Set up TrackIR in MSFS 2020 with the right launch order, camera options and profile, plus fixes for detection, jitter and view conflicts.
To set up TrackIR in MSFS 2020, install and open its software, position the camera so it sees all three reflectors or LEDs, test and centre the profile, then launch the simulator. Enable Head Tracking in the cockpit camera options. Native PC support means no SimConnect plug-in or axis bindings are needed.
How to set up TrackIR in MSFS 2020
Use this order so Microsoft Flight Simulator detects TrackIR when it starts.
- Mount the camera centrally. Place the TrackIR camera above or below your main display, facing the TrackClip. It must retain an unobstructed view when you turn towards side windows, the overhead panel or the centre console.
- Select the correct clip type. Choose the passive TrackClip if you use the three reflectors attached to a cap, or TrackClip PRO if you use the powered LED clip on a headset. The wrong selection causes erratic or reversed movement.
- Open the TrackIR software. Install the official software and use its game-list update function if offered. Confirm that the camera preview can see the three intended target points without extra reflections.
- Test all six axes. Check yaw, pitch, roll, left-right movement, up-down movement and forward-back movement. Start with a standard smooth profile rather than making an aggressive custom curve immediately.
- Configure centre and pause controls. TrackIR commonly assigns
F12to centre andF9to pause. Change these in the TrackIR software if they clash with simulator commands, then place the controls somewhere you can reach without looking away from the cockpit. - Start TrackIR before MSFS 2020. Leave its software running, then launch the simulator. The TrackIR status display should indicate when the game has connected.
- Enable head tracking in MSFS. Open
Options > General Options > Camera, find the cockpit camera or head-tracking settings, and switch Head Tracking on. The precise arrangement can differ between simulator updates, but the setting remains within the camera options. - Centre from your normal flying position. Load a cockpit, sit naturally, look straight ahead and press the centre command. Re-centre after moving your chair, headset or TrackClip.
Do not search for TrackIR axes in the MSFS controller list. The simulator receives head position directly from TrackIR rather than through ordinary view-axis bindings. For more detail on camera placement, clip alignment and profile association, see our TrackIR 5 hardware and profile setup guidance.
Which TrackIR profile works best for MSFS 2020?
The built-in smooth profile is a sensible starting point, with a restrained centre region and enough acceleration to inspect side and rear views without straining your neck.
| Movement | Recommended approach | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Yaw and pitch | Moderate curve with gentle movement near the centre | Keeps instruments steady while still allowing wide cockpit views |
| Roll | Lower sensitivity | Too much roll makes the horizon and instrument panel feel unstable |
| X and Y translation | Low to moderate sensitivity | Allows leaning around pillars and lining up with switches without excessive sliding |
| Z translation | Low to moderate sensitivity | Provides useful instrument inspection without causing accidental zoom-like movement |
| Centre region | No dead zone or a very small one | A large dead zone creates a noticeable step when movement begins |
Adjust one axis at a time. A mistake we see constantly is raising the overall speed to reach the rear quarter, then trying to cure the resulting cockpit jitter with a large dead zone. A better curve stays gentle around the centre and becomes faster towards the edge.
If you are choosing between TrackIR and camera-based eye tracking, our comparison and setup notes for MSFS head and eye tracking explain the practical differences.
Why does MSFS 2020 not detect TrackIR?
If MSFS 2020 does not detect TrackIR, first confirm that the TrackIR software is tracking correctly, then restart both applications with TrackIR opened first.
- No target points appear: check the USB connection, selected clip type, camera angle and any obstruction between the camera and clip.
- Tracking works but the game does not connect: update the TrackIR game list, close both programmes, reopen TrackIR and then restart MSFS. A simulator restart is often required after reconnecting the camera.
- The game connects but the view does not move: make sure TrackIR is not paused and that Head Tracking remains enabled in the MSFS camera settings.
- The view moves from two devices: disable any second head-tracking output while diagnosing the problem. Two programmes controlling the same camera view can produce snapping or oscillation.
- The view fights the joystick or mouse: remove duplicate continuous look-axis assignments. Our guide to organising MSFS control profiles and conflicting bindings covers the relevant controller checks.
How do I stop TrackIR jumping or losing tracking?
Jumping usually means the camera is losing one target point or mistaking another bright object for part of the clip.
- Check the camera preview while turning your head through the full range used in the cockpit.
- Move the camera or clip if one point disappears behind another at extreme angles.
- Reduce direct sunlight, reflective surfaces and visible infrared sources behind you.
- Keep the powered TrackClip cable from pulling the clip out of alignment.
- Re-centre only after sitting in your normal posture; do not lean towards the camera while centring.
- Use a slightly flatter curve around the centre if the image is steady but small movements feel exaggerated.
Optical TrackIR tracking should not develop continuous sensor drift. If the view slowly moves while your head remains still, look for unwanted target points, a loose clip or another device sending camera input.
Can I still use a joystick hat switch with TrackIR?
Yes, but avoid assigning the hat switch to a continuous cockpit-look axis while TrackIR is active.
A hat switch remains useful for external views, fixed quick views or camera commands that do not compete with head tracking. If you want to pan manually inside the cockpit, pause TrackIR first and centre it again before resuming.
Does TrackIR work with MSFS 2020 on Xbox?
No. TrackIR support in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 depends on the Windows TrackIR software, so this setup applies to the PC edition rather than Xbox consoles.