Introduction
Using either the Air Link or Link Cable to run apps from your PC on your Oculus Quest 2 is a great way to expand what you can do on your Oculus Quest 2 VR headset. However, for many of those apps that you’ll want to run, like Roblox, you’ll receive an error that says you need to change your settings to allow apps from unknown sources to use them. This is because Meta, formerly Facebook, by default doesn’t allow you to run games they haven’t reviewed. Thankfully, changing your setting to allow apps from unknown sources on your Oculus Quest 2 is relatively easy.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to Allow Content from Unknown Sources on Oculus Quest 2
- Launch the Oculus app on your computer. Your Oculus app home screen opens.
- Click “Settings” in the menu on the left side of the screen. Your Oculus app settings window is displayed.
- Click “General” in the menu along the top of this screen. A list of general settings options is shown.
- Find “Unknown Sources” in this list, and then click the associated toggle to turn on Unknown Sources. A dialog box pops up asking if you’re sure you want to allow apps from unknown sources, and letting you know that these apps have not been reviewed by the Oculus team for security, comfort, content, or health and safety.
- Click “Allow” if you want to move forward with allowing apps from unknown sources on your Oculus Quest 2. Going forward you’ll be able to allow apps to run that have not been reviewed by Oculus, such as Roblox.
What Does ‘Content from Unknown Sources’ Mean?
Content from unknown sources on your Oculus Quest 2 headset encompasses games and apps that weren’t loaded to your device through Facebook’s Oculus Store. Examples of content from unknown sources include the following:
- Content that’s not available for purchase or download on the Oculus Store
- Content from indie developers
- Content that may be available on the Oculus Store, but has been modified and was acquired somewhere other than the Oculus Store
- Any content that was obtained outside of the Oculus Store
It’s important that content from unknown sources should not be dismissed without assessing the risks and benefits to determine if you’re comfortable allowing it in your house.
Benefits of Allowing Content from Unknown Sources on Oculus Quest 2
There are a few great reasons you should consider allowing content from unknown sources on your Quest 2 virtual reality headset:
1. Expanded Content Library
When you allow your Quest 2 to interact with content from unknown sources, you’ll be able to access games and apps that aren’t available on the Oculus Store because they haven’t been reviewed by the Oculus team
2. Experimental Features
Because virtual reality headsets are still relatively new, developers are constantly experimenting with new things they can do with the technology. As new features are being developed they will likely be made available to headset owners for beta testing. Allowing content from unknown sources on your Oculus Quest 2 makes it possible for you to participate in that public testing.
3. Free Stuff
Listing content in the Oculus Store incurs costs and fees for developers. As a result of this, some developers may opt to avoid the hassle of making their game on the Oculus Store and make it available for free. And as long as you allow your Quest 2 to interact with unknown sources, you’ll be able to tap into that universe of free VR stuff.
Is it Safe to Allow Content from Unknown Sources on Oculus Quest 2?
For all of its benefits, there are plenty of good reasons you may want to steer clear of allowing content from unknown sources on your Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset:
1. Viruses
Because content from unknown sources hasn’t been reviewed by Facebook, there’s the meaningful risk that it may infect your headset with malware or viruses. If this happens, someone could very easily steal your data and information, and potentially do irreparable damage to your device.
2. Compatibility
You may load content to your device that doesn’t work as advertised, and worse yet, may damage your headset.
3. Risky Content
Again, because content from unknown sources isn’t reviewed by Facebook, just because it says it’s appropriate for a certain age group doesn’t mean it actually is. You’ll want to be very careful and review any games you install from unknown sources, especially before you let children play them.
