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Virtual reality is an amazing combination of hardware and software, but its complicated nature means that it tends to get a bit pear-shaped every now and then.
If you’re new to VR, it can be a bit tricky to figure out what’s wrong if something goes wrong. Here’s our guide to common issues with the Oculus Quest and Quest 2, along with basic troubleshooting, service, and maintenance tips.
Common problems, basic troubleshooting
General bugs, errors, and inconsistent performance
If you experience a bug, inconsistent performance, or appearing errors, and you can’t figure out why, a full restart of your headset will usually do the trick. Quest operating system can be a bit tricky at times and sometimes it only takes a reboot to regain peak performance.
Make sure to completely restart the headset via the power menu, and don’t just put the Quest into sleep mode. To do this, press and hold the power button and select Shutdown or Restart. A full power cycle usually resolves basic and unidentifiable problems. If you can’t access the menu, you can also hold down the power button until the headset turns off and then turn it back on.
Tracking and custodial issues
Sometimes the guardian system or headset tracking can act and be a bit inconsistent. You may even get errors related to the headset having “ lost tracking ”. Here are some potential causes and general fixes for follow-up and tutor issues.
First of all, make sure you are playing in a well-lit indoor area but not in direct sunlight. The Quest is not designed to operate in direct sunlight or in outdoor conditions – if you are indoors, consider closing your shades slightly to avoid direct light while keeping the area well lit.
Then try to clean the tracking cameras. Smears and fingerprints on the Quest’s four external tracking cameras can be a problem. Occasionally, wipe down the four cameras on each corner of the helmet with a microfiber cloth. This can improve the reliability of the custodian system and the consistency of controller tracking if you encounter any problems.
Mirrors and small string lights, such as Christmas tree lights, can also disrupt and interfere with the Quest’s tracking system.
Touch controllers emit small lights through their circular rings that are invisible to the human eye but allow the headset to accurately track the controllers. Large mirrors can ruin this, as can Christmas tree lights (and other fairy lights), which look like the lights on the helmet camera tracking ring.
Facebook has released a software update to account for the latter issue, but you might still want to avoid using your Quest around large mirrors and / or small string lights if you’re having tracking issues.
If all of the above doesn’t work, try a full reboot (as shown above) if you haven’t already.
Blurry or uncomfortable visuals
If the image on your Quest looks blurry, not quite correct, or just uncomfortable to watch, you may need to adjust the IPD setting on the headset. This physically changes the distance at which the lenses are separated from each other in the helmet. Everyone’s eyes are different, and adjusting the IPD parameter allows the lenses to be placed at the best distance for your eyes. You can learn more about IPD in our beginner’s guide to virtual reality.
While it is possible to measure your IPD and match it to a parameter, most people can often figure out what they think is “ good ” for their eyes through trial and error.
On the original Quest, the headset has a fully adjustable slider located at the bottom left.
On the Quest 2, the headset has 3 preset IPD distances, which can be adjusted by spreading or bringing the lenses together. Quest 2 lenses snap into one of 3 available positions, marked with a 1, 2 or 3 visible between the lenses, one for each setting. If you’re precise, you can also keep the lenses between digital settings to further fine-tune your fit.
If the picture is still blurry or you still feel uncomfortable after adjusting the IPD, make sure the Quest is properly installed.
On the original quest, the lowest part of the strap should be placed low enough at the back of your head and not sit high. While most people adjust the tightness via the side straps, you can also adjust the top strap of both helmets for a better fit.
The Quest 2 also has an optional more comfortable strap called the Elite Strap. You can read about it here. And if you wear glasses, read our guide to fitting and configuring the best helmet for glasses wearers.
If you still feel nauseous or uncomfortable while using your Quest, you may just be experiencing symptoms of VR disease. Here is an article with 7 ways to overcome motion sickness in virtual reality.
Controller issues
If the Quest fails to detect any of your controllers, you may need to replace the AA battery, which is accessible under a cover that slides over the front of the controller.
Likewise, sometimes the quality of controller tracking may decline when the battery is nearly depleted. You may want to replace the battery early if you start to notice it.
If batteries aren’t the issue but you’re still having inconsistencies, try the solutions listed above in Tracking and Guardian issues, especially cleaning the external cameras or restarting the headset completely.
Care and maintenance
Avoid sunlight
Direct sunlight is bad for the quest in many ways. For starters, the headset will not perform well outdoors, especially on sunny days.
However, exposure to direct sunlight also presents a risk of permanent damage to the helmet. If direct sunlight hits Quest lenses, it can magnify and burn screen pixels, causing irreparable and visible damage. Never carry your helmet in direct sunlight and never store the helmet in the open where it might be exposed to direct sunlight.
The best option for storing your headphones is in a closed case where there is no chance of sunlight hitting the lenses.
Avoid dust on the lenses
On a related note, if you store your Quest outside of a closed case, you may get dust on the lenses. This can increase the risk of scratching the lenses when cleaning them, as dust can create small scratches that cannot be reversed and will likely be visible when the headset is in use. Facebook recommends keeping it safe in a case.
Clean with microfiber clothes
It is tempting to quickly clean your Quest glasses with your shirt on, but we strongly advise against doing so. Their proximity to your eyes and the nature of virtual reality means that even a small smear, scratch, or mark on the lenses will be very noticeable. A small scratch on your lenses will look like a large scratch in VR, so be careful.
The only recommended way to clean your Quest lenses is to use a microfiber cloth. Even the alcohol-based wipes recommended for regular eyeglasses should not be used on Quest lenses, as they can damage them in a way that is not possible with standard eyeglass lenses.
Do you have any basic troubleshooting tips that we missed? Let us know in the comments below.
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