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.
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. On your mobile device, open the Meta Horizon app.
Sign in with your Meta developer account credentials through the app. Pair your headset with the app. 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.
Before enabling developer mode, ensure the following prerequisites are met:
You are a registered Meta developer with a verified Meta account. To check your account status, see Verification in the Developer Dashboard. You are at least 18 years old. Your headset does not have any device-level restrictions that prevent enabling developer mode. Follow these steps to enable developer mode:
On your mobile device, open the Meta Horizon app.
In the app, tap the headset icon in the toolbar.
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.
Tap Headset Settings beneath the image of your headset.
Tap Developer Mode .
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.
Use a USB-C data cable to connect the headset to your computer.
Note : To set up without a computer, check the setup documentation for your specific device on
Meta Quest Help Center .
Put on the headset.
In the headset, open the Quick Control menu item.
Select Open Settings , displayed as a gear icon. Then, open the Developer tab and toggle MTP Notification on.
When asked to allow USB debugging, select Always allow from this computer .