---
title: First Time Setup
slug: A3Jz-first-time-setup
icon: {"faIcon":"fa-solid fa-book"}
docTags: 
createdAt: 2025-10-29T18:14:03.321Z
---

# Getting to know your VMUPro

Please see the image below to identify the main components and inputs of the VMUPro.


The device should be sufficiently charged when you receive it to power it on for the first time, however, as batteries naturally lose charge while idle, you may find that you will need to charge it in order to power it on.

![](https://app.archbee.com/api/optimize/GjVHUwar2ANCw2SNu3OTh/W37nWM1AmFEG5HgLARdCU_image.png "Image #1")

:::hint{type="warning"}
The **VMUPro** requires a properly formatted microSD card (not included) in order to work. Any microSD card rated **Class 4** and above will work, of any size up to 2TB. Each gigabyte of storage space amounts to approximately 8192 Dreamcast **virtual memory cards (VMCs).**

For better performance when playing native games and games through emulators, a fast **Class 10 A1+ rated **microSD card **highly recommended.** Lower performance cards may impact your experience with these features.
:::

:::hint{type="danger"}
Please **DO NOT REMOVE **the microSD card from the VMUPro microSD card slot while the device is on! The VMUPro is not designed to support this as of now (although it is something that is being worked on).

To **safely remove the microSD card, **please either **Power Off **the device first, or put it in **Deep Sleep **using the **Sleep **button. Then you can remove the microSD card safely from the VMUPro.
:::



To prepare your microSD card, you will need any computer and a microSD card reader (or a full size card reader with a microSD to SD card adapter.

Download the official “SD Card Formatter” software from the [SD Card Association website](https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter/).

Run the formatter and select your SD card. Select **“Quick Format”** and give it a **“Volume Label”** if you’d like. Press the **“Format”** button

Safely-eject your microSD card from your computer and plug it into the microSD card slot (see image #1) of your **VMUPro**.

## Powering up the VMUPro for the first time

When you power up your **VMUPro **for the first time, you will be greeted with the "First time setup" application (see image below)

::Image[]{src="https://app.archbee.com/api/optimize/GjVHUwar2ANCw2SNu3OTh/Qmrm_bvD8QDupzxdWJ8rR-20251029-184828.png" size="28" width="240" height="240" position="center" caption="Image #2" showCaption="true"}

Press **"A"** to continue to the next step.

In the next step, you need to select your timezone. If you can't find the timezone in the list, select the closest one to you. This will be used by the **VMUPro **to automatically set the time when it connects to the internet

Press **"A"** to continue to the next step, where you will setup your **VMUPro **to connect to your local WiFi Network. After a short scan, you will see a list of network names that the **VMUPro **was able to find broadcasting. Select your WiFi network and press **"A"** to move to the next step.
If your network is private, you will be prompted to enter your password.

If you do not wish to connect to your WiFi network at this time, you can press the **"Mode"** button to skip this step and conclude the first time setup. You can return to the WiFi Setup at a later time if you wish, through the System Settings Menu.

::Image[]{src="https://app.archbee.com/api/optimize/GjVHUwar2ANCw2SNu3OTh/G5wihAF0a1ZjaDYrfIomO-20251029-190004.png" size="18" width="240" height="240" position="center" caption="Image #3" showCaption="true"}

To enter your wifi password, use the directional pad on your **VMUPro **to select the first character of your password, and confirm with the button **"A". **Repeat this process for the rest of the characters of your password.

When you have entered your password, move the selection cursor over the right arrow button at the bottom right of the screen, and press **"A"** to confirm. Then select either the **"Done" **button to continue, or the **"Cancel" **button to return to the keyboard.

If the password you entered is correct, the **VMUPro **will connect to your WiFi network and present the **IP Address** that it was assigned. Press **"A" **to continue.

In the final step, the **VMUPro **will check online for any software updates. If one is available, press **"A" **to download and perform the update. If no updates are available, the **"A" **button will finalise the setup and you will be taken to the Home Screen.