Getting started with Android apps on Meta Horizon OS

Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Meta Horizon OS, the OS used by Meta Quest headsets, can run native Android applications because it’s built on the Android Open Source Project. You can bring new and existing apps to Quest using familiar tools like Android Studio, Java, Kotlin, and Jetpack. The OS renders apps as a flat panel in space and automatically ensures that mobile gestures, like tapping and swiping, work with controllers and hands.

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

Use familiar tools: Use the same tools, languages, and libraries you already use to build mobile apps.

Benefit from 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:

Where to start

Whether you’re bringing your Android app to Horizon OS or making a new app, you’ll follow this sequential development process.

Set up your developer environment to configure the tools and plugins you need for Horizon OS development.

Follow the steps to either port your existing app or build a new app for Horizon OS.

(Optional but recommended) Add Horizon OS capabilities to enhance your app on Quest with features like authentication, multi-panel activity support, and receiving and sending simple data.

Confirm your app works by testing it with either a physical headset or Spatial Simulator, which mimics how the app will appear in the headset but runs on your computer.

Publish and monetize to submit your app and add revenue streams.

Step 1: Set up your developer environment

Complete the following tasks to prepare your development environment to handle any of the tutorials covered in the Horizon OS Android developer docs.

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.

Step 2A: Port your existing app

You may need to tweak your Android app to make it compatible with Meta Horizon OS. Read the Compatibility overview to understand what makes an app Horizon OS ready. Here are possible changes you may have to make:

Unsupported dependencies: Identify and replace incompatible libraries before building.

Unsupported permissions: Review permission limitations specific to Horizon OS.

Design requirements: Adapt your UI/UX for a mixed reality environment.

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

Streaming media requirements: Implement compliant media playback if your app uses it.

Step 2B: Build a new app for Horizon OS

If you want to build a new app specifically for Horizon OS instead of porting an existing app, use your preferred Android tools (like Android Studio, Kotlin, and Jetpack) to build your app, then add Horizon OS features incrementally.

For UI that matches the look and feel of Horizon OS, use the Meta Horizon OS UI Set—a library of components like buttons, dialogs, and toggles with built-in support for Quest input modalities. The UI Set is part of the Spatial SDK documentation but is available for any Android app.

Step 3: Add Horizon OS capabilities

Horizon OS offers both app-level and platform-level integrations.

App-level integrations: Add individual features through the Horizon OS Android APIs. See the features overview for a full list of what’s available.

Platform-level integrations: Integrate deeper platform features through Platform Solutions.

User management: Handle accounts and entitlements.

User engagement: Add notifications and leaderboards.

Monetization: Implement in-app purchases and subscriptions.

Security: Add attestation and age verification.