After spending two days trying to pair my own headset, I understand how frustrating it can be. There are several things that the app makes easier, like adding and removing games from the headset. I also like the fact that I can connect my AirPods to the Quest 2 (for a better audio experience).
I had almost given up on it when I discovered that I had simply not given the app permission to access my Bluetooth. Once the issue was resolved, my phone and headset completed the automatic pairing process just as it was supposed to. Chances are, your issue is just as small and easy to resolve.
If you can’t pair your Quest 2 headset with your phone, the issue is generally related to connectivity issues with the Wifi Network or select app permissions not being enabled. If your Wifi is slow or unstable, reboot your router then retry pairing. Lastly, ensure that all bluetooth and location permissions have been granted to the app.
There could be damage within one of the devices preventing the connection. However, before you assume any costly repairs are needed, let’s take a look at a few common fixes.
How To Fix Oculus Quest 2 Not Pairing To Phone?
1. Ensure That Both Devices Are Connected To The Same Wifi Network
The most common fix for pairing issues between the Oculus Quest 2 and mobile phones. This is because the two devices use your wireless network to communicate. If they are not both connected, the unconnected device will not be able to receive communications from the other.
To connect your Oculus Quest 2 to Wifi:
- Press the image shaped similar to your mask on your touch menu.
- Hover above the clock for quick settings to appear, then select quick settings.
- Select Wifi.
- Select your network.
- Enter your network password.
- Tap connect.
If you run into problems connecting your device to Wifi, you may need to perform additional troubleshooting.
If both devices are connected to the network and they are still not communicating, the issue could be the network itself. If the wifi signals are down or unstable, this could interfere with their ability to pair.
If you find that your network connection is poor or unstable, you can try rebooting your router.
2. Ensure that Bluetooth And Location Services Are On ~ 100 Words
Another common thing that could prevent you from being able to pair your Oculus Quest 2 with your phone is that the Bluetooth and/or Location Services have not been enabled on one of the devices.
To enable Bluetooth on your Quest 2:
- Go to settings
- Go to experimental features
- Find Bluetooth Pairing and select Pair.
Many devices, especially Android devices, require that location be enabled in order to find nearby bluetooth or other network pairing devices.
You will usually find your bluetooth settings on the main settings page of your mobile device. Location settings can generally be found under the privacy settings option.
3. Get Closer To Your Router
Moving closer to your router can help pair your device to your phone. Given that the two devices share information by sending it back and forth across the wireless signal, being closer to the router will allow them better communication.
The signals produced by your router flow in straight lines, making them easy to block. The farther you move from the router, the more obstacles, such as walls, you place between your device and the signal.
If you notice, it’s likely that your Wifi signal bar on your device is full when you are in the same room as your router but drops significantly if you move a couple of rooms over.
4. Check Bluetooth Access Permissions
Some devices require more specific bluetooth permissions. If bluetooth permissions have not been granted, you will not be able to pair your Oculus Quest 2 to your phone, even if the connection is established.
The table below will help you find where to update the permission settings for your Android or iOS device.
| Android | iPhone |
| Tap to open settingsSelect AppsFind the app for which you need to verify permissions. Tap Permissions. Select BluetoothChoose Allow | Tap settings.Scroll down and select privacyTap Bluetooth.Scan the list of apps to see which have permissions toggled onIf the app is toggled off, slide over to toggle on |
5. Reboot Both Devices (Phone and Headset)
Rebooting a device can fix several issues that may be preventing your devices from pairing. Rebooting completely clears the RAM, which improves speed, connectivity, and fixes glitches.
In this case, improved connectivity is the goal. Clearing the RAM will help clear out previous connections that may be causing glitches with your current attempt.
To reboot your Oculus Quest 2, follow the same steps that you use to restart your Android phone:
- Press and hold the power button until the menu appears
- Tap Restart. (You can also select Power Off, then manually power it back on)
For iPhone:
- Press and hold the lock button and volume up button until the slide bar appears
- Slide the bar to power off
- Hold the lock button to power back on
6. Clear Oculus App Data
The Oculus App stores data related to previous connections. Clearing this data will likely clear any glitches held within the stored information.
Many people avoid clearing cached data because they’re afraid they will lose important information. However, these cached files are usually unimportant files that take up storage on your device, slow it down, and create unnecessary glitches.
Follow the steps outlined in the table for your OS to clear data stored by the Oculus App.
| Android | Iphone |
| Tap Settings.Select Apps Select the Oculus AppGo to storageTap Clear App Cache. | Go to settingsScroll to the bottom to locate the list of appsSelect the Oculus AppTap Clear Cache. |
7. Reinstall or Update the Oculus App
If you aren’t running the latest version of the app, it could just be a minor glitch within the app that has been fixed in the updated version. However, if there’s no update available, you can uninstall the app from your device and then reinstall it.
Updating will leave cached files and app settings behind, while reinstalling will clear any data that was saved to your device by the app.
To find out if you have an update available for your app:
- Go to the app store.
- Find your installed apps library
- Select the Oculus App
- Once on the apps page, see if it says “Installed” or “Update”.
- Once the app is up to date, reinstall the app.
8. Restart Your Router
If your wireless connection is not performing up to par, it could be preventing the pairing of your Oculus and mobile device.
Routers feature many of the same components that computers do. So, restarting your router works in the same way as when you restart your computer to fix glitches, slow operations, etc.
To restart your router:
- Unplug the router from the power source. It’s best to unplug it from the outlet to prevent damage to your router.
- Leave the router unplugged for 15-30 seconds to allow it to completely lose power.
- Plug the router back up.
- Wait 2-5 minutes until your router’s lights appear as they should.
9. Connect To A Different Wifi Network
If you haven’t had any luck with any of the troubleshooting steps above, try connecting to a new network to fully rule out your network being the issue.
If you have a personal hotspot or a phone hotspot other than the phone you are trying to pair, connect your Oculus and phone to the hotspot before trying to pair.
If this works, you’ll know your network is the issue.
10. Pair the Quest 2 With a Different Phone/Tablet
If switching networks doesn’t fix the problem, try using a different phone or tablet to pair to your headset.
If you’ve tried all of these things and the issue remains, your headset could be the problem. You can find additional troubleshooting steps on Meta’s Help Center.
Not pairing during setup
If you are unable to pair with your phone during the initial setup of your headset, there are a few solutions most likely to work that you should try first.
If you’re unable to pair during setup, try the following things first:
- Make sure both devices are connected to the same network.
- Ensure the app has bluetooth permissions on your phone.
- Make sure bluetooth and location are turned on.
- Try rebooting your router.
Additionally, remember that you have to complete a portion of the setup from the app. If you haven’t done this, you will not be able to pair your device with your phone.
Once you’ve set up your headset, complete the following steps from your phone:
- Open the app.
- Sign in (or create an account).
- Adjust your preferences and privacy settings.
- Create a PIN for the Meta Store.
- Add your payment information.
Once you finish this portion of the setup, you will be able to select and pair your device.
Oculus Pairing Code Not Showing Up
If you’re not seeing a pairing code, the most likely reason is that your devices are not connected to the same network. However, if they’re connected to the same network, you’ll need to try a few other things.
First, ensure that the OS on your phone is compatible with the app. For Android, you need Android 5.0 or higher. If you’re using an iPhone, it will have to be iOS 10 or higher.
If all else fails, you can go into the settings on your headset to retrieve the pairing code.
To manually connect Quest 2 to your phone:
- Wearing your headset, select settings in the bottom right corner.
- Select the About tab.
- Scroll to the bottom to see your pairing code. Write it down if needed.
- Open the app on your phone.
- Select manual pairing.
- Enter the pairing code.
Once you’ve manually entered the pairing code, your devices should be paired and ready for use.
Bonus Tip From Me
I personally recommend casting the Oculus device on your big TV for an immersive gaming experience.
I usually cast the device to my 75″ Samsung TV in the living room during the day, when I play heavier games (table tennis and soccer) that require lots of movement.
But in the evening I usually cast to my Roku TV in the bedroom to play card games (when I don’t want to wake everyone up in my house!)
