When it comes to AR/VR apps, building something cool is only half the battle. The real challenge begins after your user downloads the app. Will they open it again? Will they stick around for the long run? Or will they try it once and forget about it the next day?
1. Only 25% of AR/VR app users return after the first day of installation
This is a tough stat to start with. It means that three out of four users will try your app once, and never open it again. That’s a big wake-up call.
The first day is everything. It’s your only chance to make a strong impression. If your app crashes, takes too long to load, or feels confusing, users won’t come back. They don’t owe you a second chance.
To improve this, make sure your app starts fast and delivers value right away. Don’t ask for too many permissions upfront.
Keep onboarding short but meaningful. Instead of throwing users into a complicated interface, guide them step by step.
Show what your app can do within the first minute.
Try adding a “wow moment” early on—something visually impressive or satisfying that makes them say, “This is cool.” It could be an interactive 3D model, an immersive sound effect, or a unique feature that stands out.
Also, don’t ignore basic usability. Many VR users drop off just because the controls are clunky. Test your app with real users, especially first-timers. Watch what confuses them and fix it before you launch.
2. The 7-day retention rate for AR/VR apps averages 15%
A week is a long time in the app world. If only 15% of users stick around after 7 days, it means your app likely lacks something they need to keep coming back.
To boost 7-day retention, you need to create a reason for return. One great tactic is to introduce daily rewards or content unlocks. It gives users a reason to return every day, building a habit.
You can also offer limited-time content or challenges. Create urgency and excitement. People love to feel like they’re part of something timely. If your app is static and nothing changes day to day, they’ll get bored fast.
Another tactic is storytelling. If your app has a narrative or progression, break it into parts. Let users finish a chapter and tease the next. Give them a reason to wonder what’s coming next.
3. The 30-day retention rate for AR/VR apps is typically below 5%
This stat shows how few users stay for the long haul. One month is enough time to build a strong user base—or lose nearly everyone.
Long-term retention is about depth, not just flash. After the initial experience, does your app still provide something valuable? This could be entertainment, utility, connection, or learning.
To improve 30-day retention, think like a content creator. You need regular updates. Whether it’s new levels, new experiences, or seasonal content, users should always have something new to explore.
You should also collect feedback. Ask users what they like and what they wish the app had. Then act on that feedback quickly. When users feel heard, they’re more likely to stay.
4. 70% of AR/VR users drop off within the first week
This shows how urgent it is to get things right from the start. If 7 out of 10 users leave in just 7 days, there’s no time to waste.
Why do users leave so quickly? Usually, it’s because they’re confused, bored, or frustrated. Maybe the setup was hard. Maybe the experience didn’t meet expectations. Maybe it just didn’t feel worth the time.
To fix this, map the first week of a user’s journey. What do they do on day 1? Day 2? Day 3? Then design features or messages to guide them at each step. Use push notifications to offer help, suggest features, or celebrate progress.
Onboarding doesn’t end after the first session. Keep educating and supporting users through their first week. Show them what’s possible. Make sure they see the full value your app can offer.
5. Daily active users (DAU) to monthly active users (MAU) ratio averages around 0.18 for VR apps
This ratio helps you understand how engaged your users really are. A DAU/MAU of 0.18 means most users are not opening your app daily.
You want this number to be higher. Higher engagement means more chances to build habits, increase in-app purchases, and drive growth through word of mouth.
To boost this ratio, focus on consistency. Give users something small and meaningful to do every day. Maybe it’s a quick challenge, a new photo filter, or a mini game. Not every session needs to be long, but it should always feel rewarding.
You can also personalize the experience. Show users content based on their past activity. Recommend things they’re likely to enjoy. The more relevant it feels, the more likely they’ll come back tomorrow.
6. 60% of users report motion sickness as a reason for early drop-off
Comfort matters. AR/VR can make people feel dizzy, disoriented, or even sick. If users feel bad after using your app, they won’t be back.
This is why performance is so important. Make sure your app runs smoothly, maintains high frame rates, and avoids sudden movements. Avoid unnecessary camera shakes or rapid changes in perspective.
You can also give users control. Let them choose between teleportation and smooth locomotion. Let them adjust camera sensitivity. Giving users comfort settings goes a long way in making them feel at ease.
And be transparent. Add warnings or comfort tips in the app. Let people know what to expect. If users feel safe and in control, they’re more likely to return.
7. AR apps see 10% higher retention than VR apps on average
This stat suggests that AR apps might be easier for people to return to. Why? Because they’re usually simpler, faster, and don’t require as much setup.
AR apps often live on mobile phones. They’re quick to launch and don’t need headsets. That means more casual use, which leads to higher retention.
If you’re building a VR app, learn from AR. Reduce friction. Make loading fast. Make experiences short and flexible. If users need 10 minutes to get set up, they’re less likely to do it again.
Also, think about ways to extend your app with an AR companion. Could users explore or earn something in AR and then experience it in VR? Bridging platforms can help keep users in your ecosystem longer.
8. Gamified AR/VR apps show 20–30% better user retention compared to non-gamified ones
People love games. Even if your app isn’t a game, you can borrow game mechanics to keep users engaged. Progress bars, achievements, unlockables—these all tap into a user’s desire to achieve and explore.
To gamify your app, start small. Maybe users can collect points or badges. Maybe they level up by completing tasks. Maybe they unlock hidden content. These features make your app feel alive.
Don’t make it complex. The goal is to reward engagement, not confuse people. Track what users do often, and reward them for it. Keep it fun, light, and motivational.
Gamification also encourages return visits. People want to see their streak continue, their score grow, or their profile improve. Use this to your advantage.
9. Apps with strong onboarding tutorials increase retention by 40%
You wouldn’t hand someone a new tool without showing them how it works. The same goes for your app. If users don’t know what to do, they’ll leave.
A good onboarding experience walks the user through the app clearly and calmly. It should explain controls, show features, and give a small win right away.
Avoid long, boring tutorials. Use interactive steps. Let users learn by doing. Show them one thing at a time. Build confidence.
You can also show them what’s coming. Give them a reason to keep going. A hint at future tools, rewards, or abilities can create anticipation.
Most importantly, let them skip or repeat the tutorial. Not everyone learns the same way, and users appreciate having control.
10. Social features in AR/VR apps boost retention by up to 25%
People love to share, connect, and compete. Social elements help users feel like they’re part of something bigger. Whether it’s multiplayer gameplay, shared creations, or simple friend lists, social keeps people coming back.
Even light social features help. Let users send invites. Let them see what others have built. Let them share their experiences with a screenshot or video.
If your app has more depth, add leaderboards or co-op modes. Let people play together or compete. These features create strong bonds and routines.
Social pressure is powerful. If someone’s friends are playing, they’ll want to return too. Build these loops into your app naturally and make it easy to connect.
11. Retention past day 3 is a key predictor of 30-day retention
If a user sticks around for three days, there’s a good chance they’ll stay longer. That third day is a tipping point. It means they’ve found something they like and are building a habit.
Your goal should be to guide users through those first three days carefully. Make each day a little different but still easy and rewarding. Maybe show them a new feature on day two. Maybe offer a gift or bonus on day three.
Plan content in small layers. Don’t give everything upfront. Let users discover something new each day. That small sense of progress builds momentum.
You can also use email or push reminders that are helpful, not spammy. Suggest activities or let users know they’ve unlocked something. Help them feel like they’re advancing. If you win day three, you’ve likely won the month.
12. Users who customize avatars or environments are 1.6x more likely to return
Customization creates emotional investment. When users build something or make it their own, they feel more connected. It’s no longer just your app—it’s their space, their character, their world.
Let users choose how things look or work. Even small things like color themes, avatars, or room layouts can make a big difference. People love to express themselves, and AR/VR gives them the tools to do that in creative ways.
You don’t need deep customization features right away. Start with a few options and grow from there. Watch what users do and give them more of what they seem to enjoy.
And celebrate their choices. Let users share what they’ve built. Put their creations in public spaces. When others see cool customizations, they’ll want to try too. It creates a loop that drives engagement and return visits.
13. Real-world utility AR apps have double the retention of entertainment-only AR apps
AR isn’t just about fun—it can be useful too. Apps that help people solve problems or get things done tend to stick around longer.
Think of AR measuring tools, interior design previews, navigation aids, or virtual fitting rooms. These apps serve a real purpose. Users return not for the novelty, but because it helps them in daily life.
If your app is entertainment-focused, consider adding utility features. Could users save time, learn something, or make decisions using your app? Even small useful tools can increase value.
If you already have utility at the core, focus on making it seamless and reliable. The easier and faster it is to get results, the more likely users will depend on it.
Don’t hide your practical benefits. Make them clear in your onboarding and marketing. People love cool features, but they stay for tools that make life easier.
14. Apps with session lengths over 10 minutes have 35% higher weekly retention
Longer sessions mean deeper engagement. When users spend more than 10 minutes inside your app, they’re exploring, enjoying, and getting value.
But people won’t stay unless there’s something worth staying for. That means immersive content, thoughtful pacing, and smooth performance.
Structure your app to offer both short and long experiences. Some users only have five minutes. Others want to dive deep. Give them reasons to stay just a little longer each time.
Think about natural stopping points. Avoid sudden ends or dead-ends. Always offer a “next step” or “keep going” moment. That extra nudge turns 5-minute users into 15-minute users.
And track where people drop off. What’s happening right before they leave? Fix those spots to help extend session time—and boost retention.
15. Push notifications improve retention by 15–20% when used thoughtfully
Notifications can be annoying—or powerful. The key is to use them with purpose.
Don’t just send messages for the sake of it. Send ones that actually help users. Remind them of a challenge they started. Tell them something new is available. Congratulate them on progress.
Personalize whenever possible. A message like “You’ve unlocked something special” feels better than “Come back now.” Speak like a friend, not a marketer.
Also, don’t overdo it. One thoughtful message a day is better than five generic ones. Give users the option to adjust or turn off notifications, too. Respecting their space builds trust.
Used right, notifications are gentle nudges that bring people back in. Overused, they’re reasons to uninstall. Find the right balance.
16. Retention increases by 22% when users hit 3+ achievements in the first session
Early wins matter. They show users that progress is possible and the app is rewarding.
Think of achievements as guideposts. In the first session, users should complete at least three small goals. Things like “customize your avatar,” “explore one new area,” or “finish the intro level.”
Reward these moments. It could be points, new items, or a visual cue like fireworks. Small, positive feedback loops make the experience feel rewarding.
Avoid hiding achievements behind complexity. Keep them simple, fast, and rewarding at the start.
Achievements create momentum. And momentum carries users into the next day.
17. 60% of AR/VR users uninstall the app within 3 days
That’s a brutal number, but also a clear sign: early experience is everything.
If users uninstall quickly, it’s usually because of friction—slow loading, confusing UX, or a lack of clear purpose.
Your goal is to make sure every second counts. From the moment they open the app, users need to understand what the app is and what they’re supposed to do.
Avoid clutter. Focus on core value. Don’t make users sign in or create accounts before they try something. Give them a taste of the app first, then ask for commitment later.
Also, monitor crashes and bugs closely. Early technical issues kill retention. Stability should be a top priority.
18. Paid AR/VR apps have lower install rates but 30% higher retention than free ones
Free apps get more downloads, but paid apps get more serious users. People who pay are invested—and investment leads to better retention.
This doesn’t mean you should only build paid apps. But it does suggest offering value that people are willing to pay for. That could be in the form of premium content, subscriptions, or even one-time upgrades.
Freemium models work well if you balance value. Let users fall in love with the free version, then offer extras that genuinely enhance the experience.
People stick with what they invest in. So give them a reason to feel like your app is worth their time—and their money.
19. Apps with poor frame rate (below 60 FPS) see 40% more churn
Technical performance is a silent killer. Users might not know what FPS is, but they know when something feels off.
A low frame rate causes discomfort, breaks immersion, and makes people quit. Always aim for 60 FPS or higher, especially in VR.
Test across devices. Optimize assets. Use performance profiling tools to find bottlenecks. Smooth visuals are essential in AR/VR where the experience feels more “real.”
If your app can’t hit performance targets on some devices, either adjust features or avoid those devices. Better to lose a few installs than lose your reputation.
Performance is part of your product. Treat it like a feature.
20. Cross-platform AR/VR apps retain users 1.4x longer
People love flexibility. If they can switch between devices—say, from a VR headset to a mobile AR app—they’re more likely to keep using it.
Cross-platform design increases accessibility. Not everyone wants to wear a headset all the time. Letting users interact with your app on the go, or from a lighter device, means they stay connected more often.
To do this well, focus on a shared user account system and seamless syncing of progress, achievements, and content. If a user builds something in VR, they should be able to view or tweak it in AR—or even on desktop.
Also, design your content in a way that feels natural across devices. The core experience should translate well, even if some features are exclusive to certain platforms.
You’re not just building one app. You’re building an ecosystem. That gives users more reasons—and more opportunities—to stay.
21. AR filters in social media apps show 50–70% daily retention
AR filters aren’t just fun—they’re sticky. People return to them daily because they fit into something they already do: social sharing.
That’s a lesson for any AR/VR developer. If your app taps into a daily habit—like posting, chatting, or creating—it has a much better chance at retention.
You don’t need to build a social media app, but you can borrow elements from them. Can users create something quickly? Can they share it instantly? Can others react to it?
When people use your app as part of their expression or routine, they’re not just visiting—they’re forming a habit.
Even lightweight features like “share your build,” “record your VR moment,” or “send this to a friend” can help your app stay top of mind every day.
22. In-app rewards boost 7-day retention by up to 25%
Everyone loves a good reward. But it’s not just about freebies—it’s about giving users a sense of progress and achievement.
The best rewards are meaningful and feel earned. That might be new features, customization options, or unlockable content. Avoid giving rewards just for showing up; tie them to actual actions users take.
Also, space them out wisely. A strong reward on day one, followed by another on day three or five, can keep users moving forward. Use rewards to shape behavior—encourage exploration, creation, or connection.
And don’t forget surprise rewards. Unplanned bonuses create delight. When users feel appreciated, they’re more likely to come back.
23. First-session crashes result in a 75% drop in second-day retention
There’s almost no coming back from a crash on the first try. Users are unforgiving—if the app fails right away, they’re gone.
So how do you prevent that?
First, prioritize testing on real devices. Emulators aren’t enough. Test your app across different operating systems, hardware versions, and screen sizes.
Second, build stability tracking into your app. Use crash analytics tools to catch issues quickly. Don’t just fix bugs—proactively monitor for future problems.
Third, don’t overload the first session with heavy assets or complex features. Start light and load more gradually. The smoother the first session, the better your chances of getting users to day two.
Reliability builds trust. Without it, all your other features won’t matter.
24. Retention drops by 50% after each friction point during onboarding
Friction kills flow. Every confusing menu, long load, or unclear instruction is a chance for users to leave.
That’s why your onboarding needs to feel effortless. Keep it short and focused. Guide users through just the basics at first—don’t try to teach everything on day one.
Also, watch out for hidden friction. Things like requiring sign-ups too early, asking for too many permissions, or forcing users to redo settings if something fails. These are subtle, but they add up.
Use real user testing to find where people stumble. If you fix those spots, you can double your chances of holding onto new users.
Onboarding is like a first handshake. Make it smooth, warm, and inviting—or users won’t stick around.
25. Multiplayer AR/VR games have 2x retention compared to single-player
Playing with others makes things more engaging. It’s not just about fun—it’s about connection.
Multiplayer brings unpredictability, competition, and collaboration. These elements naturally keep people coming back.
Even simple co-op features—like building together, competing in challenges, or just visiting each other’s spaces—can make a big difference.
The key is lowering the barrier to playing with others. Matchmaking should be fast, drop-in/out play should be smooth, and communication should be easy.
Also, create reasons to return together. Weekly events, new multiplayer modes, or co-op missions keep the social experience fresh.
When users build memories with others inside your app, they’re much less likely to leave.
26. Retention is 30% higher among users with access to regular content updates
Stale apps get deleted. Regular updates give users something to look forward to—and a reason to keep checking in.
You don’t need massive updates every time. Even small changes—a new challenge, a fresh skin, or a seasonal tweak—can bring people back.
Make sure users know when something is new. Use in-app banners, update notes, and gentle push notifications to highlight fresh content.
Also, involve your users in the process. Let them vote on features, test new modes, or submit content. If they feel part of the journey, they’ll stay on the ride longer.
Consistency is the secret here. A steady drumbeat of updates beats one big burst every six months.
27. Personalized experiences increase user retention by 20–30%
People stick around when the app feels like it’s made for them.
That means showing content they care about, remembering what they’ve done, and suggesting what to do next. Even simple touches—like greeting users by name or continuing from where they left off—make a difference.
Behavior-driven personalization is powerful. If someone tends to build, show them new tools. If they explore, recommend new environments. Make each experience feel tailored.
Also, let users shape their own experience. The more control they have over what they see and do, the more invested they become.
Personalization turns an app into “my app.” And that’s what keeps people coming back.
28. Retention in enterprise AR/VR apps is 2.5x higher than in consumer apps
Why? Because enterprise apps solve clear, specific problems. They’re built for utility, not just entertainment.
Training, simulation, design, and collaboration—these are tasks where AR/VR excels. And when a company integrates your app into their workflow, they’ll use it often.
If you’re in the consumer space, there’s a lesson here: clear value keeps users.
Think about what specific problem your app solves. Make that value obvious from the start. Whether it’s productivity, learning, or expression—make it clear, make it easy, and make it repeatable.
And if you’re in the enterprise space, focus on onboarding and support. Smooth integration equals long-term use.
29. Users who complete an initial tutorial are 50% more likely to return
A good tutorial sets the stage. It teaches users how to use the app, but it also shows them why they should care.
Keep tutorials interactive and goal-based. Instead of saying “do this,” guide users to complete a simple, satisfying task. Let them experience success early.
Avoid text-heavy instructions. Use animations, arrows, or audio cues instead. Show, don’t tell.
Also, track who completes the tutorial and who doesn’t. If people drop off during onboarding, revise it. If they breeze through and return, you’re on the right track.
A solid tutorial doesn’t just teach—it hooks.
30. Apps with optional AR/VR modes (hybrid apps) see 35% longer user lifetimes
Sometimes users don’t want to put on a headset or hold up their phone. Giving them a non-AR/VR way to engage keeps them connected even when immersion isn’t ideal.
Hybrid apps let users interact in 2D when needed—check messages, plan builds, or manage settings—then jump into full AR/VR mode when they’re ready.
This flexibility extends usage. It makes your app more accessible, more frequent, and more useful.
Design your hybrid features to complement each other. A 2D interface can handle setup or organization, while AR/VR delivers the immersive core.
Hybrid isn’t a compromise. It’s a strategy. One that keeps users with you longer.
wrapping it up
User retention in AR/VR is a serious challenge, but it’s also a massive opportunity. By understanding where users drop off—and why—you can build better, more engaging experiences.
Start with the basics: smooth performance, simple onboarding, and early wins. Layer in social, personalization, and smart updates. And always, always test with real users.
