The Quest 2 is a great VR headset, so why not let others join in on the fun? Here’s how you can set up multiple accounts on Quest 2.
When Meta announced that a Facebook account would no longer be required to log into its Quest VR hardware, the announcement was largely viewed through the lens of data privacy. There is still a lively debate about whether the option to sign in with a “meta account” really does anything to protect user privacy.
However, one major utility was overlooked in the announcement. Facebook account requirements limit one account to one headset. With Meta Accounts, users can have multiple accounts on one headset. So, how do you set up an additional account on Quest 2?
How to create an additional account on your Quest 2
The first step is to boot the headset as you normally would. Once you’re in VR, use the menu to go to Settings, then Accounts, and then select Add Account.
First, you can also select your profile picture from the toolbar at the bottom of the screen and then select Switch Account in the upper right corner of the resulting pop-up menu. This guide will give you the option to create a new account, walking you through the settings. It’s a little easier if you don’t know your surroundings very well.
After choosing to create a new account, a prompt in the headset will invite you to transfer the headset to another person. (If there is another person.)
While a mobile app is required to set up the headset for the first time, not every account needs to have the app. So, if you have more than one email, you can just use a different email to create a different account. The new account may contain your real name and date of birth. As long as the email is different, Meta doesn’t care.
Whether you’re creating a second account for yourself or the first account on someone else’s headset, the process is the same as setting up an Oculus Quest 2 account for the first time. Yes, you have to watch the tutorials and safety videos.
After that, it’s on to creating an avatar, setting your display name, and other more fun parts of account setup.
How Different Quest 2 Accounts Behave
Once a headset is set up for multiple accounts, (one Quest 2 can have four different accounts), each account holder needs to create a four-point unlock pattern for their profile. Upon powering up the headset, any user can go directly to their profile by entering their unique unlock pattern.
The original account will become the new “admin” account. However, the administrator has no special power over other accounts. Content like payment information is also unique to each user. Each user can essentially start with their own Quest 2 experience.
Apps downloaded by admins before additional accounts are created are “shared” with subsequent accounts. The administrator can avoid this by selecting the stacked dots icon in the lower right corner for the thumbnail for the app and selecting Lock. Unlock patterns are required to access locked apps.
However, non-admin accounts are not blocked from downloading and purchasing their own apps. After other accounts are created, apps remain in the library of the account that downloaded them, unless an account’s manager enables app sharing in their account settings.
This feature is disabled by default.
Enjoy Oculus Quest 2 with your friends, family, and more
The ability to host multiple accounts on a single headset has many potential use cases. Headsets are often distributed among families, work groups, or classrooms. Further, an individual can have multiple accounts on the same device to keep professional and personal apps separate. Whatever you use it for, it’s a good option.
