How to Downgrade Oculus Quest 2?

Posted On 19/11/2023

Oculus Quest 2 is a fantastic virtual reality headset, but there are instances when users may want to downgrade their system software. Whether it’s for compatibility reasons, to resolve performance issues, or to revert to a preferred older version, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. We’ll ensure that you’re well-prepared, provide you with the essential tools, and guide you on how to safely downgrade your Oculus Quest 2 firmware. Let’s explore how to make this technical task a breeze.

How to Downgrade Oculus Quest 2?

Sometimes, newer isn’t necessarily better. Users may consider downgrading their Oculus Quest 2 for various reasons:

• Compatibility Issues with Apps: Newer firmware updates can sometimes cause incompatibility with certain applications or games.
• Performance Problems: If your Quest 2 isn’t performing as expected after an update, downgrading might help restore optimal performance.
• Preference for Older Features: Some users simply prefer the features or settings of a previous firmware version.

In each of these cases, downgrading can be a viable solution.

Preparing for the Downgrade

Gather Necessary Tools:

Before diving into the downgrade process, it’s crucial to gather the necessary tools and prepare your Oculus Quest 2 for the procedure. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Oculus Quest 2 headset: Ensure it’s fully charged and in good working condition.
• A computer with internet access: You’ll need this to download necessary files and tools.
• USB-C cable: You’ll use this to connect your Oculus Quest 2 to your computer during the process.

Backup Your Data:

Before proceeding with the downgrade, it’s essential to back up your data. This includes saving your game progress and backing up any virtual reality experiences you don’t want to lose. Be thorough in this step to avoid data loss.

Locating the Firmware:

To successfully downgrade your Oculus Quest 2, you’ll need to find the specific firmware version you want to install. Here’s how to locate it:

• Oculus Support Website: Visit the official Oculus support website to find a list of available firmware versions. Select the one that suits your needs.
• Firmware Compatibility: Ensure that the firmware version you choose is compatible with your Oculus Quest 2 model.

Downgrading Oculus Quest 2 Firmware

Accessing Developer Mode:

To downgrade the firmware on your Oculus Quest 2, you’ll need to enable developer mode and connect your device to your computer. Here’s how:

• Enabling Developer Mode: In the Oculus app on your phone, navigate to the “Settings” menu and select your Oculus Quest 2. Then, enable developer mode.
• Connect Oculus Quest 2 to PC: Connect your Oculus Quest 2 to your computer using a USB-C cable. Ensure that the device is recognized by your computer.

Using SideQuest:

SideQuest is a valuable tool for sideloading content and managing your Oculus Quest 2. Here’s how to use it for the downgrade:

• Download and Install SideQuest: Visit the SideQuest website, download the application, and follow the installation instructions for your operating system.
• Sideloading the Firmware: Once SideQuest is installed, locate and download the firmware version you want to install. Use SideQuest to sideload the firmware onto your Oculus Quest 2.

Completing the Downgrade:

After sideloading the firmware, you can complete the downgrade process:

• Installing the Downgrade Firmware: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the firmware. This may involve restarting your Oculus Quest 2.
• Verifying the Firmware Version: Once the installation is complete, verify that the firmware version has been downgraded to your desired version.

Checking Functionality:

After the downgrade, it’s crucial to test your Oculus Quest 2 to ensure that everything is functioning correctly. Here’s what to do:

• Testing VR Applications: Launch various VR applications to ensure they run smoothly without compatibility issues.
• Testing Performance: Evaluate the overall performance of your Oculus Quest 2 to see if the downgrade has improved any performance-related problems.

 Potential Issues and Solutions

While the downgrade process is generally straightforward, issues can sometimes arise. Here are potential problems and their solutions:

• App Compatibility Problems: If you encounter app compatibility issues, you may need to wait for updates from developers to address these problems.
• Resolving Performance Issues: If performance issues persist after downgrading, consider optimizing your Oculus Quest 2 by closing background apps and managing storage.
• Restoring Backup Data: If you experience data loss during the process, use your backup to restore your game progress and VR experiences.

How to Download Mods on Oculus Quest 2 Gorilla Tag?

Gorilla Tag is an immensely popular multiplayer game for Oculus Quest 2, and adding mods can enhance your gaming experience. To download mods for Gorilla Tag on your Quest 2, follow these steps:

1. Enable Developer Mode:

To sideload mods onto your Oculus Quest 2, you need to enable Developer Mode on your Oculus account. You can do this through the Oculus Developer Dashboard.

2. Download Mods:

Find the mods you want to install. You can typically find mods on community forums, websites, or dedicated modding platforms related to Gorilla Tag.

3. Install SideQuest:

SideQuest is a third-party platform that allows you to sideload apps and mods onto your Oculus Quest 2. Download and install SideQuest on your computer.

4. Connect Oculus Quest 2 to PC:

Connect your Oculus Quest 2 to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure that your device is recognized by SideQuest.

5. Install Mods using SideQuest:

Open SideQuest and locate the mods you downloaded. Follow the instructions provided by the modders or community to install the mods onto your Oculus Quest 2.

6. Launch Gorilla Tag:

Once the mods are installed, launch Gorilla Tag on your Oculus Quest 2 and see if the mods are active.

Remember that modding is not officially supported by Oculus, and it may have risks, including the potential to violate the terms of service. Additionally, modding can lead to instability or unexpected behavior in the game.

How to Downgrade Beat Saber Oculus Quest 2?

Downgrading software, including Beat Saber on Oculus Quest 2, might not be straightforward due to various reasons, including software compatibility, firmware updates, and potential changes in the Oculus platform. Oculus and game developers typically encourage users to use the latest versions for better performance, features, and security. However, if you have a specific reason for wanting to downgrade, here is a general guide.

1. Backup Your Data:

Before attempting any downgrade, it’s essential to back up your game data. This may include saved games, custom songs, or any other data you want to keep.

2. Find the Desired Version:

Locate the APK file for the version of Beat Saber you want to install. These files are often available on community forums or websites dedicated to modding Beat Saber.

3. Install Using SideQuest:

SideQuest is a third-party platform that allows you to sideload apps onto your Oculus Quest 2. Download and install SideQuest on your computer.

4. Enable Developer Mode:

Ensure that your Oculus Quest 2 is in developer mode. You can enable this through the Oculus Developer Dashboard.

5. Connect Oculus Quest 2 to PC:

Connect your Oculus Quest 2 to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure that your device is recognized by SideQuest.

6. Sideload the APK:

In SideQuest, find the APK file for the desired version of Beat Saber, and use the “Install to Headset” button to sideload it onto your Oculus Quest 2.

7. Launch the Downgraded Version:

Once the sideloading process is complete, you should be able to launch the downgraded version of Beat Saber on your Oculus Quest 2.

Keep in mind that downgrading may not always be stable or supported by the developers, and it could lead to issues such as data corruption or incompatibility with the latest Oculus firmware.

Conclusion

In conclusion, downgrading your Oculus Quest 2 firmware can be a useful solution for various issues, from compatibility to performance problems. By following this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the process smoothly and make the most of your VR headset. Remember to back up your data, choose the right firmware version, and test your Oculus Quest 2 after the downgrade to ensure a successful experience.