How to factory reset a Meta Quest 3 or 3S

A factory reset wipes a Meta Quest back to the state it left the factory in. Meta calls it a last resort for fixing device problems, but it is also the right step before you sell or give away a headset, or if one is lost or stolen. This guide shows what to do before you reset, how to reset from the Meta Horizon app or from the headset itself, and how to wipe a headset remotely. The steps follow Meta's article on factory resetting your Meta Quest and its article on cloud backup. Meta's article covers Meta Quest headsets in general, including the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S, and does not list different steps for different models.

1. Try a hard reboot and an update first

If you are resetting to fix a problem, Meta recommends two less drastic steps first:

• Hard reboot: hold down the power button for 30 seconds, until you hear the headset turn back on.
• Update the software: use Meta's software update tool. Meta says it can update the headset's software even when the headset itself is unresponsive.

If the problem is still there, a factory reset is the next step. For controller-only problems, try our guide to fixing Meta Quest controller tracking first.

2. Know what a factory reset erases

Meta is clear that a factory reset is irreversible:

• It removes all account information, downloaded games and content from the headset.
• It does not remove content you have purchased or downloaded from your account. Your purchases stay tied to your Meta account and can be downloaded again after the reset.

Anything that only lives on the headset, such as app progress that is not backed up, will be gone. That is why the next step matters.

3. Back up your app data with cloud backup

Meta says to turn on cloud backup before you erase the headset. With cloud backup on, app data such as game progress and app settings is saved to the cloud, so you can pick up where you left off after a reset or on a new headset.

1. Press the Meta button on your right controller to open the Navigator.
2. Select Quick controls.
3. Select Settings, then select General.
4. Select Cloud backup, then turn on the toggle next to Cloud backup.

Not every app supports it. Meta leaves it to each developer to decide whether to enable cloud backup and what data is saved. To see which of your apps are backed up and when they were last backed up, go to secure.oculus.com/my/cloud-backup on a computer.

If you secured your backups with end-to-end encryption, make sure you know your 6-digit end-to-end encryption PIN. You need it to restore backups after a factory reset. Meta says it cannot reset this PIN or restore your backup for you if you forget it and have not set up a recovery device.

4. Charge the headset to at least 50%

Meta asks that the headset has at least 50% battery before you start a factory reset. Plug it in and wait if it is lower.

5. Factory reset from the Meta Horizon app

This method only works if your headset is paired to the Meta Horizon app on your phone. If it is not paired, use the headset buttons in the next section.

1. On your phone, open the Meta Horizon app.
2. Tap Menu at the top of your Horizon Feed.
3. Tap Devices, then select the headset you want to factory reset.
4. Tap Headset settings, then tap Advanced settings.
5. Tap Factory Reset.
6. Tap Reset.

6. Factory reset using the headset buttons

This method uses the headset's boot menu. Meta notes that the boot menu is navigated with the physical buttons on the headset. Your controllers do not work here.

1. Turn off your headset. If it is unresponsive, hold the power button for 30 seconds to force a shutdown.
2. Press and hold the power and volume down (−) buttons at the same time. Keep holding both for 10 to 15 seconds until the boot menu appears on the display.
3. If you see a green Android robot with No command instead of the boot menu, hold the power button for 3 seconds. While still holding power, press volume up (+) once, then release both.
4. Use the volume buttons to highlight Factory Reset and press the power button.
5. Use the volume buttons to highlight Yes, erase and factory reset and press the power button to confirm.

7. Remotely reset a lost or stolen headset

If you no longer have the headset, you can wipe it through your Meta account. Meta says this helps protect your account and personal information if the device is lost for good or stolen.

1. On a computer or phone, go to auth.meta.com/settings/my/devices.
2. Choose your headset from the list of devices.
3. Select Delete device data or Factory reset.
4. Complete the verification steps to confirm your identity.

When the reset is complete, the device disappears from the list. The headset itself is reset the next time it comes online. If you do not see the option, Meta says your headset's software version may not support remote factory reset.

8. Set the headset up again

After a reset the headset starts as if it were new. Follow our guide to setting up a Meta Quest 3 or 3S for the first time to pair it with the Meta Horizon app, sign in and redraw your boundary. Then reinstall your games from your library. Apps that support cloud backup can restore your saved progress. If you will share the headset with family, see our guide to multiple accounts and app sharing.