough) 22
Pairing Bluetooth devices 23
Uninstalling content 23
Installing system and firmware updates 23
About cleaning and disinfecting VIVE Flow 24
VIVE app
What is the VIVE app? 26
What phones does the VIVE app support, and how do I get it? 26
What languages does the VIVE app support? 27
Managing phone notifications 27
Installing system and firmware updates from the VIVE app 27
Uninstalling the VIVE app 28
Common solutions
What phones can I use with VIVE Flow? 29
Why can't I see anything in front of me? 29
How can I optimize tracking in my space? 29
What can I do if the phone controller doesn't work? 29
What can I do if the phone controller is not responsive or lags? 31
Why can't VIVE Flow find my phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot? 31
What should I do when the phone controller disappears or doesn't work in VR? 32
2 Contents

What do I do if VIVE Flow suddenly loses power when using the phone controller as a power source? 33
What does the Headset button do? 33
What does the status light on VIVE Flow mean? 34
How do I pair my new phone to VIVE Flow or factory reset VIVE Flow? 34
Why can't I watch 360-degree YouTube videos in Phone mode? 35
How do I answer my phone when using VIVE Flow? 35
How do I enjoy VIVE Flow while lying down? 35
Why can't I open Google Assistant in Phone mode? 35
What should I do if I can't grant permission for Accessibility Services ? 36
My phone supports phone mirroring, why doesn't Phone mode work? 36
Why can't Miracast be detected on my HTC, Samsung, or Oppo phone? 37
Where do I find the VIVE app accessibility services setting on my Samsung phone? 37
What should I do if Phone mode crashes or doesn't work on my Xiaomi phone? 38
What should I do if I can't play back my video from my phone? 38
What should I do if I can't play back content from my OnePlus phone in Phone mode? 38
What do I do if my VIVE Flow isn't responding? 38
Why don't I see the "Special offers" popup when setting up VIVE Flow? 39
Why don't I see any gifted apps in my VIVE Flow? 39
Trademarks and copyrights
Index
3 Contents

About this guide
We use the following symbols to indicate useful and important information:
This is a note. It provides detailed information for setup, common questions, and what to do in
specific situations.
This is a tip. It will give you an alternative way to do a particular step or procedure that you may
find helpful.
This indicates important information that you need in order to accomplish a certain task or to
get a feature to work properly.
This is a warning. Take note to avoid potential problems or prevent damage to your hardware.
Information contained in this guide may have changed. For the most up-to-date information,
including the latest version of this guide, go to VIVE Support.
Before using the product, carefully review VIVE safety information and follow all product safety
and operating instructions on https://www.vive.com/legal/.
4 About this guide

Unboxing
VIVE Flow features
Lightweight and comfortable
The easy-to-wear VR glasses made for wellness and mindful productivity. Compact and
lightweight, VIVE Flow goes where you go.
Check out how to wear VIVE Flow in Putting on VIVE Flow on page 9.
Pair with your phone
VIVE Flow connects with your Android™phone. Use your phone as a controller and get phone
notifications while in VR.
§Check out Setting up VIVE Flow on page 7 to learn how to set up VIVE Flow and pair it
with your phone.
§Learn how to interact in VR using your phone in About the phone controller on page 12.
§Go to Managing phone notifications on page 27 to learn how to set what notifications
appear in VR.
Clear and warm view
VIVE Flow comes with adjustable diopter lenses so you can get a sharp and clear view. Using
VIVE Flow close to bedtime is also not a problem with the blue light filter.
§Go to Adjusting the diopter dial on page 15 to learn how to adjust the dials.
§Learn how to turn on the blue light filter by going to Turning on blue light filter on page
17.
Phone mirroring
Mirror your phone on VIVE Flow to enjoy phone apps on your own personal large screen.
§Learn how to mirror your phone in VR by going to Mirroring your phone on VIVE Flow on
page 18.
§Check the list of recommended phones for phone mirroring on https://www.vive.com/
vive-flow-phone-list/.
VIVE app
Use the VIVE app to set up, configure Wi-Fi and language, perform system updates, and more for
your VIVE Flow.
Learn more about the VIVE app in What is the VIVE app? on page 26.
5 Unboxing

What's inside the box?
Your VIVE Flow comes with the following items, which you'll use to experience immersive VR
environments:
§VIVE Flow VR glasses
§Face cushion (attached)
§Nose rest (used only when adjusting the diopter dial)
§USB Type-C®cable
§Microfiber pouch
Connecting to a power source
VIVE Flow automatically turns on when plugged in to any power source such as a power bank.
Not all power banks or phones can provide enough power to VIVE Flow. VIVE Flow requires a
power source that delivers at least 7.5W of power. If you see an "Insufficient power supply"
message in VIVE Flow, connect the VR glasses to another power bank or to a power outlet
using an AC adapter. There's no need to press the Headset or Volume buttons after
connecting to a new power source.
1. Grab the USB Type-C cable from the box and connect one end to the USB Type-C
receptacle cable on VIVE Flow.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to a power source such as a power bank, power outlet,
or your phone.
If connecting to a power bank, make sure to connect the USB Type-C cable to the output port
of the power bank.
6 Unboxing

The LED indicator in front will light up when VIVE Flow turns on. After a few seconds, the
LED indicator will turn off.
To turn off VIVE Flow, unplug it from the power source.
Setting up VIVE Flow
You'll need to use the VIVE app to set up VIVE Flow. You'll start setting up VIVE Flow on your
phone and then finish setting up on the VR glasses.
1. On your Android phone, download and install the VIVE app. Get it from https://vive.com/
setup/flow or search VIVE on the Google Play Store.
2. On your phone, open the VIVE app .
3. In the Welcome screen, tap VIVE Flow.
4. The app will walk you through in setting up the following:
7 Unboxing

5. Tap Start.
6. Follow the instructions on your phone and VR glasses to set up VIVE Flow. Some things to
take note while setting up:
§Keep both VIVE Flow and your phone nearby.
§When the phone is trying to pair with VIVE Flow, it may take around 20 seconds or
more for the phone to find VIVE Flow. Please be patient.
§While pairing the phone to VIVE Flow, if the device name in VIVE Flow is different
from the one on the phone, tap Show more. Look for your VIVE Flow in the list.
§VIVE app needs phone permissions for you to enjoy the full features of the VR
glasses. In the step where you're asked to grant permissons, after tapping Grant in
each box, you'll be guided on what to turn on (i.e. VIVE). After granting permission,
tap the back arrow until you get back to the VIVE app.
§VIVE Flow can only connect to a Wi-Fi®network that supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/ac/n (5
GHz band). Make sure your Wi-Fi router or phone's Wi-Fi hotspot is set to the 5 GHz
band. To learn how to set your phone's Wi-Fi hotspot to 5 GHz, see Why can't VIVE
Flow find my phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot? on page 31. To learn how to set your Wi-Fi
router to the 5 GHz band, consult its user guide.
§When going through the setup process in the VR glasses, take note of the position of
the Headset button on VIVE Flow as you'll need to press it to go to the next step. See
About VIVE Flow on page 11.
§If you have trouble pairing the VR glasses, make sure it's connected to a power source and
near your phone.
§VIVE Flow can only pair with one phone at a time.
Signing in with your HTC Account
Sign in for the best experience and support. The best way to sign in is with the VIVE app, but you
can also sign in while in VR.
If you don't have an HTC Account, we recommend creating one first on your computer. On
your web browser, go to http://www.viveport.com/, and then click Sign In at the top-right
corner.
1. From Home, select Profile.
2. Type your user name and password, and then select Sign in.
8 Unboxing

Putting on VIVE Flow
Open the frame of VIVE Flow, and then wear it as you would regular glasses.
§Before wearing VIVE Flow, connect it to a power source. See Connecting to a power source
on page 6.
§If you wear glasses, remove them first before putting on VIVE Flow.
§It is strongly recommended to take regular breaks. Stop using VIVE Flow if you feel any
discomfort.
If VIVE Flow keeps slipping down your nose while using it, adjust the fit of the face cushion.
Remove the face cushion, and then squeeze the middle part of the face cushion, below the 2
plastic tabs, for a tighter fit.
Do not squeeze the 2 plastic tabs as it may damage the face cushion.
Downloading free titles on VIVE Flow
There may be some free titles available for download on your VIVE Flow.
1. To check if there are free titles, select Library from Home.
2. Select Not Installed.
9 Unboxing

3. Select a free title to download and install it.
4. To switch back to the installed titles in the VR Library, select Installed.
Getting titles from VIVEPORT VR
VIVEPORT™VR offers a convenient way for users to access new titles and other content.
Before purchasing, you can browse through titles in VIVEPORT VR from your VR glasses.
Access VIVEPORT VR by selecting Store from Home.
10 Unboxing

Getting the most out of your VR
glasses
About VIVE Flow
VIVE Flow is your window to the VR environment. The VIVE Flow cameras track the position of the
VR glasses.
Front view
1. Headset button
2. LED (Status light)
3. Vent (Don't block or insert objects into it)
4. Temple pads (Removable)
5. Face cushion
6. Volume down button
7. Volume up button
8. Device cameras
11 Getting the most out of your VR glasses

Inside view
1. Speakers
2. Proximity sensor
3. Vent (Don't block or insert objects into it)
4. USB Type-C receptacle cable
5. Diopter dials
About the phone controller
Use your Android phone to interact in VR.
§You need to use the phone that you paired with your VIVE Flow, and make sure your phone
and VIVE Flow are connected via Bluetooth®.
§Make sure the phone screen is unlocked.
Phone controller interface
1. VIVE Opens the VIVE menu where you can access shortcuts.
2. Trigger Depending on the app, this can either be used as a
trigger or to select/drag items. Tap to select items or tap and
hold, and then move the phone to drag items.
3. Menu Opens the app menu.
4. Select Depending on the app, tap to select items or tap and
hold, and then move the phone to drag items.
12 Getting the most out of your VR glasses

§In VR, look down on your hand holding the phone to see the controller layout. You can also
see visual feedback when you tap the phone screen.
§To close the currently running app and go back to Home, open the VIVE menu, aim the beam
on the Home image, and then select Back to Home.
Touch gestures
§Aim your phone forward and hold it parallel to the floor, and then tap and hold the screen
with 2 fingers for 2 seconds to recenter the beam. Do this if the beam orientation is off or
you can't see the beam in VR.
§Swipe vertically or horizontally to go through screens.
The phone controller is automatically disabled when you take off VIVE Flow. If you need to use
your phone while using VIVE Flow, disable the phone controller by swiping down from the top of
the phone screen. You need to disable the phone controller to use your phone.
13 Getting the most out of your VR glasses

Your phone screen is dimmed when the phone controller is enabled.
To enable the controller again, swipe down to open the Notifications panel, and then tap Phone
controller disabled: Tap here to enable.
14 Getting the most out of your VR glasses

Adjusting the diopter dial
You can adjust the diopter dial even after setting up VIVE Flow. This is useful when sharing your
VR glasses with friends or family so they can adjust it to get a clear and sharp view.
1. If you're currently running content, tap the VIVE button on the phone controller, and then
select Back to Home.
2. Select Library Tutorial Diopter adjustment.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to adjust the diopter dial to get a clear view.
Do not attach the face cushion when adjusting the diopter dial. You only need to attach the
nose rest.
When you've finished the steps, you'll be taken back to Home.
Remember to remove the nose rest and re-attach the face cushion when you're done.
15 Getting the most out of your VR glasses

Connecting to a Wi-Fi network
It's easy to connect to Wi-Fi using the VIVE app or during the setup process, but you can also add
or change networks from Settings.
VIVE Flow can only connect to a Wi-Fi network that supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/ac/n (5 GHz
band). Make sure your Wi-Fi router or phone's Wi-Fi hotspot is set to the 5 GHz band. To learn
how to set your phone's Wi-Fi hotspot to 5 GHz, see Why can't VIVE Flow find my phone as a
Wi-Fi hotspot? on page 31. To learn how to set your Wi-Fi router to the 5 GHz band, consult
its user guide.
1. If you're currently running content, tap the VIVE button on the phone controller, and then
select Back to Home.
2. From Home, select Settings.
3. In Connectivity, select Wi-Fi.
4. Choose a Wi-Fi network to add from the list. If your network is hidden, add it manually by
selecting Add Network at the bottom of the list.
5. If this is the first time you've connected to this network, enter your network information.
§For some public Wi-Fi networks, such as the ones in hotels or airports, you'll need to open a
web browser to log in to connect to the Wi-Fi network. In VR, open Firefox Reality, and then
go to any website. Firefox Reality will redirect you to the log in page where you can enter the
required credentials to connect.
§You can also use the VIVE app to set up Wi-Fi for VIVE Flow. In the VIVE app, tap your VIVE
Flow under Headset, and then tap Headset Wi-Fi.
Changing boundary size
The boundary system automatically activates when you're close to the edge of your play area to
help keep you safe. If you have a lot more open space for your play area, you can change the
boundary size.
1. If you're currently running content, tap the VIVE button on the phone controller, and then
select Back to Home.
2. From Home, select Settings.
3. In Boundary, select the size you want in Boundary size.
16 Getting the most out of your VR glasses

Turning on blue light filter
Reduce digital eye strain by filtering out blue light while using VIVE Flow. When using VIVE Flow
at night, filtering out blue light may also help you sleep better.
1. If you're currently running content, tap the VIVE button on the phone controller, and then
select Back to Home.
2. From Home, select Settings.
3. Select General, and then tap the Blue light filter On/Off switch to turn it on.
4. Drag the Intensity slider to the level you want.
Changing preferred way to hold phone
Changing the preferred way to hold your phone when using it as a controller in VR changes the
angle of the beam emitted from the controller.
1. If you're currently running content, tap the VIVE button on the phone controller, and then
select Back to Home.
2. From Home, select Settings.
3. In Controller, choose how you want to hold your phone.
Turning on Passenger mode
When using VIVE Flow in a moving vehicle or dark environment, turn on Passenger mode to
prevent drifting.
1. If you're currently running content, tap the VIVE button on the phone controller, and then
select Back to Home.
2. From Home, select Settings.
3. In General, tap the Passenger mode On/Off switch to turn it on.
You can also turn on or off Passenger mode by opening the VIVE app, tapping your VIVE Flow
under Headset, and then tapping the Passenger mode On/Off switch.
17 Getting the most out of your VR glasses

Mirroring your phone on VIVE Flow
You can mirror what's on the phone screen inside VIVE Flow. Enjoy apps and watch your favorite
shows on a personal large screen in VR.
Your phone needs to support Miracast™in order to mirror your phone screen in VIVE Flow.
1. From Home, select Phone Let's go.
2. You can:
§Aim the beam on the phone screen to interact with your phone such as selecting an
app to open it.
§Watch videos on your own personal large screen in VR.
§Use the toolbar to manage the phone mirroring experience.
18 Getting the most out of your VR glasses

Go back to the previous screen.
Reposition the phone screen in VR. Move the screen to its new position first
before selecting Done. If you're lying down on your side, turn on Sync with
headset rotation first before moving the screen.
Reset phone screen position and zoom level back to default settings.
Zoom in on the phone screen.
Zoom out of the phone screen.
Open your phone's voice assistant (e.g. Google Assistant™).
Switch the phone screen orientation to portrait or landscape.
Make the background lighter or darker.
Exit phone mirroring.
§If you don't see the toolbar, tap your phone screen or move your phone from side to side.
§Aim the beam at a button on the toolbar to see what it does.
§When you're using an app in full screen and in landscape orientation, tap on the toolbar to
exit full screen mode.
§Make sure the volume of your phone is not muted.
19 Getting the most out of your VR glasses

Taking screenshots and screen recordings
Screenshots and video recordings save VR moments for review or sharing. To take screenshots
or video recordings:
1. On the phone controller, tap the VIVE button.
2. Do either of the following:
§Select to take a still screenshot.
§Select to record video from your VR screen and audio from your microphone.
VIVE Flow will quickly count down from 3, and then start your capture.
3. For screen recordings, you can stop the capture process by selecting Stop recording. If
you've chosen video capture, your video capture will continue until you stop it or your VIVE
Flow runs out of storage space.
Captures are stored on VIVE Flow.
§Take a quick screenshot by pressing the Headset and Volume down buttons.
§Take quick screen recordings by pressing the Headset and Volume up buttons. Press the
same buttons again to stop recording.
§Screenshots and screen recordings may be disabled in some apps.
Copying screenshots and screen recordings to your
computer
Copy your captured screenshots and screen recordings from VIVE Flow to your computer.
Here's how to copy files from VIVE Flow to a Windows®computer:
1. Connect one end of the USB Type-C cable to the USB receptacle cable on VIVE Flow and
the other end to your computer.
2. Put on your VIVE Flow.
3. In the Choose USB mode dialog box, select File transfer.
4. Take off your VIVE Flow.
5. On your computer, open a file management app such as File Explorer, and then click VIVE
Flow.
6. Click Internal shared storage. You'll find screenshots in Pictures Screenshots and
screen recordings in the Movies folder.
20 Getting the most out of your VR glasses