How to Set Up Air Link on Meta Quest 2

Introduction

The Meta Quest 2 has a lot of processing power, but it still isn’t as powerful as modern gaming PCs. As a result, the Quest 2 can’t natively run a lot of the more demanding VR apps on the market. Thankfully, you can easily connect your Meta Quest 2 wirelessly to a more powerful computer using the Air Link feature to leverage your computer’s power to access some of the more demanding games. Please be aware that the computer you connect your Meta Quest 2 with must meet some compatibility requirements.

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Steps to Set Up Air Link on Meta Quest 2

1. Open a web browser and navigate to www.Oculus.com/setup. Scroll down this screen until you see the Air Link and Link Cable section, and then click to download the Oculus app setup software.
2. Click to run the downloaded setup file, which will open to the Welcome to Oculus screen. Click “Get Started.”
3. Review the terms and conditions on the next screen, and then click “Agree” if you want to move forward. The next screen asks where you want to install the Oculus software. Choose the location where you want to install the Oculus app on your computer, and then click “Install Now.” A message is displayed letting you know the Oculus app has been installed.
4. Click “Next.” You’ll land on a screen prompting you to log in, either with your Facebook account or an Oculus account. Choose your desired method. The next window will let you know that you’ll be redirected to the Oculus desktop app you just installed. Click “Continue.”
5. Choose the folder where you want to save Oculus Store app purchases, and then click “Continue.”
6. Choose your Oculus headset and then click “Continue.” The next screen will prompt you to choose the method you want to use to connect your Oculus Quest 2 to the Oculus app, which will either be using a Link Cable or Air Link.
7. In this example I’ll choose to use Air Link. Click “Continue” after making your selection. You’ll land on the Connect Your Headset screen, letting you know that you need to put on your Quest 2 headset to move forward with this setup.
8. Turn on your Meta Quest 2 headset, navigate to your Oculus Quest 2 home screen, and then press the “Oculus” button on your right-hand controller to bring up the menu bar.
9. Click the “Quick Settings” area in the menu bar.
10. Click “Quest Link” in this menu.
11. Click to enable “Use Air Link” if it’s not enabled already. You’ll see a list of PC’s connected to the same wireless network that are running the Oculus app.
12. Click the computer you want to connect to, and then click “Pair.” A Confirm Pairing Code screen is displayed, showing the code that you’ll need to input in the Oculus Quest PC app.
13. Take off your headset, and then check the Air Link pairing code that’s displayed in your PC. Tap “Confirm” if the numbers match. You’ll see a message letting you know that your pairing code has been confirmed and that you need to put on your Oculus Quest headset to continue.
14. Put your Meta Quest 2 headset back on, navigate to your Oculus Quest 2 home screen, and then press the “Oculus” button on your right-hand controller to bring up the menu bar.
15. Click “Quest Link” on this menu.
16. Make sure your computer running the Oculus software is listed as connected, and then click “Launch.” After a few seconds you’ll be connected to the Oculus app on your Windows computer using the Air Link functionality, and you’ll see the Oculus app running on your computer in your Quest 2 headset display.

Should I Use Air Link or Link Cable to Connect Meta Quest 2 to Computer?

The Meta Quest Link Cable is a physical cable that you can use to connect your Quest 2 to a computer. The Link Cable lets you access and play Oculus Rift titles directly on your Quest 2. Using a Link Cable also gives you access to a variety of other virtual reality tools, such as Oculus Dash and the Oculus Debug Tool. You can find a variety of Meta Quest Link Cable options available for purchase on Amazon.

Oculus Air Link also lets you connect your Quest 2 to a computer, but instead of using a physical cable you make the connection wirelessly using a 5Ghz Wifi connection. Oculus Air Link also lets you access and play Oculus Rift titles on your Quest 2, similar to the Meta Quest Link cable. The only potential downside with using Air Link is that it requires a stable and fast Wifi connection to work properly, and may not be as reliable as using the physical Meta Quest Link cable.

Both the Meta Quest Link Cable and Meta Quest Air Link are great ways to get access to, and play, Oculus Rift titles on your Quest 2, but the Meta Quest Link Cable may be the more reliable option due to its physical connection.

Benefits of Using Air Link Versus Using the Link Cable with Meta Quest 2

1. Wireless Experience with Air Link

The Air Link is a game-changer for Oculus Quest 2 users. It lets you enjoy VR content wirelessly, without the hassle of cables. No more getting tangled in wires or worrying about tripping over them. With Air Link, you can freely move around your room, interact with the virtual world, and enjoy an immersive experience.

2. Portability and Versatility

The wireless nature of Air Link makes the Oculus Quest 2 much more portable. You no longer need to be near your gaming PC to enjoy VR. Take your headset to a friend’s place, to a park, or simply move around your room. The versatility of Air Link opens up new possibilities for VR users.

3. Reduced Latency

One of the biggest advantages of Air Link is the reduced latency. It uses Wi-Fi to connect to your PC, which can result in lower latency compared to the Link cable. This is crucial for a smooth and responsive VR experience. With Air Link, you’ll enjoy quick and accurate movements in the virtual world.

4. Improved Picture Quality

Air Link supports a refresh rate of up to 90Hz, which is a significant improvement over the 72Hz offered by the Link cable. The higher refresh rate results in a smoother, clearer, and more enjoyable VR experience. You’ll enjoy more lifelike graphics, reduced motion sickness, and an overall better VR experience.

5. Compatibility

Air Link is compatible with a wide range of Wi-Fi routers and networks. This makes it accessible to users who don’t have a dedicated gaming PC setup. The compatibility of Air Link opens up VR to a larger audience, and makes it easier for people to start exploring the virtual world.