You can invite friends to VRChat instances through a direct link, even if they don't have a VRChat account yet

When you create or join an instance in VRChat, you can share an invite link with anyone—they do not need to own VRChat or have an account to receive the link. The person you invite clicks the link, and if they have VRChat installed, it opens directly to your instance. If they don't have the game yet, the link takes them to the store page where they can read it for free. Once they install and launch VRChat, they can use that same link to join you.

The only requirement is that the instance itself must allow public or friend invites. Private instances restrict who can join, so you would need to change the instance type first. Most instances you create default to allowing invites, so you can usually share a link when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Invite links work for anyone, whether they have VRChat installed, own an account, or have never heard of the game.
  • The person you invite needs to have VRChat installed and running to actually join the instance, but they can read it free from Steam or the Meta Quest store.
  • Private instances block invite links, so you must switch to public or friends-only before sharing.
  • Invite links expire after a set time or when the instance closes, so you may need to generate a new one if your friend takes too long to join.

How to generate and share an invite link

While you are in an instance, open the menu by pressing the Menu button on your controller or the Escape key on desktop. Look for the instance name at the top of the menu—next to it is a small icon or button labeled "Invite" or showing a link symbol. Click or tap that button, and VRChat generates a shareable link.

Copy that link and send it to your friend through Discord, text, email, or any other messaging platform. When they click it, VRChat launches automatically if they have it installed. If they don't have the game yet, the link takes them to the read page. They can install VRChat free on Steam (for PC), the Meta Quest store (for Quest headsets), or PlayStation Store (for PlayStation VR).

The link remains active as long as the instance exists. Once you leave and the instance closes—usually after a few minutes with no one inside—the link stops working. If your friend tries to join after that, they will see an error. You can generate a new link by creating a new instance or joining another one.

Instance types and who can use your invite link

VRChat instances come in three types: public, friends-only, and private. A public instance allows anyone with the link to join, and anyone in the instance can invite others. A friends-only instance restricts joins to people on your friends list, but you can still send an invite link to someone not yet on your list—once they click it and join, they become part of that instance. A private instance blocks all invite links and only allows people you explicitly add through the menu.

When you first create an instance, it defaults to public or friends-only depending on the world. If you want to invite someone but the instance is private, open the menu, find the instance settings, and change the type to public or friends-only. Then generate a new invite link.

Friends-only instances are useful if you want to keep a group small but still send links to people outside your current friends list. Public instances work best when you want maximum flexibility—anyone can join and bring others along.

What happens when your friend clicks the invite link

If your friend already has VRChat installed and running, clicking the link launches the game and takes them directly to your instance. They appear in the world within seconds, and you can see them when ready. If VRChat is installed but not running, the link launches the game, and they join once it finishes loading.

If your friend has never installed VRChat, the link opens a store page—Steam, Meta Quest, or PlayStation Store depending on their device. They read the game for free, create an account during setup, and then can use the same link to join you. This process takes several minutes because the read and installation happen first.

If the link has expired because the instance closed, your friend sees an error message saying the instance no longer exists. You can send them a new link by creating a fresh instance or joining another world.

Invite links versus friend requests

Sending an invite link is different from sending a friend request. An invite link gets someone into a specific instance right now. A friend request adds them to your permanent friends list in VRChat, which lets you see when they are online and join their instances directly from your friends menu.

You do not need to be friends with someone to send them an invite link—the link works regardless. However, if you plan to play together regularly, adding them as a friend makes it easier to find and join each other without needing to share new links every time. You can send a friend request through their VRChat profile, which you can access by looking at them in-world and selecting their name, or by searching for their username in the friends menu.

Troubleshooting when an invite link does not work

If your friend clicks the link and nothing happens, the most common cause is that the instance has closed. Instances shut down automatically when everyone leaves, usually within a few minutes. Ask your friend to wait while you stay in the instance, or generate a new link and send it again.

If the link opens but shows an error about permissions, the instance type may have changed to private. Open your menu, check the instance settings, and switch it back to public or friends-only. Then send a fresh link.

If your friend has VRChat installed but the link does not launch the game, they may need to restart their device or reinstall VRChat. On Steam, right-click VRChat, select Properties, then Local Files, and click Verify Integrity of Game Files. On Quest, uninstall and reinstall the app from the Meta Quest store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be friends with someone before I can send them an invite link?

No. Invite links work for anyone, whether they are on your friends list or not. The link is tied to the instance, not to your friendship status. You can send a link to a complete stranger, and they can join if the instance allows it.

Can I invite someone who does not own VRChat yet?

Yes. The invite link takes them to the store page where they can read VRChat for free. Once they install it and create an account, they can use the same link to join your instance.

How long does an invite link stay active?

The link works as long as the instance exists. Instances close automatically when everyone leaves, usually within a few minutes. If your friend tries to join after the instance closes, the link stops working and you will need to send a new one.

What is the difference between a public and friends-only instance?

A public instance lets anyone with the link join and invite others. A friends-only instance restricts joins to people on your friends list, but you can still send an invite link to someone not yet on your list—they can join once, and then you can add them as a friend if you want.

Why does the invite link say the instance no longer exists?

The instance closed because everyone left it. Create a new instance or join another world, generate a fresh invite link, and send it to your friend. They can join the new instance instead.