How do I sideload apps to my Meta Quest headset?

To sideload apps, "Developer Mode" must be enabled, then apps can be transfered from your computer via USB cable

To do this:

  1. Create a Meta Quest Developer Account
  2. Configure your Meta Quest Developer Organization
  3. Enable Developer Mode on the Meta Horizon App
  4. Copy APK file to Quest via USB cable

Step 1: Create a Meta Quest Developer Account

1.1 Sign up for a Meta Developer account, with the email address you use for your Quest account.

Your Meta account is separate to your Immerse account and is not owned or managed by Immerse

1.2 After signing in, you will be directed to the webpage for your new Meta Quest developer organization.

Step 2: Configure your Meta Quest Developer Organization

2.1 Verify your Meta Quest Developer Account by choosing: 

  • Add Credit Card
    or
  • Setup Text Message Two-Factor Authentication


2.2 In the upper-left corner, click Select Organization, then click Create.


2.3 Give your Developer Organization a name.

2.4 Click the checkbox next to "I understand" then Submit



2.5 On the Developer Non-Disclosure Agreement, click the checkbox next to "I agree", then Submit.

Step 3. Enable Developer Mode on the Meta Horizon App

3.1 If not already installed, download the Meta Horizon App to your Android or Apple mobile device (available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store).

The Meta Horizon App is not owned or managed by Immerse

3.2 Login to the Meta Horizon mobile app using your Quest Developer account (see step 1, above)

3.3. Turn on your Quest headset.

3.4 Set up or connect your Quest to the Meta Horizon App

3.5 Open Headset settings in the Meta Horizon App

3.6 Tap "Developer mode" then toggle on Developer Mode in Developer Settings

Step 4. Copy APK file to Quest via USB cable

4.1 Download and install SideQuest

SideQuest is not owned or managed by Immerse

4.2 Connect your Quest to your PC via USB cable.  

4.3 Put on your Quest; you will see the prompt asking you to allow USB debugging? Select Allow


4.4 Open SideQuest

4.5 Copy supplied APK to your Quest headset

4.6 Put your headset on again; look in the "Unknown sources" folder for the app you just installed