How to Load Custom VRM Avatars using the hAI! Friend Model Sideloader

Phase 1: Finding and Downloading a VRM Model

You will need a .vrm file. A popular and safe place to find these is VRoid Hub (hub.vroid.com). Another place is https://avatarmaker.vket.com/edit/

1. Sign In: Go to VRoid Hub and sign in (you will need to create or use a Pixiv ID).

2. Find a Character: Browse or search for characters you like.

3. Check Permissions (Crucial Step): Before downloading, scroll down on the character's page to the "Model Data Conditions of Use" section. Ensure the creator has granted the necessary permissions:

   • Format: Must be VRM.

   • User: Must say Allow (meaning others can use it).

   • Review other conditions like Commercial Use, Alterations, and Attribution to ensure they align with how you plan to use the avatar.

4. Download: If the conditions allow for your use, click the Download button and save the .vrm file to your PC.

Phase 2: Preparing the Avatar in the PC Sideloader App

1. Open the App: Launch the "hAI! Friend Model Sideloader" app on your PC.

2. Load Model: Click the "Load Avatar" button and select the .vrm file you just downloaded.

3. Adjust Position: Once the model loads, use your keyboard to center the avatar in the frame:

   • W/A/S/D or Arrow Keys: Move forward, left, backward, right.

   • Shift: Move up.

   • Ctrl: Move down.

4. Take Photos: The VR app requires profile pictures of your avatar.

   • Frame the whole character and click "Take Full-body Photo".

   • Move the camera close to the face and click "Take Bust Photo".

5. Save: Click "Save Avatar" on the left menu. You should see a "Model successfully saved!" confirmation. This saves the avatar to a common directory in your computer so that next time you want to send the avatar to the quest you can do it easily.

6. Prep for Transfer: Click "Send Avatar To Quest". A window will pop up displaying an IP Address, a Password, and a Port. Keep this window open; you will need this information in VR.

Phase 3: Loading the Avatar in the VR App

Put on your Meta Quest headset and open the hAI! Friend application.

1. Open Settings: Bring up your UI menu and navigate to "Profile Settings".

2. Select Custom Avatar: Under the Your Friend's Avatar dropdown, change the selection to "Custom (Beta)".

3. Open Loader: Click the "Open Model Loader" button that appears next to it.

4. Enter PC Details: In the Custom Avatar Loader prompt, type in the exact IP Address and Password currently shown on your PC app screen. (Leave the Port as 8080 unless your PC app specifies otherwise).

5. Load: Click "Load Avatar". If prompted that an existing avatar will be overwritten, click "Continue". You can only have one custom avatar for now.

6. Save Changes: Wait for the loading bar to finish. Once complete, close the loader prompt and click the red "Save" button at the bottom of the Profile Settings menu.

Your new custom avatar should now load into the room and be ready to interact!

How to Add a Custom Personality to Your Avatar in hAI! Friend MR

Unlock the full potential of your virtual companion by giving them a completely custom backstory, personality, and role-play style. Follow these three simple steps to bring your perfect character to life directly within your headset.

Youtube Demo Video: https://youtu.be/UWGwXDICiPc

Step 1: Generate Your Custom Personality via Quest Browser

You can create your character's personality entirely within VR using AI chatbots.

• Open the Meta Quest Browser while inside the hAI! Friend MR app.

• Navigate to an AI generator like ChatGPT (as demonstrated in the video), Google Gemini, or Grok.

• Pro Tip: While all of these work, Grok is highly recommended as it tends to deliver far better, more creative, and immersive role-play avatar personalities.

• Type a prompt asking the AI to build your character (e.g., "Make a detailed role play anime princess prompt").

• Once the AI generates the traits, background, and speaking style, use your VR controller to highlight the text and select Copy.

• Going In-Depth: If you want an incredibly complex character, you can also write a highly detailed backstory—even up to 70+ pages—directly on your PC!

Step 2: Transfer Custom Text via WhatsApp (For PC/Mobile Users)

If you opted to write or generate a massive, highly detailed personality document on your PC or phone, you can easily transfer it to your headset using WhatsApp.

• Copy your custom character text on your PC or mobile device.

• Paste and send the text to yourself in a private chat on WhatsApp.

• Put on your Meta Quest headset and either open the downloaded WhatsApp Android app from your app library or log into WhatsApp Web via the Quest Browser.

• Open the chat containing your prompt, highlight the text with your controller, and select Copy to save it to your headset's clipboard.

Step 3: Paste and Apply the Personality in the App

Now it is time to inject the copied personality into your avatar.

• Close or minimize the browser/WhatsApp and return to your avatar in the hAI! Friend MR app.

• Open the main menu and navigate to Profile Settings.

• Locate the "Your Friend's Bio" section and click the edit (pencil) icon next to it.

• Tap the Clear button to erase the default or previous character prompt.

• Tap the Paste button to insert your newly copied custom personality text, then hit Submit.

• (Optional) Update "Your Friend's Name" in the adjacent setting to match your new character (e.g., "Princess Aeloria").

• Finally, click the Save button at the bottom of the Profile Settings window.

That's it! Speak to your avatar, and they will instantly embody the exact personality, lore, and voice you designed for them.

This guide will show you how to download a custom 3D avatar and load it into your VR environment using the PC companion app.

Required Software: Download the PC app here: hAI! Friend Model Sideloader on itch.io