How to update Meta Quest software and fix a stuck update

Meta Quest headsets install system updates on their own, but sometimes an update stalls, refuses to download or leaves the headset on a loading screen. This guide shows how to check for updates, keep automatic updates working, update from your phone, use Meta's Public Test Channel and recover a headset that is stuck. The steps follow Meta's article on updating Meta Quest software, its black screen troubleshooting article and its software update tool.

1. Check your version and update manually

1. Press the Meta button on your right controller to open the Navigator.
2. Select Quick controls, then Settings.
3. Select General, then Software update.

This screen shows your current software version. If a new version is available, a button to download it appears. Since early 2026 Meta numbers its releases as Meta Horizon OS 2.x (for example 2.9), replacing older numbers such as v83 and v85.

2. Make sure automatic updates can run

Meta says the headset updates by itself when it is charged, turned on and connected to Wi-Fi. To give it the best chance:

• Charge the headset.
• Keep it turned on and connected to Wi-Fi.
• Leave it on a flat surface for a while, without moving it or covering the inside sensor.

The headset does not update while it is turned off or sleeping. The exception is Automatically power headset to update, found on the same Software update screen. With it on, the headset briefly powers on to apply an update and powers off again, and you may hear the fans. Meta says the microphone and cameras stay off until you put the headset on and press the power button. This option is not available if you have set a lock PIN.

3. Update from the Meta Horizon app on your phone

If the headset menus are hard to reach, you can start the update from your phone. The headset must be powered on, connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone and signed in to your Meta account.

1. Open the Meta Horizon app.
2. Tap Menu, then Devices, and select your headset.
3. Tap Headset settings, then Software update. On some versions it is under Advanced settings.
4. If an update is available, tap Update now and wait for it to finish.

4. Understand rollouts and the Public Test Channel

Meta's release notes say each version is gradually pushed to Quest 3, Quest 3S, Quest Pro and Quest 2 headsets. A friend may get a version before you do, and that is expected.

The Public Test Channel (PTC) gives early access to unreleased software. To join or leave, open the Meta Horizon app, tap Menu > Devices, select your headset, then tap Headset settings > Advanced Settings and use the Public Test Channel toggle. Keep these points in mind:

• PTC is first come, first served. If the toggle does not work, the program is full, and there is no waitlist.
• If you leave, you stay on your current PTC version until a newer public version is released, and you may not be able to rejoin.
• Meta warns that Link may not work while your headset is in PTC. If you play PC VR games on your Quest, leave PTC first.

5. If it is stuck on the Meta logo, wait

Meta says a headset showing the Meta logo or a computer chip icon may still be installing an update. Wait up to 15 minutes before trying any other fix.

6. Restart or hard reboot the headset

• Normal restart: hold the power button until the Power off screen appears, then select Restart.
• Force restart: if the headset does not respond, hold the power button for at least 30 seconds and wait 30 seconds. If it does not turn back on by itself, press the power button.
• Hard reboot from the boot screen: hold the power and volume down buttons for at least 10 seconds, or until the boot screen loads. Use the volume buttons to highlight Boot device and press the power button to select it.

After the restart, go back to Software update and try again.

7. Use Meta's software update tool on a computer

If the headset still will not update, Meta's web-based software update tool can install the latest version over a cable. Meta says this does not affect data saved on the device, including app progress and settings. You need 2GB of free storage on the computer and the USB-C cable that came with your headset.

1. Open the tool, select your headset model and select Get started.
2. Meta recommends turning on cloud backup first. Then power the headset off.
3. With the headset off, hold the Power and Volume Down buttons until the Meta logo appears, then release them. The boot screen opens.
4. Use the volume buttons to highlight Sideload update and press the power button to select it. Then take the headset off.
5. Connect the headset to the computer with the USB-C cable. If you use an Elite Strap, plug the cable into the headset, not the strap.
6. Select Connect device on the page and follow the prompts.

Meta's help article says the tool works from a computer or a phone. UploadVR reported that it relies on WebUSB, so you need a Chromium-based browser such as Chrome or Edge. It does not work in Safari or on an iPhone or iPad.

8. Fix Wi-Fi problems that block downloads

An update cannot download without a working connection. Meta's Wi-Fi checklist: make sure other devices can use the network, check the password, move closer to the router and avoid hotel or airport hotspots. Restart the headset and, if possible, try a different network. Meta also notes that updating with the software update tool may fix some Wi-Fi problems on the headset.

9. Factory reset or contact support as a last resort

If nothing else works, Meta lists a factory reset as the last step. It erases all data from the headset, so only do it after the steps above have failed. If the headset is still unresponsive, Meta says the issue may be hardware-related. Check its self-serve return page to see if your device is eligible for a replacement, or contact Meta Store Support. Once you are back up and running, our guides to setting up a Quest 3 or 3S and making the battery last longer will help you get going again.