Oculus Quest 2 Right Controller Not Turning On? (FIXED!)

Wondering why the Meta Oculus Quest 2 right controller not turning on? Well, you’re not alone!

If only the right controller of your Oculus isn’t working, the issue could be related to a fault with the controllers’ battery or the pairing.

So, this guide will provide the essential troubleshooting information required to eliminate the right Oculus controller’s issue and get it back on track.

Whenever the right Oculus controller won’t work, reinsert the battery unit and verify that the battery compartment is free of obstructions. Next, re-connect the Oculus controller to the Meta application and force a factory reset on the VR system.

There is much more to discuss, so let’s get started!

Why Does the Oculus Quest 2 Right Controller Won’t Turn On?

The first step is to identify what has led to the sudden malfunction of the right Oculus controller and acquire a general idea of what could have gone wrong.

Let’s review a list that contains all possible malfunctions that can cause the right controller to stop working.

Here’s everything that could be responsible for the issue:

Those are the possible causes for the malfunction of the right Oculus Quest controller.

So, to explore reliable troubleshooting solutions without any hassle, proceed with our steps guide!

Oculus Quest 2 Right Controller Not Turning On – Fixed!

Tip: Follow the steps and instructions consecutively! 

1. Reboot the Oculus Headset

You can address any non-lasting issues with the Oculus controller or the headset by performing a hard reboot.

The Oculus headset has an in-built power button that deactivates the VR system and momentarily reconnects both controllers from the device and the Meta Quest application.

Here’s how to reboot the Oculus headset in easy-to-follow instructions:

1. Take off the headset and locate the “Power” button on top.
2. Hold the power button for 10 seconds to power off Oculus.
3. Wait for 60 seconds after powering off the Quest headset.
4. Press the power button for 2-3 seconds to start the headset.

To make the reboot more efficient, connect the Oculus headset to a USB type-C charger before pressing the power button the first time.

If the device has a charging-related issue, it may refuse to power on once you’ve held the power button, so you must plug the VR headset into the A/C.

Note: Verify that the Oculus Quest headset has at least 50% battery level before unplugging!

2. Remove & Reinsert the Battery

If the right controller is still not functioning, a quick and effective way to reset the functionality is by removing and reinserting the battery.

Know that both your Oculus controllers use a single double-A battery that can easily get obstructed or run out quickly and require a replacement.

Here’s how to remove and reinsert the battery from the right Oculus controller:

1. Unplug the Oculus controller’s USB cable from the device.
2. Remove the battery compartment cover from the handle.
3. Carefully take out the double-A battery from the casing.
4. Hold the “Oculus” button on the controller for 10 seconds.
5. Next, re-insert the battery of the Oculus controller back in.
6. Finally, reinstall the compartment’s cover on the controller.

Verify that the battery’s negative and positive fields are facing correctly in the compartment, or the controller will not receive a charge.

Important: Replace the Controller’s Battery!

If only reinserting the battery didn’t restore the functionality of the right Oculus controller, then the battery may have already been discharged.

To fix the controller, insert a fresh AA battery unit and verify it has established proper contact with the compartment’s electrical pole springs.

Note: Always double-check if the battery cover has clicked and is secure!

3. Put the Controller in *Pairing Mode*

If the Oculus controller is not paired with the headset, there will be no visual indications that the device works correctly.

To cause the controller’s LED lights to go off, you must hold a specific combination of buttons, activate the controller’s Pairing Mode, and connect with the device.

How to Put a Controller in Pairing Mode?

So, activating the LED lights on the Oculus controller is only possible by placing the device in pairing mode.

To activate the pairing mode, press and hold the “Oculus” button on the upper panel of the controller for 10-15 seconds until the white circular panel starts to pulsate quickly.

How to Connect the Oculus Controller?

1. Open the Oculus app on your mobile Android/iOS device.
2. Tap the three-bar icon and switch to the settings menu.
3. After that, tap “Devices” and click on “Controllers” below.
4. Choose “Unpair Controller” and wait for a few seconds.
5. Tap on “Add Controller” and follow the provided steps.

If the controller doesn’t appear in the “Controllers” section of the Meta Quest app, complete the initial controller setup by pressing on “Add Controller” directly.

Also, remember that the devices section should have an individual profile for the left and right Oculus controllers.

Note: Keep the Oculus controller close to the headset during the setup!

4. Clean the Controller’s Battery Connectors

There’s a high chance that the battery of the right Oculus Quest controller can’t establish proper contact with the electrical poles.

In such a case, the recommended action is to eject the battery and thoroughly clean all debris and dust accumulation from the compartment for better contact.

Follow these steps to clean and service the battery connectors properly:

1. Open the battery compartment on the Quest controller.
2. Lift off the battery and remove it from the compartment.
3. Use a wet cloth to collect all debris in the compartment.
4. Wait until the battery compartment dries up completely.
5. Reinsert the battery and place the compartment cover.

Alert: Do not reinstall the battery unit while moisturizing the compartment!

5. Update the Oculus System Drivers

If the right Oculus controller won’t turn on when connected via USB to your computer, there’s a high chance that the drivers are outdated.

Any connected USB devices incompatible with the computer’s system may have no visual signs of functionality until the driver is there and working.

How to Update the Oculus Drivers via Device Manager?

1. Verify that the Oculus headset is connected via USB to a computer.
2. Tap the “Windows” key, type “Device Manager,” and press “Enter.”
3. Scroll down to the “USB Devices” tab within the device manager.
4. Right-click the Oculus device profile and tap “Update the Driver.”
5. Wait until the system automatically detects a newer available driver.

Can I Update Oculus Without the Right Controller?

Only the right Oculus controller has the unique “Oculus” button integrated that accesses the headset’s menu and allows navigation.

The left Oculus controller has a standard “Menu” button, the functions of which depend on the application you have currently launched on the headset.

Hence, you can’t update the VR headset without the right controller!

Bonus Tip: Third-Party Tools!

You can update the Oculus headset via third-party applications licensed by Meta distributors.

In addition, remember that most platforms may require a subscription but can also automatically update the driver when the Meta team releases newer firmware.

Note: The controller must be connected to Wi-Fi to update automatically!

6. Factory Reset the Oculus Quest 2

Still, wondering how to fix Oculus Quest 2 controller not turning on?

If the problem continues even after updating the drivers, the next step is to perform a factory reset.

A potential programming issue with the right controller may prevent the Oculus Quest headset from recognizing the device and adding it to a system profile.

Warning: The factory reset will delete all settings and configurations on the Oculus Quest!

Here’s how to carry out a complete factory reset on the Oculus Quest 2 headset:

1. Hold the “Power” button on the Oculus headset until it turns off.
2. Find the in-built “Volume Down” button on the Oculus headset.
3. Hold the “Volume (-)” and the “Power” buttons simultaneously.
4. Equip the Oculus headset and wait for the lenses to illuminate.
5. Release the buttons after the Oculus 2 reset menu appears.
6. Use the functional left controller to highlight “Factory Reset.”
7. Select the option by pressing the Power button on the device.
8. Follow the remaining on-screen instructions to finish the reset.

You will be unable to interact with the headset for the continuity of the factory reset.

So, after completing the process, you will be prompted to set up the first-time Oculus initialization.

Tip: For more help, contact Meta Customer Service!

More Oculus Quest 2 Errors:

Q: What should I do if my Oculus Quest 2 has low memory?
A: Delete unused apps, clear cache, and transfer media files to free up space.

Q: How do I fix the social platform on Oculus Quest 2 from stopping?
A: Ensure the app is updated, clear its cache, and restart your device.