Getting started with Android apps on Meta Horizon OS

Updated: Dec 10, 2025

Overview

Meta Horizon OS runs native Android applications because it’s built on the Android Open Source Project. Developers can bring new and existing applications to Quest using familiar tools like Android Studio, Java, Kotlin, and Jetpack.

Reach new audiences: Tap into the growing Quest user base with your existing Android app.

Familiar development: Use the same tools, languages, and libraries you already know.

Enhance with spatial features: Add mixed reality capabilities to differentiate your app.

Multiple revenue streams: Monetize through the Meta Horizon Store, in-app purchases, subscriptions, and ads.

Watch this video for a quick overview, or continue reading to explore your options:

What you can do

This guide covers everything you need to bring Android applications to Meta Horizon OS. Choose the path that fits your needs:

Getting started: Begin with developer environment setup to configure your tools and device.

Porting existing apps: Jump to porting your app to make it Horizon OS compatible.

Publishing: Go straight to publishing to submit your app.

Enhancement options: Explore enhancement options to add spatial features and platform capabilities.

Monetization: Check out monetization strategies for revenue opportunities.

Set up your developer environment

Before you start developing, you’ll need to configure your development setup:

Enable developer mode: Configure your Quest device for development.

Install Android Studio Plugin: Add Horizon OS support to your IDE.

Install Quest Developer Hub: Manage devices and deployments.

Enable AI tools with HzOS Developer MCP: Enable AI tools for your app.

Test your Android app with Spatial Simulator: Run and debug your app on Meta Spatial Simulator.

Test your app on device: Run and debug your app on Quest.

Port your existing app

Make your Android app compatible with Meta Horizon OS:

Compatibility overview: Understand what makes apps Horizon OS ready.

Design requirements: Follow UI/UX guidelines for mixed reality.

Auto-create product flavors: Set up build variants for Horizon OS.

Unsupported dependencies: Check for incompatible libraries.

Unsupported permissions: Review permission limitations.

Streaming media requirements: Implement compliant media playback.

Publish to the store

Get your app ready for users by following the publish and submit guide to submit your app to the Meta Horizon Store.

Enhance your app

Horizon OS offers features to improve user experiences. Start with the features overview to explore enhancements. Add panel sizing for custom window behavior. Implement spatial audio, hand tracking and controller input, content sharing, and Meta account authentication. For immersive experiences, integrate the Spatial SDK to add 3D environments and spatial features.

For advanced functionality, explore Platform Solutions. This provides user management including accounts and entitlements. It also offers user engagement through notifications and leaderboards. Add monetization with in-app purchases and subscriptions. Include security features like attestation and age verification.

Monetize your app

Add revenue streams to your Horizon OS app. Explore different monetization options available to developers. Use the Horizon Billing Compatibility SDK to integrate familiar Google Play Billing APIs. Implement advertising safely with ad attestation and Ad ID features.

Get help

See bugs and feature requests to report issues or request features.

Next steps

Begin with setting up your developer environment. Then move to porting your existing app.

If you’re creating a new app from scratch, consider the Meta Spatial SDK for fully immersive 3D experiences.

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