How to Sideload Apps and Games on Your Oculus Quest

Last Updated: Feb 5, 2024 by

The Oculus Quest is a popular virtual reality headset that offers a wide range of games and apps for users to enjoy. However, there may be times when you want to access apps or games that are not available on the official Oculus store. This is where sideloading comes in. In this article, we will discuss how to sideload apps and games on your Oculus Quest.

What is Sideloading?

Sideloading is the process of installing apps or games on your Oculus Quest from sources other than the official Oculus store. This allows you to access a wider range of content, including apps and games that are not available on the store. It is important to note that sideloading is not officially supported by Oculus and may void your warranty. However, it is a popular practice among Oculus Quest users.

Enable Developer Mode

Before you can sideload apps and games on your Oculus Quest, you will need to enable developer mode. To do this, you will need to create a developer account on the Oculus website and then enable developer mode on your Oculus Quest. This process is fairly simple and can be done by following the instructions on the Oculus website.

Download and Install SideQuest

SideQuest is a third-party app store that allows you to easily sideload apps and games on your Oculus Quest. To use SideQuest, you will need to download and install the app on your computer. Once installed, you can connect your Oculus Quest to your computer using a USB cable and access the SideQuest app.

Download and Install Apps and Games

Once you have SideQuest installed and your Oculus Quest connected to your computer, you can start downloading and installing apps and games. SideQuest offers a wide range of apps and games, including popular titles like Beat Saber and Superhot VR. You can browse through the available content and click on the “Install” button to download and install the app or game on your Oculus Quest.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while sideloading apps and games on your Oculus Quest, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try. First, make sure that your Oculus Quest is connected to your computer and that SideQuest is open. You may also need to enable “Unknown Sources” in your Oculus Quest settings. If you are still having trouble, you can check the SideQuest website for additional troubleshooting tips.

Safety and Security

It is important to note that sideloading apps and games on your Oculus Quest can pose some safety and security risks. Since these apps and games are not officially supported by Oculus, they may not have been thoroughly tested for safety and security. It is recommended to only download and install apps and games from trusted sources and to use caution when sideloading.

By following these steps, you can easily sideload apps and games on your Oculus Quest and access a wider range of content. Have you tried sideloading on your Oculus Quest? Let us know in the comments.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.