XREAL Aura setup: what to do before it ships and on day one
XREAL Aura ships from mid-November. Here's what to sort out now, from the charger and cable it doesn't include to your size, lenses and Google account.
XREAL says the Aura starts shipping in batches in mid-November 2026. If you've ordered one, a bit of prep now makes day one a lot smoother. A couple of things you'll need aren't in the box.
Here's the checklist, pulled from XREAL's Aura manual and store page.
Note
We haven't set up an Aura yet. These steps come from XREAL's Aura manual and US store, checked November 3, 2026. Our own notes go here once ours arrives.
Before it arrives
1. Double-check your frame size. The Aura comes in two sizes, picked by the space between your pupils, called IPD:
| Size | IPD range |
|---|---|
| M | 60 to 66 mm |
| L | 66 to 72 mm |
Exactly 66 mm? XREAL says go with L. The wrong size shows up as blurry or cut-off edges, double images or eye strain. A software setting can fine-tune the fit, but it can't fix the wrong size.
Don't know your IPD? An optometrist can measure it. XREAL also has an online tool that uses your phone or computer camera. Or try the mirror method: hold a millimeter ruler level across the bridge of your nose. Close your right eye and line up 0 with the center of your left pupil. Then switch eyes and read the number under your right pupil.
2. Order prescription lenses now, if you need them. The box includes an empty lens frame, not lenses. XREAL makes its lenses in 1 to 4 business days and ships them from China, so delivery takes about 10 business days. Here's how to order Aura lenses.
3. Get a charger. There isn't one in the box. XREAL recommends a USB-PD or PPS charger of at least 18 W. Below that, charging can be very slow, and the battery can still drain while you use it. Want to use the Aura while it charges? Go for 30 W or more.
4. Get a video cable, if you'll mirror a laptop. Plugging a laptop or Steam Deck into the puck needs a USB-C cable that carries video. XREAL says the charging cable in the box only charges. Our Aura accessories guide explains both buys.
5. Have your Google account ready. Setup won't finish without one, and you can't skip the step. You'll also need Wi-Fi. If your account uses 2-step verification, keep your phone close.
6. Know your return window. XREAL's store gives you 30 days from delivery for a full refund. Custom prescription lenses can't be returned.
What's in the box
- The glasses and the compute puck
- A glasses cable and a charging cable
- A carrying case and a belt clip
- Nose pads in S, M and L
- The Optical Insert Frame, for prescription lenses
- A cleaning cloth
Day one, step by step
- Charge the puck first. Or use it while it charges. The light pulses amber below 75%, pulses green above 75% and goes solid green when full.
- Connect the glasses. The angled end of the glasses cable goes into the back tip of the left arm. The straight end goes into the puck's Glasses Port, the one with the glasses icon.
- Turn it on. Hold the puck's power button for 2 seconds until it buzzes. It won't turn on by itself when you plug in the glasses.
- Put the glasses on. Peel off any protective film first. Clip in your prescription frame now, if you have one.
- Run the setup wizard. Android XR walks you through Wi-Fi, your Google sign-in and the hand gestures. XREAL recommends doing the whole tutorial.
- Keep it short. XREAL suggests keeping your first session under 30 minutes. Feeling dizzy? Stop and take a break.
Always use the glasses cable from the box. XREAL warns that other cables can cause display glitches, tracking problems and camera issues.
Get the fit right
A good fit keeps the whole screen sharp. If something looks off, work through these:
- Nose pads. The small S pads come installed. Top of the screen cut off? The glasses sit too low, so try the bigger M or L pads. Bottom cut off? Go back to a smaller pad.
- Arm angle. The arms click into three angles: -3.5°, 0° and +3.5°. Top edge cut off? Tilt them up. Bottom edge cut off? Tilt them down.
- Software IPD. Go to Settings, then Tips & Support, then Fit adjustment. You can also type in your exact IPD there.
- Check your size. The M or L mark is inside the right arm.
- Clip the puck on. Slide the belt clip into the back of the puck and press until it locks. The puck hangs upside down, so the cable runs up toward you.
The controls to learn first
| To do this | Do this |
|---|---|
| Open or hide your apps | Press the puck's power button |
| Recenter the screen | Hold the X button on the glasses |
| Change the lens tint | Press the X button (5 levels) |
| Take a screenshot | Press Home and X on the glasses |
| Select something | Pinch your thumb and index finger |
| Move a window or scroll | Pinch, hold and drag |
| Fix a frozen puck | Hold power and volume up for 10 seconds |
Hand tracking works best in good, even light, with your hands in front of your chest. If it struggles, the puck's touchpad works for everything. Bluetooth keyboards, mice and game controllers pair under Settings, then Connected devices.
Update the software
Connect to Wi-Fi and make sure the puck has at least 50% battery, or plug it in. Then open Settings, System, System update. Don't unplug anything while it installs.
Things that surprise new owners
- The puck has a fan. It runs whenever the puck is on. Keep the vents clear. Some warmth around the brow and hinges is normal, XREAL says.
- Battery life is 3 to 4 hours in typical use.
- It sleeps when you take it off. After 48 hours on standby, it powers off.
- Never plug the glasses straight into a wall outlet or power bank. They only connect to the puck or a device that sends video.
- It isn't water resistant.
- It's made for sitting down. Use Travel Mode, in Quick Settings, on planes and trains. Don't wear it while walking in traffic, cycling or driving.
Next steps
- Plugging in a laptop or Steam Deck? Here's how to connect devices to the Aura.
- Still waiting on yours? Our XREAL Aura tracker follows shipping and updates.
- Still deciding? See XREAL Aura vs URXR One.