Virtual reality is a wonderful combination of hardware and software, but its intricate nature means that it is a bit pear-shaped from time to time.
If you are new to VR, it can be difficult to figure out what the problem is if something goes wrong. Here’s our guide to common issues with the Oculus Quest and Quest 2, as well as basic troubleshooting, care, and maintenance tips.
General problems, basic problem solving
Common errors, mistakes and inconsistent performance
If you experience any kind of errors, inconsistent performance or errors, and it seems like you do not notice, a complete recharge of your headset will usually do the trick. The Quest operating system can sometimes be a bit delicate and sometimes it just takes a reload to get back to the best performance.
Make sure you fully reload the headset through the power menu, and don’t just put the Quest in sleep mode. To do so, hold down the power button and select Power off or Restart. A complete power cycle usually fixes basic and unidentifiable problems. If you cannot access the menu, you can hold the power button until the headset turns off and on again.
Problems with detection and guardian
Sometimes the guardianship system or headphone detection can act and be a little contradictory. You may even get errors related to the loss of the headphones. Here are some possible causes and general corrections for detection and guardianship issues.
First, make sure you are playing in an indoor area that is well lit, but not in direct sunlight. The Quest is not designed to operate in direct sunlight or outside conditions. If you are indoors, you may want to consider closing your blinds slightly to avoid direct light while the area is well lit.
Then try to clean the detection cameras. Smearing and fingerprints on the Quest’s four external detection cameras can be a problem. Every now and then, wipe the four cameras in each corner of the headset with a microfiber cloth. This can help with the reliability of the guardianship system and the consistency of controlling controller if you experience problems.
Mirrors and small string lights, such as Christmas tree lights, can also confuse and interfere with the Quest ‘tracking system.
The Touch controllers send small lights over their circular rings that are invisible to the human eye, but allow the headset to accurately detect the controllers. Large mirrors can throw it off, just like Christmas tree lights (and other string lights), which look like the dipped ring lights on the camera of the headset
Facebook has released a software update to offset the latter issue, but you still want to avoid using your Quest around large mirrors and / or small string lights if you experience detection issues.
If all of the above does not work, try a full recharge (as outlined above) if you have not already done so.
Vague or awkward footage
If the image on your Quest looks blurry, not quite right or just awkward to look at, you may need to adjust the IPD setting on the headset. It physically changes the distance the lenses are apart in the headset. Everyone’s eyes are different and adjusting the IPD setting helps to set the lenses at the best distance for your eyes. You can read more about IPD in our beginner’s guide for VR.
While it is possible to measure and match your IPD with an institution, most people can find out through ‘trial and error’ what feels ‘right’ for them.
On the original Quest, the headphones have a fully adjustable slider at the bottom left.
On the Quest 2, the headset 3 has predefined IPD distances, which can be adjusted by pushing the lenses further apart or closer together. The Quest 2 lenses will click in one of the three available positions, marked by a visible 1, 2 or 3 between the lenses, one for each setting. If you are precise, you can also hold the lenses between the numeric settings to further refine your fit.
If the image is still blurry or you still feel uncomfortable after adjusting the IPD, make sure the Quest is fitted correctly.
On the original Quest, the lower part of the tire should sit fairly low on the back of your head and not sit diagonally upright. While most people adjust the density via the side straps, you can also adjust the upper strap on both headpieces for a better fit.
The Quest 2 also has an optional, more comfortable strap called the Elite Strap. You can read about this. And if you wear glasses, read our guide on adjusting and setting the headset for glasses wearers.
If you still feel nauseous or uncomfortable while using your Quest, you may only experience symptoms of VR disease. Here is an article with 7 ways you can overcome VR motion sickness.
Controller problems
If the Quest cannot detect any of your controllers, you may need to replace the AA battery, which is accessible under the cover that slides off the front of the controller.
Similarly, the quality of controller detection can sometimes decrease as the battery becomes almost empty. You may want to replace the battery early if you notice that it is playing.
If the batteries are not the problem but you are still experiencing inconsistencies, try the solutions above in the detection and protection issues, especially cleaning the external cameras, or a complete restart of the headset.
Care and maintenance
Avoid sunlight
Direct sunlight is bad for the Quest in many ways. To begin with, the headset will not function properly when outside, especially not on sunny days.
However, exposure to direct sunlight also carries the risk of permanent damage to the headset. When direct sunlight hits the Quest lenses, it can be enlarged and burn the screen pixels, which can cause irreparable and noticeable damage. Never wear your headset in direct sunlight and never store the headset in the open, where it may be exposed to direct sunlight.
The best option to store your headset is in a closed case where there is no chance of sunlight hitting the lenses.
Avoid dust on lenses
In the same way, if you store your Quest outside a closed suitcase, you run the risk of dust settling on the lenses. This can increase the risk of scratching the lenses while cleaning it, as dust can cause minor scratches that cannot be reversed and are likely to be noticeable when using the headset. Facebook recommends keeping it safe in a case.
Clean with microfiber clothes
It is tempting to clean your Quest lenses quickly with your shirt, but we advise you not to do so. The fact that they are close to your eyes and the nature of VR, means that even a small spot, scratch or mark on the lenses will be very noticeable. A small scratch on your lenses looks like a large scratch in VR, so be careful.
The only recommended way to clean your Quest lenses is with a microfiber cloth. Even alcohol-based diapers are recommended for regular glasses, may not be used on the Quest lenses as this can damage them in ways not possible with standard glasses lenses.
Do you have any basic troubleshooting tips we missed? Let us know in the comments below.