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Enable developer mode on headset

Updated: Dec 16, 2025
To run in-development apps on your Meta Quest headset, you need to enable developer mode. This guide walks you through the prerequisites and steps to get your device ready for Android app development.

Before you begin

To develop Android apps for Horizon, you will need:
  • A Meta Developer Account.
  • A Meta Quest device.
  • A USB-C cable capable of transferring data (the cable that comes with the Quest is not suitable for this purpose).
  • An iOS or Android mobile device with the Meta Horizon mobile app installed and set up.

Pair headset with Meta Horizon mobile app

  1. On your mobile device, open the Meta Horizon app.
    For instructions on installing the Meta Horizon mobile app, see Install the Meta Horizon mobile app on your phone.
  2. Sign in with your Meta developer account credentials through the app.
  3. Pair your headset with the app.
  4. Put on your headset and follow the instructions in the headset to finish the setup.
For detailed instructions for a specific Quest device, refer to the Getting started setup guides.

Enable developer mode on your headset

To run in-development apps on your headset, the device needs to be in development mode and be configured to run apps from unknown sources.
  1. On your mobile device, open the Meta Horizon app.
  2. In the app, tap the headset icon in the toolbar.
    Meta Horizon toolbar
  3. Your paired headset should appear at the top of the screen. Tap the headset item, which displays the model and status of your paired headset.
    Paired headset item
  4. Tap Headset Settings beneath the image of your headset.
    Headset settings
  5. Tap Developer Mode.
    Developer mode list item
  6. Toggle Developer Mode to the on position.
    Toggle Developer Mode to the on position
The following video shows enabling developer mode on the Meta Horizon app.

Video: Toggle developer mode on in the Meta Horizon app.

  1. Use a USB-C data cable to connect the headset to your computer.
  2. Put on the headset.
  3. In the headset, open the Quick Control menu item.
  4. Select Open Settings, displayed as a gear icon. Then, open the Developer tab and toggle MTP Notification on.
  5. When asked to allow USB debugging, select Always allow from this computer.
    Allow USB Debugging prompt

Next steps

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