How to pair Meta Quest controllers when they won't connect

⚡ Fast fix

• Fresh batteries first: Dead or weak AA batteries are the most common reason Quest controllers refuse to pair.
• Bluetooth does the heavy lifting: Your phone needs Bluetooth turned on to pair controllers in the Meta Horizon app.
• Try pairing from scratch: Unpair the controller in the app, then add it again—it often clears up stubborn connection issues.
• Still refusing to cooperate? Update your headset software before blaming the controller.

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When you get your Meta Quest® VR headset, you want to start using it right away. You have to set up the controllers first, though.

If you encounter controller pairing issues, you may not be able to complete the setup or use your Meta Quest headset. Luckily, most pairing issues are easily solvable. A few simple steps, like checking the batteries, installing a software update, or repairing the controllers, may be all you need.

At Asurion, our goal is to help you solve your tech issues as quickly as possible so you can get back to having fun with your devices. Whether you need to connect your Meta Quest headset to a TV or improve your gaming connection, we’re here for you. Discover how to pair Meta Quest 2 controllers and troubleshoot when they’re not connecting in this guide.

How to pair Meta Quest controllers

You need a smartphone to pair your Meta Quest controllers. Make sure your phone has Bluetooth enabled and your headset is turned on. Then follow these steps to pair your Meta Quest 2 controllers:

1. Download and open the Meta Horizon app on your phone.
2. Open the menu at the top of the feed.
3. Select Devices.
4. Choose your headset from the list of devices.
5. Select Headset settings > Controllers > Pair New Controller.
6. Choose which controller you want to pair:

• Right controller: Press and hold the Meta/Oculus button and the B button until the controller LED blinks.
• Left controller: Press and hold the Menu button and the Y button until the controller LED blinks.

Once paired, your controllers should automatically reconnect whenever you use your headset.

Check the controller batteries and power

If you follow the pairing steps but your Meta Quest controller is not pairing, a few different factors could be the cause.

Start by checking the batteries. Make sure they’re installed correctly and have power. Try replacing the batteries to see if that makes a difference. When you press any button on the controller, it should power on. If you don’t see a small blinking LED on the controller when you press a button, it’s probably a battery issue.

Power problems like these are some of the most common causes of remote pairing failures.

Re-pair your controller and update your headset

Your next step if your Meta Quest 2 controller is not pairing is going back into the Meta Horizon app on your phone to remove and re-pair the device:

1. Turn on your headset.
2. Open the Menu in the Meta Horizon app on your phone.
3. Choose Devices.
4. Select your headset.
5. ChooseHeadset settings> Controllers.
6. Select the controller that won’t pair correctly and chooseUnpair Controller.

Then follow the steps to re-add the controller in the Meta Horizon app.

Try updating your headset software, too, by going to Settings > System > **Software Update.**Your controller firmware should update automatically when connected to your headset. Outdated software can interfere with pairing, so it’s worth checking for an update.

What to do if your controller still won't connect

If your controllers pair but repeatedly disconnect, try to troubleshoot Bluetooth connection problems.

One controller connecting while the other fails generally means the failing controller has a battery problem. And if your controllers are stuck in pairing mode, restart them by taking out the batteries for at least two minutes before re-pairing them in the app.

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FAQ

Why won't my Meta Quest controller pair?

The most common causes are weak batteries, Bluetooth pairing issues, outdated headset software, or a controller that needs to be unpaired and paired again.

How do I put my Meta Quest controller into pairing mode?

Open the Meta Horizon app and select Devices > Headset settings > Controllers > Pair New Controller. Then press and hold the correct button combination until the controller LED starts blinking.

Why is only one Meta Quest controller connecting?

This is often caused by a dead battery, a pairing issue, or outdated software affecting the controller that won't connect.

Do Meta Quest controllers update automatically?

Yes. Controller firmware updates are installed automatically when the controllers are connected to an up-to-date headset.

How do I reset a Meta Quest controller that won't connect?

Remove the battery for about two minutes, reinstall it, then unpair and re-pair the controller through the Meta Horizon app.