Ever want to load an .apk onto your headset without having to Build & Run from within Unity? Here’s some clear-cut instructions on how to sideload an .apk file onto the internal storage of an Oculus Quest Headset.
2021 Update: It’s easier to download the Oculus Developer Hub (requires a free Oculus Developer account). Once installed, the Developer Hub allows you to upload files to your headset via your PC with the headset connected by USB.
Get Yourself Set Up
Register as a developer on the Oculus account associated with your quest.
Enable developer mode on your Quest. With your Quest turned on, access your Oculus App on your mobile device, go to Settings> Confirm Quest is Connected> More Options> Developer Mode> On. Restart Quest.
Install ADB (Android Debug Bridge) via Android SDK Command Line Tools on your computer.
Install Android File Transfer on your computer if you don’t already have it.
Connect your headset to your computer with a Quest USB cable.
Launch Terminal
Launch TerminalWith your Quest connected via USB, run the command in terminal: ‘adb devices’ to see if ADB recognizes the device. If so, run one of the following commands:
Install: adb install /path/to/your.apk
Reinstall/Override: adb install -r /path/to/your.apk
Uninstall: adb uninstall com.unity.yourPackage.Name
All packages installed: adb shell pm list packages -3 -f (This will help you find out the exact name of an .apk package you want to uninstall)
It might take a few seconds to install, but will return with ‘Success’.
Note, it will install with the package name you specified in Unity Player Settings (default is com.oculus.UnitySample). Make sure you change the package name per project otherwise you will keep overriding any pre-existing projects with the same default package name on your device.
Launch the App
Your sideloaded apps will be in Library>Unknown Sources. Access it from the ‘All’ dropdown menu in the top right corner. It will be at the very bottom of the list.
You can also look into the SideQuest app, which may be a better fit for anyone who isn’t comfortable working in Terminal. Don’t forget to share screenshots of your apps on the Vectorworks to VR facebook group!
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