Installing SideQuest on a VR Headset
1. Default installation process
Step 1: Setting up Oculus Quest for Developer Mode
Create a developer account:
Go to the Oculus Developer website and log in with your Facebook or Meta account (if you don’t have one, sign up).
Create a developer organization. You will need to agree to the terms and verify your account (for example, through a phone number or a payment method).
Enable Developer Mode on Oculus Quest:
Install the Meta Quest app (formerly the Oculus App) on your phone from Google Play or the App Store.
Connect your Oculus Quest to the app via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Open the app, go to Settings, and select your Oculus Quest.
Navigate to More Settings → Developer Mode → enable it.
Restart Oculus Quest:
Press the power button on your headset and select Restart to apply the changes.
Step 2: Installing SideQuest on Your Computer
Download SideQuest:
Go to the official SideQuest website and download the version that is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Install the program:
Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install SideQuest on your computer.
Step 3: Connecting Oculus Quest to Your Computer
Connect Oculus Quest to your computer via USB cable:
Plug your Oculus Quest into your computer using a USB-C cable (if your computer doesn’t have a USB-C port, use a USB-C to USB-A adapter).
Enable USB debugging on Oculus Quest:
Put on your headset and confirm the USB debugging request that appears (you can check the option to always allow).
Step 4: Installing Apps through SideQuest
Launch SideQuest on your computer:
Ensure your Oculus Quest is properly connected. A green message at the top of the SideQuest window should confirm the device is connected.
Find the app to install:
In SideQuest, search for the app you want to install using the search bar or by browsing the app categories.
Install the app:
Click the Install button next to the desired app. SideQuest will automatically download and install it on your device.
Step 5: Launching Installed Apps on Oculus Quest
Open Oculus Quest:
In the headset menu, go to the Library section.
Scroll down and select Unknown Sources, where you will find the apps installed through SideQuest.
2. Installing SideQuest via Phone
Step 1: Preparing the Headset
Enable Developer Mode on your Meta account:
Create a developer account by going to the Meta Developer website and registering a new organization (if you don’t already have one).
After creating the organization, open the Meta/Oculus app on your phone, go to the headset settings, and activate Developer Mode:
Settings → Advanced Settings → Developer Mode, and enable it.
Install SideQuest (Mobile):
Download and install the SideQuest app on your mobile device from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Connect the headset to your phone:
Turn on your Meta Quest 2 or 3.
Connect the headset to your phone via a USB-C cable or wirelessly via the Meta/Oculus app (instructions for wireless setup below).
Step 2: Connecting via Wi-Fi
Connect both headset and phone to the same Wi-Fi network.
This is essential for wireless app installations.
Pair the headset with SideQuest:
Open the SideQuest app on your phone.
On the main screen, tap the headset icon in the upper-right corner.
Tap Pair to begin searching for your headset.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.
Step 3: Installing Games through SideQuest
Search for the game:
Once the headset is paired, open the SideQuest app on your phone.
Use the search bar to find the game or app, or select it from the list.
Install the game:
Choose the game you want to install.
Tap the Install to Headset button, and the app will begin downloading and installing the game onto your headset.
Wait for the installation to complete:
Once the installation is finished, you will receive a notification confirming the successful installation.
The game will now be available in the headset’s Library, under Unknown Sources.
Step 4: Launching the Game
Start the installed game:
In the Meta Quest 2 or 3 headset, open the Apps menu.
Go to the Unknown Sources section, where all apps installed via SideQuest will appear.
Find the game and launch it.
Additional Tips
Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi for faster installations and a more stable connection.
Ensure there is enough free space on your headset before installing new games.
Now you know how to install games on Meta Quest 2 and 3 via SideQuest without using a PC!
3. If the SideQuest app is unavailable in your region
If the app is unavailable in your country via the App Store, here are some alternative methods:
Option 1: Change the Region in Apple ID
Open Settings on your iPhone.
Go to the Apple ID section (tap your name at the top).
Select Media & Purchases → View Account.
Tap Country/Region and change it to a country where the app is available (e.g., USA).
Accept the terms and enter a new address (you can use any random address).
Then, try downloading the SideQuest app again from the App Store.
Note: Changing your region may affect access to apps purchased in the previous region, so do this only if you are not heavily reliant on those apps.
Option 2: Using an APK File (for Android devices)
If you have an Android device, you can download the SideQuest APK file directly from the official website:
Go to the official SideQuest website.
In the Download section, find the link to the Android APK.
Download and install the APK on your device.
This way, you can use SideQuest on an Android device if your iPhone isn't an option.
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