A factory reset erases everything on a Quest 2 and returns it to its out-of-the-box state. It is the right step before selling or giving the headset away, and a last resort when it freezes, will not update or keeps crashing. There are two ways to do it.
Before you reset
A reset deletes all local data. Check these points first:
- Cloud backup: in the headset settings, under backup, make sure cloud backup is turned on. Most games then restore their saves when you reinstall them. Not every game supports it.
- Purchases: games bought from the Meta store stay attached to your account and can be downloaded again.
- Sideloaded apps and screenshots or videos stored on the headset are not backed up. Copy them to a computer first.
- If you are selling the headset, remove it from your account in the phone app after the reset.
Method 1: from the headset itself
This works even when the headset will not load its normal interface.
- Turn the Quest 2 off completely.
- Hold the power and volume down buttons together until the boot screen appears.
- Use the volume buttons to highlight Factory reset and press power to select it.
- Choose Yes, erase and factory reset and confirm with the power button.
The headset restarts and runs setup again, which can take several minutes.
Method 2: from the Meta Horizon app
If the headset is working and paired with your phone:
- Open the Meta Horizon app (formerly the Oculus app) and select your headset under Devices.
- Open Headset settings, then Advanced settings.
- Tap Factory reset and confirm.
Keep the headset charged and close to the phone during the process. Meta documents both methods on its Quest support pages, where menu names are updated when the app changes.
When the reset does not go through
If the reset stalls or the headset will not boot afterwards, charge it for at least an hour and try the button method again. A headset that stays on the logo screen for a long time may simply be installing an update, so give it twenty minutes before trying anything else.
If it still fails, contact Meta support: a hardware fault is possible, and devices still covered by warranty can be replaced.
Try a restart first
Many problems that make people reach for a reset, such as a frozen menu or tracking that has stopped working, disappear after a simple restart. Hold the power button and choose restart, or hold it for about 10 seconds to force the headset off. Clearing the guardian history in the settings can also fix tracking issues without erasing anything.
