How to sideload apps and games on Meta Quest 2 & 3 using SideQuest

Wondering how you can sideload games on your Meta Quest 2? Though the process isn’t as straightforward as you think. But we’re here to guide you.

The Quest 2 and now the 3, have this massive games and apps library making it perfect for play. However, this means many applications and games not hosted on the store are unavailable to install on the Quest VR headsets.

What if we were to tell you you can sideload these apps and games on your Quest headset and experience a ton of exciting content even before it makes its way to the official app store?

How to sideload apps and games on Quest 2 & 3

Meta

Before you get started, you need to ensure that you have the following:

• The Quest 2 or 3 headset
• A PC or a relatively new Android smartphone
• A cable to connect the Quest 2 to the phone or PC

Once you’ve got all the requisite stuff, you can sideload apps and games on Meta Quest 2 and 3. Follow the below process.

Install SideQuest on your phone/PC by visiting:

• SideQuest’s website to download the app on your PC, or
• PlayStore on the Android phone

There is a new SideQuest app available on the store. While you can download and install the app directly onto the VR headset, you’ll still need to follow the below steps. Remember that you’d need to use a PC and mobile to set up the sideload process.

Enable Developer mode on the Oculus website

Go to the Meta developer site and sign up for developer access on your Quest. This step is required to bypass the Oculus store and install third-party apps and games on the headset. You’ll need to supply an “Organisation” name which can be anything unique that you fancy, agree to the terms and conditions, and verify your account with a phone number and a card number.

While sideloading remains free, adding card details is only required to prove that you’re an actual human looking to explore more virtual worlds. It may sound weird, but it’s a necessary step that we can’t avoid.

Enable Developer mode on the Oculus app.

• Turn on your Quest, open the Oculus app on your phone, head over to the Menu at the bottom right, and tap on settings.
• Tap “Developer Mode” and turn on the toggle
• Reboot your Quest

Run the installer

• Start the SideQuest installer app and connect the Quest to your PC
• You can confirm the connection within the app as the indicator on the top right will turn green from red and says “Quest detected.”
• Click Install SideQuest in your headset to install the app

Log in to the app on the headset

• Once the app is installed, you can wear the headset and access the app under “Unknown Sources” from the drop-down menu on the top left.
• Locate the SideQuest App and open it
• You’ll be asked to link your account by visiting sdq.st/link on your pc/phone
• Once you link your account, you’re all set
• Now you can download the apps and games from the SideQuest app directly on the Quest

Why should you sideload apps and games on Quest 2 & 3 VR headsets?

Sideloading apps on a VR headset works the same as on any Android smartphone. You might have apps not yet available on the Play Store, but you can download the installer file, bypass the Play Store, install the app on the phone, and enjoy.

Before publishing on the official app repository, any application or game must meet certain norms and conditions. It also goes through a curation team that decides if the app is good enough to be available on the storefront. Meta takes a share of this application’s revenue from the app store.

Some apps from relatively new or indie developers may need the necessary approvals or some other reason that prevents these apps from being present on the official app store. These apps are safe and wouldn’t harm your favorite gadget.