Windows safety prompt
If SmartScreen appears because the app is unsigned, confirm the file came from WearStream or the GitHub release, then choose More info and Run anyway.
First launch
Opening the desktop app
macOS safety prompt
The macOS download is not Developer ID signed or notarized. Confirm it came from WearStream's official site or GitHub release, unzip it, and try opening WearStream.
If macOS still blocks it
After trying to open the app, go to System Settings -> Privacy & Security, use Open Anyway for WearStream, then confirm Open. See Apple's opening instructions.
Pairing
Where each address goes
QR pairing
Click Start Relay on desktop. It shows a local URL such as ws://192.168.x.x:6124/ws. Scan it in the phone app, then tap Start Relay there. VRChat does not use this URL.
VRChat outputs
For the normal same-PC setup, leave WearStream pointed at 127.0.0.1:9000 and enable OSC plus Chatbox in VRChat.
Check connection
On Windows or macOS v0.2.0, use Check connection and open Connection help. A local listener check does not confirm phone access. Older desktop builds call this Test listener.
Troubleshooting
Quick checks when data is not flowing
Phone cannot connect
Make sure the phone and desktop are on the same local network (the desktop can use Ethernet), then restart the desktop relay and scan the new QR code.
VPNs, multiple adapters, or guest Wi-Fi
Windows and macOS v0.2.0 include a Network choice. Start with Automatic; if the address is wrong, select the home-network adapter and scan its QR code. Check your VPN's local-network access option. Guest Wi-Fi may prevent devices from reaching each other. Keep firewall protection enabled and use a network you trust.
Customize the desktop chatbox
Add an optional message above or below BPM, or on the same line. Edit the text before and after BPM, or choose a heart shortcut. New settings use ❤; existing custom text stays unchanged. The preview updates while typing. An invalid draft keeps the last valid outgoing format.
WearStream is already running
Windows and macOS v0.2.0 bring the existing window forward when launched again. Before updating, use Exit WearStream in the Windows tray or Quit WearStream in the macOS menu bar or app menu. Older builds without this safeguard must be exited manually; closing their window may only hide them.
No BPM from watch
Open WearStream on the watch and tap Start streaming. Confirm heart-rate access is allowed. If streaming stops when the screen sleeps, follow the all-the-time steps below.
Windows settings and tray controls
Output and smoothing changes apply while the relay runs. Listener port, bind address, and path changes need Restart relay for network changes. Choosing another Network updates the pairing address and QR; scan the updated code if needed. Lower smoothing-response values are steadier; higher values react faster.
The optional Keep running in the system tray when minimized or closed setting keeps a session running after you close the window. Right-click the tray icon to show WearStream, stop the relay, or exit. This option is off by default.
macOS settings and menu-bar controls
Output and smoothing changes apply while the relay runs. Listener port, bind address, and path changes need Restart relay for network changes. Pairing uses the active listener settings until restart. Choosing another Network updates the pairing address and QR.
The optional Keep running in the menu bar when closed setting keeps a session running after you close the window. Use the menu-bar heart to show WearStream, stop the relay, or quit. This option is off by default. Launching WearStream again or clicking its Dock icon restores the window.
Desktop shows a dash instead of BPM
A dash means the relay is stopped or has not received a fresh heart-rate sample within eight seconds. A responsive phone can still be waiting for its watch. Check watch streaming and permissions, and make sure the phone and PC use the correct date and time.
VRChat does not show BPM
Enable OSC and Chatbox in VRChat settings, then leave the WearStream OSC target on localhost unless you intentionally changed it.
Permissions
Watch permissions and long sessions
Wear OS heart-rate access
When you tap Start streaming, WearStream explains why it needs heart-rate access before the system prompt. Background access is a separate choice on Wear OS 4 and newer.
Allow all the time
If WearStream opens system settings, it may start on the WearStream app info page.
- Open Permissions.
- Tap Fitness and wellness.
- Scroll to Allowed to access.
- Change While in use to All the time.
- Swipe back to WearStream.
This lets the watch keep streaming after the screen sleeps. Menu names can vary slightly by watch and Wear OS version; on Wear OS 6 the permission may be described as background health data access.
Phone long sessions
The Android phone relay uses a foreground service, so leave the battery mode on its normal Optimized setting unless a session actually stops. If that happens, use WearStream's settings shortcut or open Android Settings -> Apps -> WearStream Phone -> Battery or App battery usage, then choose Unrestricted or allow background usage. Avoid Restricted.
Platform paths
Find your device path
Wear OS + Android
Currently in closed testing. A Wear OS watch reads your heart rate, then the Android phone app relays it to your desktop. Ask about testing access.
Apple Watch + iPhone
Coming soon. The Apple Watch and iPhone apps are in development and are not yet available to download.
Desktop app
The desktop receives telemetry, smooths the output, and sends BPM to local VRChat outputs.
Safety and legal
Independent project notice
WearStream is a companion relay utility for live BPM display and VRChat workflows, not a medical app or medical device.
WearStream is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by VRChat, Samsung, Google, Wear OS, Apple, Apple Watch, or iPhone.
Support email: Contact WearStream