How to Fix Meta Quest 3 Overheating Issues? (4 Easy Fixes)

meta quest 3 overheating

Is your Meta Quest 3 overheating? Are you sure? Have you seen the overheating warning message?

To begin with, let’s say that while gaming or utilizing demanding apps on your Meta Quest 3 VR headset it’s quite normal to feel heat around your head.

As the hardware is being loaded, some heat and fan noise is normal.

As long as you don’t see the overheating warning, there is no problem with your Meta Quest 3. If, however, you see the warning message–yes, it’s overheating!

How To Fix Meta Quest 3 Overheating? – (4 Quick & Easy Solutions)

Note: Have you tried letting your Quest 3 cool down for 15–20 minutes?

1. Disable Unused Features

disable unused features

One of the main reasons for Meta Quest 3 overheating is overload.

Whenever the hardware of your Quest 3 reaches the thermal limit, the headset will show an overheating warning and will reduce performance.

Hence, if you’re playing games or using very demanding apps, in combination with other running features, this may occasionally overload your headset’s hardware.

To prevent this, we recommend starting with disabling all the features you don’t actively use.

1.1 Hand Tracking

Hand Tracking is an amazing feature of Quest 3 allowing you to interact with virtual reality without the controllers.

This feature requires a lot of processing power, thus disabling it will lower the temperature.

hand tracking
  • To disable hand tracking press the Meta button on the controller, go to Quick settings → Settings → Movement tracking → Hand and Body Tracking – OFF.

1.2 Running Apps

If you leave too many applications and games simultaneously running on your Meta Quest 3, the headset will overheat.

Hence, when you’re done using an app, press the Meta button on your right controller and click the “Quit” button to exit the application entirely.

Repeat this for all currently running games/apps.

1.3 Meta Quest AI

The former “Voice Commands” now replaced by Meta AI, is another feature on your Quest 3, which is additionally utilizing the resources of your headset.

So, if you’re not using any voice assistance or voice commands, we recommend disabling this feature to further relieve the VR headset from unneeded apps.

meta quest ai
  • To disable Meta AI use the Meta button to enter Quick settings → Settings → Advanced → Meta AI → OFF.

1.4 Meta Air Link

Air Link, or put simply “streaming” is one of the most resource-demanding operations that you can do on your headset, especially if you’re broadcasting games.

Hence, if your Meta Quest 3 is overheating we do not recommend streaming them to your PC or Virtual Desktop.

  • To disable Air Link, press the Meta button, go to Quick settings → Settings → Link → OFF.

1.5 Game Graphics

If you’re gaming, note that most games provide an additional graphics configuration menu, through which you can lower the graphics which will reduce the headset’s utilization.

Focusing on decreasing the resolution is a guaranteed way to relieve the utilization of the headset’s GPU, which will decrease the temperatures.

Note: When all of the features have been disabled, allow your headset’s temperatures to drop in a well-ventilated environment and check for the overheating message after 10–15 minutes.

2. Verify Proper Ventilation

verify proper ventilation

The next step is to ensure that your Meta Quest 3 headset’s airflow is not being clogged by something and then undertake a few additional steps to motivate better cooling.

2.1 Remove VR Headset Accessories

If you have any accessories that may be blocking the Meta Quest 3 air intake, we advise removing them to unclog the air shafts and decrease the temperatures.

2.2 Regulate the Room’s Temperature

regulate the room’s temperature

If you’re playing games or using high-demanding apps in an unusually hot environment, the only solution may be to regulate the room’s temperature.

The environmental temperature has the highest impact on the internal temperatures of your headset, so lowering your AC or opening a window might be enough.

2.3 Avoid Staying Near Heat Sources

Well, even if obvious, we can’t skip mentioning that staying near heat emitters can directly impact the HW temperature of your Meta Quest 3.

Another crucial factor is sunlight, especially during the warm seasons.

Quick Tip: Some users recommend also adjusting the fit of your headset to prevent heat from being trapped.

3. Reduce the VR Resolution

Another guaranteed way of decreasing the Meta Quest 3 processing power, hence reducing temperature is to manually decrease the VR resolution.

Unfortunately, Meta Quest 3 does not provide direct access to a setting that allows users to change resolutions on demand, but there are very quick and easy methods.

You will need to download and install SideQuest on your Meta Quest, providing you with instant access to developer options, experimental features, and unsupported settings.

reduce the vr resolution

You can install SideQuest and lower the resolution on your VR headset in a few steps:

  • Enable Debug Mode: Open and verify a developer account at dashboard.oculus.com, and go to Menu → Devices → Quest 3 → Headset Settings → Developer Mode → ON.
  • Link Quest 3 to PC: Use a USB-C cable to connect your Meta Quest 3 to any computer or laptop so you can install the SideQuest application.
  • Use Web Installer: Open any browser and follow this link, to use the web installer for SideQuest installation and follow all the steps to install it.

When the app is installed on your headset, find it in the “Unknown Sources” and turn on the wireless ADB options to manage your advanced settings. 

Quick Tip: To reduce the temperature of your Meta Quest 3, you must go below the default 2064 x 2208 resolution, so feel free to experiment until you find a suitable setting.

4. Use Cooling Accessories

use cooling accessories

If all else fails, and you’re still facing a Meta Quest 3 overheating warning, you may need to purchase an extra cooling accessory to optimize the headset’s temperatures.

Some of these accessories include a face cover cooling fan, cooling pads and dissipation mats, battery packs with cooling properties, and more…

Meta Quest 3 Still Overheating – What’s Next?

If nothing helps, you may need to return your Meta Quest 3 headset for a new unit, just like many users with the same overheating issues. 

To justify whether there is a cooling problem with your unit, wait until the overheating message appears and listen closely.

  • You need to clearly hear the fans, possibly increasing in speed.

If you don’t hear the cooling fans, this almost certainly means that they are not working.

Quick Tip: If your Meta Quest 3 is covered by the warranty don’t hesitate to contact the local merchant!