Introduction
The Oculus Quest is a stand-alone virtual reality headgear that can render games and applications without the need for a desktop PC. Normally, you install games and applications via the Oculus Store, but you can also use a PC to sideload unauthorized programs.
The Oculus Quest is a stand-alone virtual reality headgear that can render games and applications without the need for a desktop PC. Normally, you install games and applications via the Oculus Store, but you can also use a PC to sideload unauthorized programs.
Where Can I Get Sideloadable Apps
You’ll need a location to download them since you’ll need an APK file of the program itself to sideload it. SideQuest, an alternate marketplace for Quest programs, is the greatest unofficial register for sideloaded apps. While some are charged, the majority of the applications on SideQuest are completely free.
Warning: As usual, while sideloading programs—or just downloading software from the web—make sure you only download apps from trusted sources.
The actual sideloading procedure is handled by a single desktop software in Sidequest. You may submit programs to SideQuest directly from the website, and they will be installed immediately into your Oculus Quest if it is attached onto your PC.
SideQuest includes tools for sending ADB commands, accessing device files, and altering device settings in addition to sideloading. You’re also not restricted to SideQuest applications; you may sideload anything that has an APK.
App Sideloading
To enable sideloading, you must first enable developer mode. There is no option for this inside the headset; instead, you must use the Oculus software for iPhone, iPad, or Android. From the app, go to “Settings,” then click on your headset (you may need to switch it on), and then go to “More Settings.”
Choose “Developer Mode.”
Then turn on the switch.
To enable developer mode, Oculus recently begun asking customers to join up for their developer program. This service is completely free, however you will be routed to their website, where you will be prompted to sign in and form a new “Organization.” Simply input your name and return to the settings.
When you form your company, you may need to re-flip the switch. Once it’s switched on, you’ll need to restart your headset for the modifications to take effect. When it restarts, you’ll be prompted to accept USB debugging, which will enable sideloading. “Always Allow” should be checked.
Next, download and install the SideQuest software on your PC. When you load it, the headset should be linked in the upper right corner. If it isn’t connected, you may need to install the Oculus App for the Quest to get the correct headset drivers.
Once linked, you may sideload programs by downloading them from the app, the website (which will launch SideQuest), or manually installing the APK from the controls in the upper right.
SideQuest also allows you to remove applications. Click the “Apps” option beneath the controls, and then pick “Uninstall App” from the app’s settings.
Where Can I Get Sideloaded Apps
Unfortunately, sideloaded applications will not be available on the Oculus Quests Home screen. Because Facebook wants you to spend money in the official Oculus store, your Quest places sideloaded programs in the Library menu under “Unknown Sources.”
This list is still easily accessible, but you won’t be able to pin them to favorites or even view the thumbnails.
