How to Set up and Use SideQuest on Meta Quest 3 and 3s

The virtual reality landscape continues to expand, with Meta Quest 3 and 3s headsets leading the charge in standalone VR technology. While the official Meta store offers hundreds of titles, many VR enthusiasts find themselves looking beyond these curated offerings. This is where SideQuest enters the picture—a platform that has revolutionized how users access VR content outside Meta‘s ecosystem.

According to recent data from VR market researchers, over 65% of Quest users have explored content outside the official store at least once, with SideQuest being the primary gateway for this exploration. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up and using SideQuest with your Meta Quest 3 or 3s headset, opening up a vast new world of VR experiences.

What is SideQuest? The Gateway to Unofficial VR Content

SideQuest is a third-party platform that serves as an alternative app store and developer hub for Meta Quest devices. Launched in 2019, it quickly gained popularity as the go-to solution for accessing experimental VR applications, games still in development, and utilities that enhance the Quest experience.

Key Statistics on SideQuest Adoption

Data compiled from various VR industry reports and SideQuest public statements

Why Users Turn to SideQuest

According to a 2023 survey of Quest users, the top reasons for using SideQuest include:

1. Access to experimental content (74%) – Apps and games not yet available on the official store
2. Content modding capabilities (62%) – Adding custom features to existing games
3. Advanced device customization (58%) – Changing system settings not available through standard menus
4. File management (51%) – Transferring media and backups between PC and Quest
5. Development and testing (42%) – For creators and developers testing their own applications

The Technical Foundation: How SideQuest Works

Before diving into installation, it‘s worth understanding the technical foundation that makes SideQuest possible. Quest headsets run on an Android-based operating system, and SideQuest utilizes Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to communicate with the headset.

The Android Foundation of Quest

Meta Quest headsets use a modified version of Android, which includes:

• A custom interface layer (Meta Horizon OS)
• Android‘s application architecture (APK files)
• Linux kernel at its core
• Standard Android security permissions system

This Android foundation means that, like smartphones, Quest headsets can run applications from sources other than the official store—a process known as "sideloading."

Sideloading: A Technical Perspective

Sideloading involves several technical components:

1. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) – The command-line tool that allows communication between your PC and Quest
2. Developer Mode – A special setting that enables advanced features on the Quest
3. APK files – The application package format used by Android (and Quest) applications
4. USB debugging – A secure connection protocol between devices

SideQuest packages these technical elements into a user-friendly interface, making the process accessible to non-technical users.

Prerequisites for Installing SideQuest

Before beginning the installation process, ensure you have all necessary components ready:

Hardware Requirements

Account Requirements

• A Meta account linked to your Quest headset
• A verified developer account (we‘ll cover how to set this up)
• Admin access to your PC for software installation

Software Prerequisites

1. Meta Horizon mobile app (formerly Oculus app)
2. Up-to-date Quest firmware (check Settings > System > Software Update)
3. ADB drivers (will be installed as part of the process)

Setting Up a Developer Account: The First Critical Step

To use SideQuest, you must register as a Meta developer. This requirement was implemented in 2021 as part of Meta‘s security measures.

Developer Account Registration Process

1. Visit the Meta Developer Website
2. Sign in with your Meta account (the same one used for your Quest)
3. Navigate to the "Settings" section in the left sidebar
4. Click on "Organization" and then "Create Organization"
5. Enter your organization details:
   • Organization name (can be any name you choose)
   • I agree to the Meta Terms and Developer Policies (checkbox)
6. Complete the verification:
   • Provide a valid credit card (for identity verification only, no charges)
   • OR verify via phone number
7. Submit and wait for confirmation

Verification Analysis: Why Meta Requires It

Meta implemented the verification requirement in October 2021 following increased instances of malicious software being sideloaded onto Quest devices. According to Meta‘s security team, this verification process reduced potentially harmful sideloaded applications by approximately 78% while still allowing legitimate developers and enthusiasts to access the features.

The verification data is not used for marketing purposes and is stored separately from your main Meta account information, according to Meta‘s privacy documentation.

Enabling Developer Mode on Your Quest 3 or 3s

With your developer account verified, you now need to enable Developer Mode on your headset—a process that has evolved with each Quest firmware update.

Step-by-Step Developer Mode Activation

1. Open the Meta Horizon app on your smartphone
2. Ensure your Quest is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network
3. In the app, tap on the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right
4. Select Devices
5. Select your Quest 3 or 3s headset from the list
6. Find the Developer Mode option (you may need to scroll down)
7. Toggle the switch to enable Developer Mode
8. Restart your Quest headset when prompted
9. After restart, verify Developer Mode is active via Settings > System > Developer on your Quest

Developer Mode Verification

Once enabled, you can verify Developer Mode is working by checking for:

• "Developer" section in the Quest settings menu
• Ability to enable USB debugging when connected to a PC
• "Unknown Sources" section in your app library

If any of these are missing, try disabling and re-enabling Developer Mode, then restart your headset again.

Installing SideQuest on Your PC: Desktop App vs. Easy Installer

SideQuest offers two installation options: the full Desktop App with advanced features, or the streamlined Easy Installer. Let‘s examine both.

Option 1: SideQuest Desktop App Installation

The Desktop App is preferred by power users and provides full functionality:

1. Visit the official SideQuest website
2. Click on the "Get SideQuest" button
3. Select your operating system:

For Windows:

1. Download the .exe installer
2. Run the installer with administrator privileges
3. Follow the installation wizard prompts
4. Allow Windows Defender or antivirus exemptions if prompted
5. Complete installation and launch SideQuest

For macOS:

1. Download the .dmg file
2. Open the .dmg file when downloaded
3. Drag the SideQuest icon to the Applications folder
4. Control+click the app and select "Open" to bypass security warning
5. Enter your macOS password if prompted

For Linux:

1. Download the AppImage or .deb package
2. For AppImage:
   • Make executable with chmod +x ./SideQuest-*.AppImage
   • Run the AppImage
3. For .deb:
   • Install with sudo dpkg -i sidequest_*.deb
   • Run from applications menu

Option 2: SideQuest Easy Installer

The Easy Installer is more streamlined and focuses on app installation:

1. Visit the SideQuest Easy Installer page
2. Scroll to the "Easy Installer" section
3. Download the appropriate version
4. Install following similar OS-specific steps as above
5. The interface will be simpler with fewer advanced options

Comparison: Desktop App vs. Easy Installer

Setting Up USB Debugging for SideQuest

USB debugging creates the secure connection channel between your PC and Quest, but setup varies by operating system.

Windows-Specific Setup

1. Download and install Oculus ADB Drivers
2. Run the installer with administrator privileges
3. Follow the installation prompts
4. Connect your Quest to your PC via USB
5. Check Device Manager to verify driver installation:
   • Look under "Universal Serial Bus devices"
   • You should see "Quest" or "Android Device"

If the driver doesn‘t install properly, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Disconnect and reconnect your Quest
• Try a different USB port (preferably USB 3.0)
• Update Windows USB drivers
• Restart your PC

macOS-Specific Setup

macOS generally doesn‘t require additional drivers, but you may need to:

1. Install Android File Transfer for improved device recognition
2. Allow system extensions in Security & Privacy if prompted
3. For macOS Catalina and newer, grant additional permissions when prompted

Linux-Specific Setup

Most Linux distributions require additional udev rules:

1. Create a file at /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules
2. Add the line: SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="2833", ATTR{idProduct}=="0186", MODE="0666", GROUP="plugdev"
3. Save the file and set permissions: sudo chmod a+r /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules
4. Reload udev rules: sudo udevadm control --reload-rules
5. Add your user to the plugdev group: sudo usermod -aG plugdev $LOGNAME
6. Log out and back in for changes to take effect

Connecting Your Quest to SideQuest: The Critical Connection

With prerequisites in place, it‘s time to establish the connection between SideQuest and your Quest 3 or 3s headset.

First-Time Connection Process

1. Connect your Quest to your PC using a USB cable
2. Put on your Quest headset
3. Look for a popup asking "Allow USB debugging?" with a checkbox for "Always allow from this computer"
4. Check this box and select "OK"
5. If you don‘t see this prompt:
   • Try disconnecting and reconnecting
   • Restart your Quest
   • Check Developer Mode is enabled
   • Try a different USB cable

SideQuest Connection Indicator

On the SideQuest desktop app, you‘ll see a connection indicator in the top corner:

• Green dot: Successfully connected
• Yellow dot: Connected but with issues
• Red dot: Not connected
• Blue dot: Wireless connection established

Wireless Connection Option (Advanced)

For a cable-free experience, you can connect SideQuest wirelessly:

1. First connect via USB and ensure it‘s working
2. In SideQuest, click the wireless icon in the top right
3. Click "Connect" next to your Quest in the wireless devices list
4. Disconnect the USB cable
5. Your Quest should now connect wirelessly (indicated by a blue dot)

Wireless connection requires:

• Both devices on the same Wi-Fi network
• A stable 5GHz connection preferred
• Initial USB connection to set up wireless debugging

Installing SideQuest Mobile on Your Quest 3/3s

The SideQuest mobile app runs directly on your Quest, making it easier to browse and install content without constant PC connection.

Installation Process

1. Connect your Quest to SideQuest Desktop
2. In the top right corner, click "Install SideQuest"
3. Confirm installation when prompted
4. Wait for the installation to complete (usually 1-2 minutes)

First-Time Setup of SideQuest Mobile

1. On your Quest, go to Apps and change the filter to Unknown Sources
2. Launch SideQuest – Early Access
3. You‘ll see a pairing screen requesting a 6-digit code
4. On your PC‘s SideQuest app:
   • Go to "My Apps"
   • Select "SideQuest"
   • The pairing code will display
5. Enter this code on your Quest
6. Complete the setup by following on-screen instructions

Mobile vs. Desktop: Feature Comparison

According to SideQuest usage data, approximately 42% of SideQuest users primarily use the mobile version, while 58% prefer the desktop version for its advanced features.

Navigating the SideQuest Interface: Finding Content

SideQuest organizes content in a user-friendly interface that has evolved over multiple versions.

Desktop Interface Navigation

The main sections of the SideQuest desktop interface include:

1. Games & Apps – Browse and discover new content
2. Installed – Manage apps already on your Quest
3. Bookmarks – Quick access to saved content
4. Search – Find specific apps or developers
5. Settings – Configure SideQuest and headset options
6. Device Tools – Advanced Quest management options

Content Categories and Discovery

SideQuest organizes content into various categories:

• Games – VR games across multiple genres
• Apps – Utilities and non-game applications
• Early Access – Pre-release and beta content
• Experiences – Short VR demonstrations and experiences
• App Lab – Official experimental Meta content
• Mods – Modifications for existing games
• Themes – Custom home environments
• Demos – Free demonstrations of paid content

Content Filtering and Sorting

To find specific types of content:

1. Use the category filters on the left sidebar
2. Sort by "Most Recent," "Most Downloaded," or "Top Rated"
3. Use advanced filters for:
   • Free vs. Paid content
   • Comfort level (comfortable, moderate, intense)
   • Play style (seated, standing,