What is this famous mode?
Developer mode is a feature of the Android systempresent as a result in the vast majority of our smartphones, connected watches, tablets, etc. It allows to open the system to the modification of specific parameters and to more advanced manipulations (hidden menus and features, changing display settings, unlocking OEM, USB and wireless debugging, logging management, metrics display, advanced network and Bluetooth settings, etc.). As its name suggests, this mode is primarily aimed at developers.
But it is also very useful, even essential for us users of autonomous virtual reality headsets running on Android. It allows you to install applications not present in the store official Metabut found on alternative stores like Itch.io or Side Quest. These are full of nuggets, resulting from the work of talented developers. This mode is also useful for installing applications primarily intended for smartphones, but fully compatible with our headsets, such as Spotify.
However, we come up against the barrier imposed by Meta in terms of security and to its closed system which designates as a threat any application not verified by it and coming from unknown sources. We can’t blame him, indeed, we are not safe from anything. The infected applications circulating on the blinds of our smartphones are legion.
Still, without this famous privilege, we deprive ourselves of an infinity of beautiful applications. the store official of Meta is just the tip of the iceberg. This is how you can find the app Pi Launcher on Side Quest or the now essential Quest Games Optimizer on Itch.io. Developer mode also allows us to send commands ADB to our headsets to change game resolution, processor power, refresh rate, etc. It is therefore an undeniable asset for any owner of Meta Quest.
Under no circumstances does this mode call into question the guarantee of your helmet. This is a manipulation proposed by Meta itself and which is used by all video game developers.
Creation of the developer account
To access developer mode, we need to create an organization that will represent us. This is what video game developers naturally do.
- Go to the following address: https://developer.oculus.com/manage/organizations/create/
- Identify yourself. We chose the account Meta in our case. It is important that this account is the one you use in your headset.
- Once logged in, Meta asks you to validate your identity by choosing either to enter your bank details or your telephone number. We choose two-factor authentication with receipt of an SMS.
- A new tab then opens and prompts you to enable two-factor authentication. Simply click on “Edit”.
- Then, at your option, you can either receive a code by SMS or use an authenticator application. We use the first method.
- Here we fill in our phone number. Choose the prefix linked to your country (1) then fill in your telephone number by removing the zero in front (2). Finally, click on “Send” (3).
- Enter the code received by SMS and click on “Send”.
- Two-factor authentication mode is enabled. You can return to the previous tab. A message displays that your developer account has been verified. Then click on “Select an organization” (1) then “Create” (2).
- Fill in the name of your organization. You can put almost anything, if the organization does not already exist (1). Check the liability clause (2) then click on “Send” (3).
- In this last step, tick the box “I accept” (1) after reading the confidentiality agreement then click on “Send” (2).
- You now have a developer account!
Meta made a point of framing things, and the previous steps, while very simple, may put people off. Conversely, activating developer mode on an Android smartphone or even on a PICO Neo 3 Link and PICO 4 is child’s play. All we need to do is, in the headset settings, click eight times on the system version number as follows:
Enabling developer mode
It is now necessary to pass our Meta Quest in developer mode to take advantage of these new possibilities.
- Go to your Meta Quest mobile app.
- Then select your device.
- Go to the “Developer mode” section.
- And finally, activate it.
- Now all you have to do is go to your headset and filter your apps by selecting “Unknown Sources”. This is where you will find your games and applications installed from Side Questfor example.
Well, there’s nothing rocket science. The manipulation was done in a few minutes and you can now enjoy all the customization possibilities offered by the developer mode, but also install any application. Quest or Android 2D like Discord Where Spotifyfor example, but that’s for another tutorial.