Complete Guide: Meta Quest 3 & VR4Autism

On iPhone: open the App Store. On Android: open Google Play Store. Search for "Meta Horizon" and install the official app (published by Meta Platforms). It is free.

Enter your real name, date of birth, and email address. Choose a strong password. Meta will send a verification email — open it and click the confirmation link.

After verifying your email, return to the Meta Horizon app and log in with your email and password. Keep the app open — you will use it in the next step to pair your headset.

Connect the USB-C cable (included in the box) to the charging adapter and plug it into the headset. The charging indicator light on the side of the headset will be orange while charging and turn green when fully charged. This may take 2–3 hours.

Carefully peel off the thin protective plastic films from the inside lenses of the headset. These are shipping protectors and must be removed before use — if left on, the display will be blurry.

Each Touch Plus controller has a battery tab inside the battery compartment — gently pull the paper tab to remove it and activate the battery. Attach the wrist strap to each controller by threading the cord through the loop and tightening it securely.

Press and hold the power button on the left side of the headset for approximately 3 seconds. You will hear a chime sound and see the Meta logo appear on the screen inside the headset. The headset is now on.

On the left controller: press and hold the Menu button (☰). On the right controller: press and hold the Meta button (the logo button). Hold each for about 2 seconds. You will see a blinking white light and feel a vibration when they are on.

Place the headset on your head and use the controllers to navigate the on-screen menu. The first screen will ask you to select a language — scroll through the list and select your preferred language using the trigger button on the controller.

The headset will ask you to choose a Wi-Fi network. Point the controller at your network name, press the trigger to select it, and enter the Wi-Fi password using the on-screen keyboard. Press "Connect" when done.

In the Meta Horizon app on your phone, you should see a prompt to set up a new device. Tap "Set Up", then choose "Meta Quest 3". Follow the on-screen prompts — the app will display a pairing code. A matching code will appear inside the headset. Confirm both codes match, then approve the pairing on your phone.

After pairing, the headset will automatically download and install the latest software update. This can take 5–15 minutes depending on your internet speed. You can remove the headset and wait — it will make a sound when the update is complete.

The headset will ask you to define a safe play area called the "Guardian". Choose "Stationary" if the child will be seated or standing in one spot (recommended for children). The stationary boundary is a simple circle around you. If you choose Room-Scale, you will trace the boundaries of your room using the controller.

After installing, press the Meta button to open the menu, then go to App Library. You will see all installed apps here. If you installed via Method A (Store), the app will be listed normally. If via Method B (APK), tap the filter icon and select "Unknown Sources" to find it.

Clear a safe area of at least 1–1.5 meters in all directions around where the child will stand or sit. Remove sharp objects, furniture corners, and tripping hazards. Set the Guardian boundary to Stationary mode.

Loosen the side straps, gently place the headset on the child's head, and tighten until it sits comfortably — snug but not tight. The child should see a clear image. If blurry, slide the headset slightly up or down on their face.

For children with autism, new experiences can be overwhelming. Let the child touch and explore the headset before putting it on. Explain what will happen in simple words. You can show them a short demo by holding the headset in front of their face without putting it on first.

After removing the headset, give the child a few minutes to readjust to the physical environment. Have them sit or stand still and look around the room before moving.

Wipe the facial foam pad with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Clean the outside of the headset with a microfiber cloth. Never use liquid cleaners on the lenses — only use a dry optical microfiber cloth for the lenses.

Store the headset in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Never leave it near windows where sunlight can hit the lenses — this can permanently damage the displays. Turn off the headset by pressing and holding the power button until you see the "Power Off" option.