How to Install VRChat Avatars (2026 Guide)

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seabug
January 28, 2026 8488 views

Video Reference – March 2026


Prerequisites

Before uploading or using custom avatars in VRChat, make sure you have:

  • Trusted VRChat User Account: Required to upload Avatars & Worlds. You generally earn this after around 12 hours of active playtime. You will receive an email once you achieve Trusted status.
  • VRChat Creator Companion (VCC): Needed to manage Unity projects for VRChat.
  • Unity (Version Recommended by VCC): Always install the Unity version prompted by the Creator Companion. Using a different version can cause errors.

What “Trusted” Looks Like

Example Email Notification:
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In-Game Profile Preview:
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Unity VRChat SDK Account Status:
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Installation Guide

  1. Download the VRChat Creator Companion (VCC):
    Official link: VRChat Creator Companion

  2. Install the Creator Companion and Unity:

    • Follow the prompts in the Creator Companion.
    • It will guide you to install the correct Unity version and set up your project folder.
    • Optional: Install Unity Hub from Unity Hub if you want to manage multiple Unity versions.
  3. Create and Open an Avatar Project:

    • Open VCC → Select New Avatar Project (SDK3)
    • Name your project → Open it in Unity.
  4. Log into VRChat in Unity:

    • Open the VRChat SDK → Click Show Control Panel
    • Log in with your VRChat account.
  5. Load the Avatar Unitypackage:

    • Drag and drop the downloaded .unitypackage file into your Unity project.
    • Open the included scene file.
  6. Build & Publish:

    • Open the Builder tab in the VRChat Control Panel.
    • Click Build & Publish for Windows.

Screenshot Reference:
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If you see a message about not being able to upload, it means your account is not yet Trusted. Spend more time in VRChat until Trusted status is awarded.

Example Notification:
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  1. Fill Avatar Details & Upload:
    • Choose a name, description, and visibility (Public or Private—Private is recommended for testing).

Example Details Form:
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  1. Success Confirmation:
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Additional Resources