Oculus Quest Bluetooth (Connect, Airpods, Headphone Issues)


Bluetooth connectivity makes connecting to other wireless devices easy, such that you do not disturb other uninterested parties in the room. I understand that whether Oculus Quest 2 has Bluetooth or not is a matter of concern that requires your attention.

So, does the Oculus Quest 2 have Bluetooth? Generally, Oculus does not mention compatibility with Bluetooth headphones but instead on wired headphones. However, this does not imply its lack of support since players can work their way and connect them to their headsets, courtesy of the Oculus experimental features.

Bluetooth connection is one of the most convenient means of wireless connection, especially for gamers, as it frees you from wires hanging around you. Read on to understand whether the Oculus Quest 2 has Bluetooth and how to utilize this feature.

The Oculus Quest 2 supports Bluetooth through the experimental mode. You will need to enable this mode in the settings for successful pairing. However, you cannot connect your Oculus Quest 2 to a PC through Bluetooth unless you have a stable internet connection and a high-tech gaming PC wired in an Ethernet port.

To utilize the Bluetooth connectivity through the Bluetooth mode on your Oculus Quest 2, power on your Oculus Quest 2 and navigate to the settings menu. While here, open the Experimental Features and click Pair under the Bluetooth Pairing. You can then select the device you want to pair with from the options available as long as it also supports Bluetooth.

Given that Bluetooth is available in the Experimental mode, Oculus does not officially specify the devices you can use on your Oculus Quest 2. If, for instance, you choose to use your Bluetooth headphones, then this means selecting them from the pairing menu for a successful connection.

However, even with a successful connection, you will likely experience latency issues caused by a drop in the frame rate since you are in the experimental mode. This is usually an issue with fast-paced games. In some cases, your audio will also be out of sync, and with more issues, the game may become unplayable in this mode.

Thus, if you are really into trying Bluetooth with your Oculus Quest 2, don’t be too disappointed if you encounter such issues against your expectations. For now, I cannot certainly tell whether Oculus intends to implement this feature to be better in the future.

On the other hand, if you use Bluetooth for apps like Netflix or Amazon Prime, you will likely experience fewer or no issues. Thus, you need not worry about latency and lag issues if this is your aim. Latency issues result from compatibility issues between your wireless headphones and the Oculus Quest 2.

The audio and video signals produced and processed will not be in sync, reducing the overall processing speed. Thus, if you insist on using wireless headsets with the best connectivity, consider connecting through a 3.5mm Bluetooth transmitter. This transmitter amplifies the audio and visual processing, giving you a more stable and low latency connection than in the Experimental mode.

To ensure comfort with this connection, you can keep the transmitter strapped to the headset. You should not worry about the extra weight as it will go unnoticed in most cases. Next, link up your audio through the transmitter, and headsets and you are good to explore your wireless VR experience.

In addition to latency, pairing is another common problem when connecting your Oculus Quest 2 via Bluetooth. In this case, you can troubleshoot this by pressing any button to wake your controller or pressing and holding the oculus button when wearing your headset. In some instances, you may have to remove the batteries and reinstall them to your controller. Still, if this does not solve the problem, unpair then re-pair your controllers.

To unpair your controllers, open the Oculus software and unpair by selecting the currently connected device, then tap Unpair. Re-pair your controller by opening your Oculus software and tapping Oculus Quest 2 on the top left of your app.

Next, scroll to the settings at the bottom of your app, and under your credentials, tap Oculus Quest 2. You can then click on Controllers, Pair New controller, and select the controller you want to pair. For successful pairing, hold down the buttons on your controllers until the LED blinks.

While Bluetooth connection is possible in the experimental mode and through a transmitter, we cannot underestimate the effectiveness of a wired connection. Thus, if you cannot bear with the limitations of wireless connection, it is advisable to use the recommended headsets for the best audio and visual coordination.

However, if you want to try the wireless connection, then the above should enable you to establish a successful connection. While doing this, do not worry about this connection voiding your warranty or causing your Oculus Quest 2 to malfunction.

How Do You Connect Bluetooth To Oculus 2?

The Quest 2 comes with an in-built audio system, but you may want to hook it up to another Bluetooth speaker. Wireless connections allow players to move around without tethering to several wires, which makes you wonder whether the Oculus connects to other Bluetooth devices.

The first step is to go to the Oculus main menu and scroll to find Settings when connecting Bluetooth to Oculus 2. Afterward, look for “Experimental Features” and tap pair under the Bluetooth options. Here, you will find a list of all the available devices for you to connect with the Quest. If the other device is Bluetooth-enabled, it should appear in the list of options for you to select. You can link your Oculus 2 to several devices like headphones and AirPods through this method.

Bluetooth is a game-changer in wireless connections, and luckily, the Quest supports it. If you are setting it up for the first time, you might be looking for tips to get started. The following is a stepwise instruction to use Bluetooth with your Oculus 2 successfully.

Starting with your Oculus,

  • Scroll through the menu
  • Find the “Settings”
  • Select “Experimental Features”
  • Click “Pair” under the Bluetooth options

There will be a list of all the devices you can connect with, and you can pick whatever gadget you need.

While at it, ensure that you have turned on the other device you want to link with, making sure it is detectable on the list. You can connect with several gadgets via Bluetooth, from headphones to AirPods, but note that you may experience latency issues and frame drops while playing.

To connect Bluetooth on your Oculus 2, you must use the Experimental Bluetooth option in the headset. You can then activate it via “Experimental Features” settings and click “Pair.” Meanwhile, the other device you want to connect with should be Bluetooth enabled; otherwise, it won’t appear in the list of gadgets available for pairing. If everything is working fine, you should see it among the options you can pair. 

The Quest 2 can handle Bluetooth connections with other devices, especially audio transmission, a relief to users. The only challenge is that the quality may not be the best, and you can expect some game stuttering and lack of synchrony in video or audio.

Unfortunately, Bluetooth connections and other alternative audio transmissions are not supported by Oculus, and Facebook is clear that it is best to use the in-built sound mode or a wired connection.

Given that the Bluetooth connection with Oculus is experimental, the company doesn’t have a definite list of all the devices that the headset can connect with wirelessly. However, many gamers confirm that they can link their headsets and Apple AirPods. The setting is the same for AirPods, as long as they are fully charged and detectable on the Oculus. Like the headsets, you will go through the same process to pair the AirPods.

Additionally, note that this setup will only work with compatible headphones. The Quest 2 supports USB-C and 3.5 mm versions, and you can plug them usually to the audio port on the headset. However, not all types will work with the Quest, and it is best to verify first before you buy a pair. Many users don’t know this, but there is a faster and more efficient way to make this connection.

You can link your Oculus 2 wirelessly to headphones using a Bluetooth transmitter. This method is more stable and has less latency than the experimental mode. Luckily, this system allows you to link with peripheral devices like gamepads and keyboards for the headset instead of the controllers. Ultimately, Bluetooth eliminates too many wires during gaming while offering a smooth and coordinated experience. 

Can the Oculus Quest 2 Connect To Bluetooth Headphones?

One of the most hailed VR headsets is the Oculus Quest, thanks to its impressive capabilities and excellent playability. The Quest 2 can connect to a PC via cables and support data transfer and gaming. However, many players prefer wireless Bluetooth connections to avoid tethering to several wires at a time.

Luckily, you can link your Oculus Quest 2 to Bluetooth headphones through elementary steps. Within seconds, you should be set to keep playing your favorite games and access other apps. However, the manufacturer doesn’t officially recommend the feature. Instead, Facebook prefers that you use cables to tether your headphones to the Oculus Quest 2 headset or use the in-built audio channels on the Oculus. Primarily, the device creators implore fans to avoid using wireless headphones because players can experience syncing and stuttering issues.

If you have Bluetooth-enabled headphones and wish to use them on your Oculus Quest, the headset has a feature that allows you to create a link between the two devices. It is a simple task that only takes a few steps as long as everything is in order.

You will need headphones with Bluetooth support, but you can still have a cable if one option fails. On the contrary, Facebook advises clients to use a wired connection since it is more convenient and reliable.

The Oculus Quest 2 may also function with Bluetooth, but it can have challenges even when in the middle of a heated gaming session. The manufacturer confirms that sometimes using the wireless method can decrease frames rates, meaning consistent lags that ruin the video and audio output. Gamers often complain about these issues while playing titles that are highly demanding.

Otherwise, if you are more concerned with less tasking content, the Bluetooth headphones will offer a surprisingly smooth performance. You can try watching movies from apps like Netflix and see the difference. Ultimately, if you want to run more powerful titles, it is advisable to use a cable to link the Oculus Quest and the headphones.

Conversely, you can conveniently use the wireless connection and still enjoy access to non-demanding content. This way, you will be confident that there will be no latency issues from the Quest dealing with processing delays due to incompatibility.

You can also work around the wireless connection problems by acquiring a Bluetooth adapter. The receiver will enhance and amplify the processing time of both the audio and video output, and it will eliminate the previous latency issues and improve your Quest’s performance.

Once you have the Bluetooth transmitter, you can insert it into the headset’s audio jack and start. Ensure that you get the recommended receiver from a viable dealer; or else, using any transmitter you find in the market may disappoint you.

Generally, using this transmitter will offer you the consistent performance you can expect from a wired link. If you have trouble tethering the Oculus to headphones, there are some tips you can use.

First, switch on the Quest 2 and navigate the “Settings” menu. Next, choose “Experimental Features” before pushing the pair button next to “Bluetooth Pairing.” While on it, ensure that the headphones are active and ready to pair. Select the device you want to link to on the open screen and allow it to pair.

However, remember that not every output device will function effortlessly with the headset due to incompatibility issues with wireless connections. Therefore, don’t assume that your headphones are faulty if you encounter hiccups.

Do Bluetooth Headphones Have Performance Issues With Oculus 2?

Since the Bluetooth audio connection is not Meta’s official setup, users are often worried that they may experience some performance issues. No one wants their VR gaming ruined by such inconveniences. If you are a first-timer and want to know what to expect when buying wireless headphones for your Quest 2, here’s what to know.

If you make a Bluetooth connection, you will realize a significant difference in frame rates, and there will be in-game lags. It will be even more pronounced for fast-paced titles where you need to make quick movements. Secondly, the audio may not be in sync with the sound produced by the game.

Due to incompatibility issues between the devices connected via Bluetooth, it is also common to report latency since the gadgets deal with uncoordinated audios and videos, leading to slow processing speeds.

Typically, you would use the in-built sound system or a wired alternative to transmit sounds from your headset. The wireless method is not an official design from the developers, and being a workaround makes it susceptible to some challenges.

Knowing what to expect before buying Bluetooth devices and connecting them to the headset is best. The most common issues to expect are frame rates loss, latency, game stuttering, and lack of sync in audios.

It won’t be very reassuring for you to play quick games since the effects will be too prominent. Besides the difference in frame rates, you will notice latency, especially if your game often demands that you look around.

This latency results from the two incompatible devices, leading to poor processing performance. Another drawback to be wary about is game stuttering since it ruins the entire virtual reality experience, making it impossible to play.

Can You Use Airpods on Oculus Quest 2?

Oculus admits that the Oculus Quest 2 device supports the 3.5mm jack and the USB-C. Thus, it is a common concern whether you can use Airpods on Oculus Quest.

It is possible to use your Airpods on Oculus Quest 2. All you will do is go to the Experimental features and click on the pair button. Next, search for your Airpods and connect with them. For a successful Airpods and Oculus Quest 2 connection via Bluetooth, start by turning on your Quest 2 to access its universal menu from where you can pair your devices.

To turn on your device, use the power button on its side. While doing this, ensure that the battery bar is full. Your Oculus Quest 2 is on and running if the LED light below the power button is on.

With your Oculus Quest on, the next step will be pairing it with your Airpods. To make your Airpods discoverable, ensure you charge them fully. This may take about an hour and a half. Also, disconnect your Airpods from any previous devices.

On your Oculus Quest 2, access the universal menu to execute the commands and configurations for your device. To access this menu, hold the oculus button and wait for about five seconds for the menu to open.

You will see a list of settings, and you can proceed with pairing. While connecting your Airpods and Oculus Quest 2 via Bluetooth, you should note that this is not an official setting but experimental by the Oculus creators. Thus, you will likely experience some trouble in the process.

To connect your Airpods to the Oculus Quest, navigate the Oculus Settings and click on Experimental Features. Next, click on the Bluetooth Finder and select your Airpods. Your Airpods should be out of their case when doing this.

Next, press the pairing button at the back of the device and wait for your Airpods to pop in the list of active Bluetooth devices, then click on them to connect. You will know your Airpods are discoverable when their LED turns white. Upon successful connection, test your connection to determine if the Airpods are working.

After the above pairing, you are likely to be disappointed with the audio, in which case you should configure the volume. Given that you are using this feature in the experimental mode, you will not get a menu for this action. Thus, use the volume buttons of the Oculus Quest 2 to control your Airpods volume, and you can proceed with your game or stream.

Once done with your Airpods, you should disconnect them from your Oculus Quest 2 and put them back in the charging case. To do this, navigate to the Experimental features, tap on the Airpods, then click Disconnect.

Connecting your Airpods to the Oculus Quest 2 may not always be smooth. Among the problems that you might experience include low charge, connectivity, or pairing. Thus, always charge your devices fully before connection and ensure they are in close proximity.

Given the ear detection feature in Airpods, removing one from your ears will cause the other one to disconnect, a feature that you can turn off from the Airpods settings. You should also ensure no active connections before trying a new one lest you fail.

Finally, the connection may be unsuccessful due to a hardware problem. If you follow the above steps in vain, try connecting your Airpods to a different device to detect any hardware issues. Failure to record a successful connection indicates a problem with one of your devices.

If the above remedies do not resolve your connection issues, restart your Oculus Quest 2 and return your Airpods in their charging case. Next, shut the Airpods case and wait for about 15seconds before opening it. You can then take your Airpods and hold the setup button for ten seconds until the light flashes white to show that the Airpods are ready to connect and repeat the above pairing steps.

Like in headsets, a Bluetooth connection will work with Airpods, but you are likely to experience latency of up to five seconds and a drop in the video frame rate. The good thing is that you can reduce this significantly with a Bluetooth transmitter. A transmitter will reduce the latency to around 40ms, making it tolerable for most users.

To pair your Airpods to Oculus Quest 2 through a transmitter, turn on your transmitter and enable Bluetooth pairing on both devices. Once connected, the lights in the transmitter and your Airpods will turn to their respective status, and your audio should come through the Airpods.

Wrap Up

Bluetooth connection is convenient as it allows users to stream or game without wires hanging around their heads. The Oculus Quest 2 supports Bluetooth through the experimental mode, enabling you to enjoy VR gaming on another level.

Conventionally, you can use the in-built sound from the Oculus headset or make a wired connection. These methods are recommended by the developers and are the most effective. However, if you want to eliminate the extra wires, you will be glad to know that there is a possible workaround.

You only have to go to the “Settings” and find “Experimental Features” and pair it with a Bluetooth gadget. Although it will connect successfully, you may experience issues with latency, stuttering, and lack of synchrony, ruining VR gaming for you. Therefore, it may be best to stick to the traditional modes instead of Bluetooth, especially for fast-paced games.

It is also possible to use your Airpods on Oculus Quest 2 in the Experimental mode. To do this, turn on your Quest 2, and on its universal menu, pair your devices. While doing this, ensure that you fully charge your devices.

Bal Kang

Bal Kang is a technology expert based in the UK, with experience across a number of technology areas from phones, tablets, computers to gaming.

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