In addition to installing and configuring the development environment on your computer, you also need to configure your headset.
To develop apps, you need the following VR hardware:
A headset that matches the device that you’re targeting
A pair of controllers for the device
A USB-C cable for a Link connection
For a full list of prerequisites, see Prerequisites.
Prepare your headset for use
There are four steps to prepare your headset for use:
Download and install the Meta Horizon OS mobile app for your phone in order to set up your headset. This can be downloaded directly to your mobile device using either Google Play or the Apple Store.
Note: The mobile app is the same for all Meta Horizon OS headsets, including all Meta Quest series headsets and the Oculus Rift S.
Configure your headset for deployment and debugging
Once you have completed the headset’s initial setup and joined an organization, you are ready to configure your hardware to allow you to deploy and debug your first Meta Quest app.
Before creating an app with your headset, you must enable developer mode.
To enable developer mode for your headset:
In the Meta Horizon OS mobile app, go to the Menu tab and choose Devices.
Select your headset from the list, then go to Headset Settings > Developer Mode.
Turn on the Developer Mode option.
Connect the headset to your computer with a USB-C cable and put the headset on again.
When prompted, click Always allow from this computer to enable USB debugging.
Connect your headset to the Meta Quest Developer Hub
The Meta Quest Developer Hub (MQDH) is a standalone companion development tool that simplifies positioning the headset in the development workflow. We strongly recommend that you use it. For installation instructions, see MQDH Set Up.
Enable apps from unknown sources
Developers may release content not available in the Meta Horizon Store. Meta hasn’t reviewed this content for security, comfort, content, or health and safety. Although Meta doesn’t review this content, you can run it on your headset if developers permit it.
It is also necessary to run an in-development application, since such an app isn’t yet available on the Store.
To enable your system to run applications from unknown sources:
Open the Link app on your PC.
Select Settings in the left menu, and then select the General tab.
Turn on Unknown Sources to allow content from unknown sources.
The first time you run an application that was not downloaded from the Store, you will need to launch it directly. Once you have run an application from an unknown source at least once, it will appear in the Library section of your Home screen. You may then launch the app as usual from there as long as Unknown Sources is enabled.
