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Iracing Wheel Not Detected

Stuck with ‘iracing wheel not detected’? This practical guide for iRacing drivers explains why it happens and gives fast, step-by-step fixes to race today.

If you’re seeing “iracing wheel not detected,” the usual fix is to make sure Windows sees your wheel, it’s in the right mode (PC), drivers/firmware are installed, and then recalibrate in iRacing. You’re in the right place—follow the steps below to get back on track fast.

Quick Answer: iracing wheel not detected

iRacing can’t use your wheel unless Windows recognizes it as a game controller. Put the wheel in PC mode, plug it directly into a USB port on your motherboard, install the correct driver/firmware (Logitech G Hub, Thrustmaster driver, Fanatec Control Panel, Simucube TrueDrive), then calibrate in iRacing’s Options > Controls.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing reads input through Windows (DirectInput). If your wheel is in a console mode, missing drivers, on a weak USB hub, or “captured” by software like Steam Input or vJoy, iRacing won’t see it. Once Windows sees the wheel correctly, iRacing can detect and bind steering and pedals inside the sim.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Put the wheel in PC mode and power-cycle
    Turn the wheelbase off and on. Select PC mode (e.g., Fanatec red LED, Thrustmaster PC mode switch, Logitech is PC by default). Avoid console modes.

  2. Use a direct USB port
    Unplug from hubs/adapters. Plug into a rear motherboard USB port. For older wheels (e.g., G27), try a USB 2.0 port.

  3. Confirm Windows sees it
    Press Windows+R, type joy.cpl, press Enter. Your wheel should appear and respond to input. If not, install the correct software:

  • Logitech: G Hub (or LGS 5.10 for G27)
  • Thrustmaster: Latest driver + Control Panel
  • Fanatec: Fanatec Control Panel + firmware updates
  • Simucube: TrueDrive + firmware

  1. Stop conflicts
    If you launch via Steam, set Steam Input to “Disabled” for iRacing. Close apps that create virtual controllers (vJoy, DS4Windows, reWASD, FreePIE, XOutput). Unplug extra controllers temporarily.

  2. Fix USB power settings (quick)
    In Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus controllers, open each USB Root Hub (or USB Hub) > Power Management and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device.” Also avoid Windows USB selective suspend in Power Options.

  3. Calibrate in iRacing
    Launch iRacing, click Options (or press O) > Controls. Click to assign Steering and slowly turn the wheel as prompted. Assign throttle/brake/clutch, then click Done/Save. Ensure “Enable force feedback” is checked.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Set wheel rotation to 900° (or Auto) in your wheel software before calibrating.
  • For Logitech G29/G920, keep G Hub running; for G27, use the older LGS driver.
  • Thrustmaster: run the Control Panel “Test Input” to verify the device before opening iRacing.
  • Fanatec: use PC mode; only try Compatibility Mode if PC mode still fails.
  • Keep only one wheel connected; unplug gamepads while troubleshooting.

FAQs

Q: iRacing sees my pedals but not the wheel—why?
A: Windows is likely seeing them as separate devices and the wheel isn’t installed or in PC mode. Recheck drivers/firmware and verify the wheel moves in joy.cpl before recalibrating in iRacing.

Q: The wheel works in other games but not in iRacing.
A: Another app (often Steam Input or a virtual device) may be intercepting it. Disable Steam Input for iRacing and close vJoy/DS4Windows. Then recalibrate in iRacing.

Q: Do I need to reinstall iRacing?
A: Almost never. Fix Windows recognition, drivers, and conflicts first, then recalibrate in the sim.

Q: How do I disable Steam Input for iRacing?
A: In Steam: right‑click iRacing > Properties > Controller > Override for iRacing > Disable Steam Input. Restart iRacing.

Wrap-Up

Most “iracing wheel not detected” issues come down to Windows not seeing the device correctly or a conflicting app. Get Windows recognition right, then calibrate in iRacing and you’ll be racing again in minutes.