VRHow / All sections / How-to guides / Set up Meta Quest 3

How to set up Meta Quest 3

Short answer: charge the headset with the supplied charger, remove the lens films and controller battery tabs, start the headset, complete its language and Wi-Fi tutorial, then pair it in the Meta Horizon mobile app. Finish by fitting the headset and drawing a safe boundary. Last checked October 11, 2026.

Before you put it on

This procedure is for a consumer Meta Quest 3. Keep the headset and controllers together, clear a well-lit area, and have Wi-Fi and a supported phone available. Meta's app requirements page currently lists iOS 15.1 or later and Android 5.0 or later; it warns the app may not work on tablets or other unsupported devices. Keep the phone on Wi-Fi with Bluetooth enabled. Meta says the supplied power adapter and charging cable should be used to fully charge the headset before use; connect the charger before software updates. Do not look at the lenses with the headset pointed toward direct sunlight: Meta warns that sunlight can permanently damage the lenses, screen or front of the headset.

Action: unbox, charge and start

Carefully remove the paper from the strap and peel off both lens films. Do not use the headset with a film left over a lens.
Charge the headset with the included adapter and cable. With it charged, hold the power button on the left side for about three seconds, until you hear a chime and see the Meta symbol.
Pull the paper battery blocker from each Touch controller. Attach each wrist strap before use.
Turn on the controllers: hold the Menu button on the left controller and the Meta button on the right for about two seconds. A blinking white light and haptic response indicate they are ready, according to Meta's setup instructions.
Follow the in-headset tutorial to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi. Labels and prompts can differ after software updates, so follow what the headset displays rather than forcing an old menu path.

Action: pair the Meta Horizon app

The app is required for the initial pairing; it is also used for Store browsing, remote app installation, device settings and casting. On your phone:

Install the Meta Horizon app from the Google Play listing or Apple App Store listing. Meta's app requirements list iOS 15.1+ or Android 5.0+; tablets and other unsupported devices may fail during setup.
Open it and sign in or create a Meta account.
Open Menu, choose Devices, then Pair new headset or Add device, choose Meta Quest 3, and follow the prompts. Meta says the phone needs Bluetooth and sharing with nearby devices enabled.
If Quest 3 is not offered, update the app, fully close it, reopen it, and try again. If pairing still fails, use Meta Support rather than factory-resetting a new headset.

Success check: pairing is complete when the app accepts the headset and the headset continues into its in-VR setup. The app is needed for initial activation, but not for every later headset session. If the headset is not listed, update the app, fully close it, reopen it, and try again; if it still fails, stop at Meta Support rather than factory-resetting a new headset.

Action: fit it and make the room safe

Loosen the top and rear straps, place the facial interface comfortably, tighten the split rear straps, then use the top strap to take weight off your face. Turn the lens-spacing wheel until the image is clear. With the headset off, the eye-relief buttons let you move the interface nearer or farther from your face or glasses; adjust both sides evenly. Meta documents these fit adjustments in the official Quest 3 guide.

In a clear area, complete Boundary setup. Choose Stationary for seated or standing-in-place use, or Roomscale if you will move. Meta recommends at least 6.5 by 6.5 feet (2 by 2 metres) of safe, unobstructed space for Roomscale. Keep people, pets, furniture and trip hazards out of the play area. To redraw later: press the right-controller Meta button, open Quick controls → Settings → Environment setup → Boundary → Adjust boundary, as described in Meta's Boundary guide. A boundary is a visual aid, not a guarantee that you cannot hit an obstacle.

Care and first-use checks

Use a dry optical-lens microfiber cloth for lenses and camera plates. Meta says not to use liquid or chemical cleaners; do not spray anything into the headset.
Store Quest 3 away from direct sunlight and protect its glass camera plates from drops and scratches.
Stop if you feel pain, eye strain, dizziness or nausea; remove the headset and rest. Increase use gradually rather than pushing through symptoms.
Keep the headset connected to a charger before accepting software updates, as Meta instructs. Menu names can change with Horizon OS updates; follow the current on-screen prompt rather than an older menu path.

Sources

Meta Quest Help: How to set up your Meta Quest 3 — unboxing, charging, controllers, fit, pairing and care.
Meta Quest Help: Set up your boundary for Meta Quest — Stationary and Roomscale modes and boundary controls.
Meta Quest Help: Install the Meta Horizon mobile app — current phone OS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and unsupported-device notes.
Meta Quest Help: Getting started — official setup-topic hub.