How to Update Meta (Oculus) Quest and Quest 2

Two ways to update your Quest, and how to fix a headset that won’t update

By
Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen
Writer
  • Shoreline Community College
Jeremy Laukkonen is automotive and tech writer for numerous major trade publications. When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles .
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Updated on June 18, 2021
Reviewed by
Jessica Kormos
Jessica Kormos
Reviewed by Jessica Kormos
  • Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others.
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What to Know

  • Using your Quest, press the Oculus button, and navigate to Settings > About > Install Updates. 
  • Using the phone app, navigate to settings > your Quest > more settings > advanced settings, and turn on automatic updates. 
  • If your Quest doesn’t have any update options, that means it’s just designed to update automatically.

This article explains how to update your Meta (Oculus) Quest or Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset.

How to Update Quest and Quest 2

Meta (Oculus) Quest is designed to update itself using its built-in Wi-Fi connection, but that doesn’t mean the process always works as intended. If you suspect that your headset is out of date, you can check for updates and force an installation any time you want.

You will need to wear the Quest headset to perform this procedure. Either read the procedure in its entirety ahead of time or get someone to read the instructions to you.

Here’s how to check for updates on Quest and install them if necessary:

  1. Press the Oculus button on the right controller to open the menu bar.

  2. Select the gear icon (settings) located at the right end of the menu bar.

    The gear icon on the Oculus Quest menu bar.

  3. Aim the right pointer at the Settings column, and use the thumbstick to scroll the settings menu.

    The Oculus Quest Settings menu.

  4. Select About.

    About in the Oculus Quest settings menu.

  5. Select Download, Install, or Install Update.

    Install Update on the Oculus Quest about menu.

    If you see No Updates Available on a gray background instead of a blue install or download button, that means your Quest is already up to date.

How to Turn on Automatic Updates for Meta (Oculus) Quest and Quest 2

If you prefer to receive your updates automatically and you’re tired of performing manual updates, you can turn on automatic updates in the Oculus app on your phone. When you turn this setting on, the Quest headset will automatically download and install the updates as soon as they’re released.

This setting isn’t available for all headsets. If you don’t see this option in your app, updates are automatic by default. Contact customer support if you require more information.

Here’s how to turn on, or off, automatic updates for Quest:

  1. Open the Oculus app on your phone, and tap Settings.

  2. Tap the headset that you want to update.

  3. Tap More Settings.

    Steps to take to update an Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2.

  4. Tap Advanced Settings.

  5. Tap Update Software Automatically.

    Advanced Settings and Update Software Automatically in Oculus update steps

    If the slider is switched to the right with a blue bar visible to the left, automatic updates are on.

What if My Quest Won’t Update?

If you’re missing an update, then turning on automatic updates or manually forcing one will usually fix the problem. If you find that you don’t have the option to do a manual update or turn on automatic updates, you may need to contact Meta for further support. These options are missing from some headsets with no official explanation.

Here are some things you can try if your Meta (Oculus) Quest won’t update:

  • Plug your Quest or Quest 2 in: If you’re stuck on the initial update, a low level of charge is often the problem. Make sure you’re using the charger that came with the headset or compatible alternative.
  • Charge the headset: Plugging the headset in may not be enough. If it doesn’t fix the problem, let the headset charge for at least 30 minutes and see if the update works.
  • Reboot your headset: When an update fails or gets stuck, rebooting the headset will often allow the update to finish.
  • Check your Wi-Fi network: Make sure that the Quest is connected to a valid, functioning Wi-Fi network. Verify that it has the correct password and that the headset is close enough to the router for a solid connection.
  • Factory reset your headset: As a last resort, perform a factory reset on your Oculus Quest or Oculus Quest 2. A reset will remove all data, including save data, and return the headset to its factory original state. Make sure it’s charged up, and it should update to the latest firmware when you set it up.
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