The holidays are probably the absolute worst time for a software update that renders Metas Quest headsets unusable, but that’s exactly the situation we’re in right now. According to posts on Reddit And Meta’s own forumsUsers are experiencing issues with brand new and existing Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest 3S headsets displaying either an error message or a never-ending black screen after installing their latest software.
It’s not entirely clear what’s causing the error, although one theory circulating on the meta forums seems to focus on devices that haven’t been used for a while. Essentially, while users running the latest Quest firmware seem to be able to update their devices without any problem, users updating older versions of the firmware are more likely to run into problems (that includes me, although my headset currently has a few hundred miles on it is removed). removed by me, so I have to rely on user reports instead).
However, according to Reddit, the problem also seems to occur frequently with newer headsets. Here, users report that brand new headsets attempt the update immediately after turning on and receive an error message once the update is complete.
It’s possible that new headsets that may have sat on the shelf for a while are also running outdated firmware, but a common thread across Reddit and Meta forums is that a factory reset doesn’t help and should be avoided. There’s a chance that you simply won’t be able to boot up and will instead be stuck on a black screen until you give up.
While Meta Forum members say customer service initially didn’t help beyond suggesting they purchase a refurbished Quest as a replacement, the company has since changed its tune. At the moment, Meta suggests Quest owners experiencing the issue try restarting the headset by turning it off and then holding down the power button for 45 seconds before releasing it.
It’s not a guaranteed solution, but it’s better than nothing. A more robust solution is reportedly on the way, as Meta says it is working to resolve the issue “as quickly as possible.”
For now, Redditors experiencing the issue are advising new Quest owners not to turn on their headsets, while existing Quest owners should hold off on updates. Presumably, new Quest owners could also turn on their headset in a location without Wi-Fi to avoid the update, although the functionality of a new headset without internet access will be severely limited.
