This guides you through the process of making an existing Android app compatible with Quest. Apps can be compatible with Android and Meta Horizon OS at the same time. Once you have a working app, you can spatialize it to add new 3D functionality.

You can make new Android apps just for Meta Horizon OS, and the process is similar to ordinary Android development. However, adopting the Meta Spatial SDK from the start will let you take full advantage of VR as a space.

If your existing 2D Android app uses Unity or Unreal, this documentation will help you make this app compatible with Quest as a 2D app. To turn your app into an immersive 3D experience, consult the documentation for Unity and Unreal.

Before you begin

To develop Android apps for Horizon, you will need:

A Meta Developer Account.

A Meta Quest device.

A USB-C cable capable of transferring data (the cable that comes with the Quest is not suitable for this purpose).

An iOS or Android mobile device with the Meta Horizon mobile app installed and set up.

Pair headset with Meta Horizon mobile app

On your mobile device, open the Meta Horizon app.

For instructions on installing the Meta Horizon mobile app, see Install the Meta Horizon mobile app on your phone.

Pair your headset with the app.

Put on your headset and follow the instructions in the headset to finish the setup.

Enable developer mode on your headset

To run in-development apps on your headset, the device needs to be in development mode and be configured to run apps from unknown sources.

On your mobile device, open the Meta Horizon app.

In the app, tap the hamburger menu (the icon with three horizontal lines) next to the search bar. Then, tap Devices and select your headset from the results.

Video: Shows selection of the Devices item in the hamburger menu.

Tap Headset Settings beneath the image of your headset.

Tap Developer Mode.

Turn on the Developer Mode toggle switch.

Toggle Developer Mode to the on position

Use a USB-C cable to connect the headset to your computer.

Put on the headset.

In the headset, go to Settings > Advanced > Developer, and then enable Enable custom settings and MTP Notification.

When asked to allow USB debugging, select Always allow from this computer.

Next steps

Install Meta Horizon Android Studio Plugin

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