A method for improving the startup time of a six-degrees of freedom tracking system is described. An augmented reality system receives a device initialization request and activates a first set of sensors in response to the device initialization request. The augmented reality system receives first tracking data from the first set of sensors. The augmented reality system receives an augmented reality experience request and in response to the augmented reality request, causes display of a set of augmented reality content items based on the first tracking data and simultaneously activates a second set of sensors. The augmented reality system receives second tracking data from the activated second set of sensors. The augmented reality system updates the display of the set of augmented reality content items based on the second tracking data.