# Three Settings to Rule Them All, and One Clever Trick for Those of Us in Between: Mastering IPD on the Meta Quest 3S
Virtual reality (VR) provides an engaging experience that can whisk you away to different realms, but only when your headset is correctly configured. One of the key adjustments for a comfortable and sharp VR session is the **Inter-Pupillary Distance (IPD)**—the space between the centers of your pupils. An incorrect IPD setting may result in nausea, headaches, dizziness, and could even hinder your performance in games like *Beat Saber*, where depth perception plays a vital role.
The **Meta Quest 3S** presents a distinct method of IPD adjustment, offering three preset configurations. But what if your IPD is in between those presets? No need to fret—we have a unique trick to help you fine-tune your setup for the optimal experience.
## The Importance of IPD in VR
IPD is vital for aligning the lenses of your VR headset with your eyes. When the IPD is accurately set, the visuals from both lenses converge correctly, providing a clear and comfortable image. If your IPD is misaligned, even slightly, it can lead to fuzzy visuals, eye fatigue, and a diminished immersive experience.
The Meta Quest 3S, similar to its predecessor the Meta Quest 2, lets users manually adjust their IPD. Nevertheless, the Quest 3S streamlines this process by providing three preset IPD options. Let’s take a look at how you can measure your IPD and adjust your headset accordingly.
## How to Measure Your IPD
Before you make adjustments to your Meta Quest 3S, it’s essential to determine your IPD. Here’s an easy way to measure it at home:
### What You’ll Need:
– A **ruler with millimeter markings** (ideally a rigid ruler for precision).
– A **mirror**.
### Steps:
1. Stand before a mirror and **close your left eye**.
2. Look directly at your right eye in the mirror with your **right eye open**.
3. Position the ruler just beneath your eye, centering the **zero marker** on your right pupil.
4. **Close your right eye** and **open your left eye**, making sure the ruler remains still.
5. Observe your left pupil and **record the millimeter distance** that aligns with the center of your left pupil.
For instance, if the distance between your pupils measures 66mm, that is your IPD. The typical IPD averages around 63mm, but can vary from 55mm to 72mm or more depending on the individual.
## Adjusting the IPD on Meta Quest 3S
Once you’ve determined your IPD, it’s time to configure the Meta Quest 3S to suit it. The Quest 3S includes **three preset IPD options**:
– **Preset 1**: 58mm
– **Preset 2**: 63mm (default)
– **Preset 3**: 68mm
Here’s how to adjust the lenses to accommodate your IPD:
### Steps:
1. **Identify which preset** is most suitable based on your IPD measurement.
2. The closest preset is **58mm**, the middle preset is **63mm**, and the farthest is **68mm**.
3. While holding the Meta Quest 3S, **grasp the gray cover** on the exterior of one lens.
4. Gently push the lens **inward** to decrease the IPD or **outward** to increase it.
For most users, one of these three presets will be effective. However, if your IPD does not exactly fit one of these presets, there is a trick available to help you fine-tune the adjustment.
## The Clever Trick for Those in Between
If your IPD is somewhere between the preset options—say, 60mm or 66mm—you may find that none of the presets feels just right. Luckily, the Meta Quest 3S accommodates a degree of flexibility between the preset markers.
### Here’s the trick:
1. **Hold the gray plastic** on the side of one lens.
2. Gently push the lens **slightly past** one of the preset points to achieve a more precise position.
3. If you encounter difficulties moving the lenses between presets, consider starting from a higher preset and pressing inward.
This trick proves particularly beneficial for users whose IPD is between the preset selections. For example, if your IPD is 60mm, try positioning the lenses between **Preset 1** (58mm) and **Preset 2** (63mm). Likewise, if your IPD is nearer to 66mm, you can adjust the lenses in the space between **Preset 2**
