What is sideloading and why is it important for educators using Meta Quest headsets?
Sideloading refers to the process of manually installing applications onto a device, bypassing the official app store or marketplace. In the context of Meta Quest headsets, sideloading allows educators to access a wider range of VR content, including custom-built applications and educational resources not available on the official Meta store.
Sideloading is essential for educators who wish to harness the full potential of virtual reality for their college classrooms. It offers flexibility, customization, and the ability to provide tailored experiences to meet the unique needs of each course or training program.
What do I need to get started with sideloading content onto my Meta Quest 2 or Meta Quest Pro headset?
Before sideloading content onto your Meta Quest headset, you’ll need the following:
- A Meta Quest 2 or Meta Quest Pro headset
- A compatible USB-C cable to connect your headset to a computer
- A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux
- A Meta (formerly Oculus) Developer account
- Additionally, you’ll need to download and install one software tool: SideQuest.
How do I create a Meta Developer account and set up my headset for sideloading?
To create a Meta Developer account, follow these steps:
- Visit the Meta Developer website at https://developer.meta.com/ and sign in with your Meta (formerly Oculus) account.
- Click on “Create New Organization” and enter a unique name for your organization.
- Agree to the terms and conditions, and confirm your email address.
Next, you’ll need to enable Developer Mode on your Meta Quest headset:
- Open the Meta app on your smartphone.
- Navigate to the “Settings” tab and select your Meta Quest headset.
- Tap “More Settings” and then “Developer Mode.”
- Toggle the switch to enable Developer Mode.
- Note that your headset may need to restart to apply the changes.
How do I download and install SideQuest?
SideQuest is a third-party application that simplifies the sideloading process for Meta Quest headsets. To install SideQuest, visit their website and download the appropriate version for your computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux). SideQuest offers a wide variety of custom-built apps and games to download that are not available on the official app store. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation and gain access to more educational resources for your students.
How do I sideload content onto my Meta Quest 2 or Meta Quest Pro headset using SideQuest?
With your Meta Developer account set up, Developer Mode enabled, and SideQuest installed, you’re ready to sideload content onto your Meta Quest 2 or Meta Quest Pro headset. Here’s how:
- Connect your Meta Quest headset to your computer using a compatible USB-C cable. Make sure your headset is powered on.
- Put on your headset and grant permission to allow USB debugging if prompted. You may need to select “Always allow from this computer” to avoid future prompts.
- Launch SideQuest on your computer. The top left corner of the application should indicate that your headset is connected.
- Browse or search for the content you wish to sideload. You can either install apps available on SideQuest or upload
