Virtual reality is an incredible combination of hardware and software, but its complicated nature means that it tends to get a little pear shaped from time to time.
If you’re new to VR, it can be a little difficult to figure out what the problem is when something goes wrong. Here is our guide to common problems with Oculus Quest and Quest 2, along with basic troubleshooting, care and maintenance tips.
Common problems, basic troubleshooting
General bugs, errors and inconsistent performance
If you are experiencing any type of bug, inconsistent performance or errors showing up and you cannot figure out why, a complete reset of the headset will usually solve the problem. The Quest operating system can be a little tricky at times and sometimes just needs to be restarted to get back to peak performance.
Make sure to fully reset the headset via the power menu, and not just put Quest into its idle standby mode. To do this, press and hold the power button and select Shut Down or Restart. A complete feeding cycle usually corrects basic and unidentifiable problems. If you are unable to access the menu, you can also press and hold the power button until the headset turns off and then turn it on again.
Tracking and guardian issues
Occasionally, the headset guard or tracking system may act and be somewhat inconsistent. You can even get errors related to the headset having ‘lost track’. Here are some potential causes and general solutions for tracking and guardian problems.
First, make sure you are playing in a well-lit indoor area, but not in direct sunlight. The Quest is not designed to work in direct sunlight or outdoors – if you are indoors, close the blinds slightly to avoid direct light while keeping the area well lit.
Then try to clean the tracking cameras. Smudges and fingerprints on Quest’s four external tracking cameras can be a problem. From time to time, clean the four cameras located in each corner of the headset with a microfiber cloth. This can help with the reliability of the guardian system and the consistency of tracking the controller if you are having problems.
Mirrors and small string lights, like Christmas tree lights, can also confuse and interfere with Quest’s tracking system.
Touch controllers emit small lights on their circular rings that are invisible to the human eye, but allow the headset to accurately track controllers. Large mirrors can confuse this, as well as Christmas tree lights (and other string lights), which look similar to the tracking ring lights for the headset camera.
Facebook has released a software update to compensate for the latter problem, but you may still want to avoid using your Quest around large mirrors and / or small rope lights if you are having tracking problems.
If all of this does not work, try a complete reset (as described above), if you have not already done so.
Blurry or uncomfortable visuals
If the image on your Quest looks blurry, not quite sure or just uncomfortable to look at, you may need to adjust the IPD setting on the headset. This physically changes the distance the lenses are separated from each other in the headset. Each person’s eyes are different and adjusting the IPD setting helps to set the lens at the best possible distance to your eyes. You can read more about IPD in our beginner’s guide to VR.
While it is possible to measure your IPD and match a setting, most people can often find what looks “right” to their eyes by trial and error.
In the original Quest, the headset has a fully adjustable slider located in the lower left corner.
In Quest 2, the headset has 3 predefined IPD distances, which can be adjusted by moving the lens apart or closer. Quest 2 lenses will fit into one of the 3 available positions, marked by 1, 2 or 3 visible between the lenses, one for each setting. If you need to, you can also keep the lenses between numerical settings to further adjust your fit.
If the image is still blurry or you still feel uncomfortable after adjusting the IPD, make sure the Quest is properly seated.
In the original Quest, the lower part of the handle should be very low at the back of the head, and not too steep. While most people adjust the grip using the side straps, you can also adjust the top strap on both headphones for a better fit.
Quest 2 also has an optional and more comfortable strap called the Elite Strap. You can read about it here. And if you wear glasses, read our guide on how to adjust and configure the best headset for glasses users.
If you are still feeling sick or uncomfortable using your Quest, you may just be experiencing symptoms of VR sickness. Here is an article with 7 ways to overcome motion sickness in VR.
Controller issues
If Quest is unable to detect one of its controllers, it may be necessary to replace the AA battery, which can be accessed under a cover that slides out from the front of the controller.
Likewise, sometimes the quality of the controller tracking can decrease as the battery runs out. You may want to replace the battery earlier if you start to notice that it is playing.
If the batteries are not the problem, but you are still experiencing inconsistencies, try the solutions listed above in Tracking and protection problems, especially cleaning the external cameras or completely resetting the headset.
Care and maintenance
Avoid sunlight
Direct sunlight is bad for Quest in several ways. For starters, the headset will not work properly outdoors, especially on sunny days.
However, exposure to direct sunlight also poses a risk of permanent damage to the headset. If direct sunlight hits Quest lenses, it can be magnified and burn the screen’s pixels, causing irreparable and noticeable damage. Never charge the headset in direct sunlight and never store the headset outdoors where it may be exposed to direct sunlight.
The best option for storing the headset is in a closed box, where there is no chance of sunlight reaching the lenses.
Avoid dust on the lenses
In the same vein, if you store your Quest outside a closed box, you run the risk of dust accumulating on the lenses. This can increase the risk of scratching the lens while cleaning, as dust can create small scratches that cannot be reversed and are likely to be noticeable when the headset is in use. Facebook recommends keeping it safe in a box.
Clean with microfiber clothes
It is tempting to quickly clean your Quest lenses with your shirt, but we strongly recommend that you do not. The proximity of the eyes and the nature of the VR means that even a small spot, scratch or mark on the lens will be very noticeable. A small scratch on your lens will look like a big scratch on VR, so be careful.
The only recommended way to clean your Quest lenses is with a microfiber cloth. Even the alcohol-based wipes recommended for ordinary glasses should not be used in Quest lenses, as they can damage them in ways that are not possible with conventional lenses.
Do you have any basic troubleshooting tips that we forgot? Let us know in the comments below.