With all hardware built directly into the headset itself, the Oculus Quest offers an untethered VR experience right out of the box.
But with its self-contained design, some may wonder – do you need an internet connection to use Oculus Quest?
The short answer is no, the Quest does not require internet access to function. However, there are some limitations.
While single-player games can be enjoyed offline, multiplayer gaming, software updates, and entertainment apps will need an internet connection.
Understanding what the Oculus Quest can and can’t do offline is helpful for deciding when WiFi is necessary and making the most of your VR headset regardless of connectivity.
Can You Play Oculus Quest Offline?
Oculus Quest 2 is entirely standalone – it doesn’t require any external hardware or a PC to run games or apps. However, there are some limitations on what you can do without an internet connection:
If you want to play multiplayer games, they must support local multiplayer or “pass-and-play.” It means two people use their headsets and controllers, but both must be in the same room simultaneously.
You can’t use voice chat if you don’t have an internet connection. It isn’t much of an issue for most people because headsets like Oculus Quest 3 already have built-in headphones that support audio chat over Bluetooth.
Oculus Quest Initial Setup Needs Internet
The Oculus Quest 2 initial setup needs the internet for registration and other purposes.
Quest’s initial design does require a phone or computer with internet access. You’ll need to connect it to the internet to download the Oculus app on your phone or computer and register the headset and controllers.
Here is how you can do the initial setup without the internet:
1) Download the Oculus app on your phone.
2) Open it and click on the “Get Started” tab.
3) Click on “Sign up.”
4) Enter your email address, password, and security code (if required).
You Can Play Offline After Initial Setup
Once you have set up Oculus, you can play offline. It is the way to go.
If you want to play offline, you do not need the internet connection active. The game will work without it. However, if you use the Oculus Home app, you will need an active internet connection.
Once you have set up your Oculus with all its software and drivers, it’s time to play games! There are two ways to do this: online or offline.
If you’re going with the first option, we recommend using an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi for better performance and less lag time during gameplay.
In addition, make sure that your computer has a solid Internet connection before starting the installation process, and make sure that there are no problems later on down the line (this especially applies if you live in an area where there’s no high-speed broadband).
However, there are some limitations to playing offline on the Oculus Quest.
Oculus Offline Restrictions
- Only single-player games with no multiplayer games can be played offline.
- You can only play games that have been optimized for the Quest.
- You can’t download new games while you’re offline.
- Games can’t be played online
- Things like Netflix and YouTube can’t be watched offline
- Virtual desktop apps like Virtual Desktop can’t be used without an internet connection
Can You Play Games on Oculus Without The Internet?
Yes, you can play games on Oculus Quest without Wi-Fi, but only offline and downloaded ones.
It means games that don’t require an internet connection or online multiplayer support.
You’ll need an internet connection if you want to get online and play online multiplayer games like Doom VR or Star Wars: Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series.
You’ll also need an active subscription to Oculus Venues if you want access to events like concerts or sports matches through the app’s live streaming service.
There are a few ways to play games on Oculus without the internet.
The easiest way is to use the Oculus Browser, a separate app that lets you browse the web without going through Facebook. You can download and install it from the Oculus Store.
You can also use an Android emulator like BlueStacks or Nox Player, which will let you run most Android apps on your computer. Just make sure you have installed Google Play Services on your PC before using it with an emulator, or else it won’t work correctly.
Finally, there’s Virtual Desktop for Windows and macOS, which lets you use your PC as a virtual screen for playing games in VR mode on any monitor connected to your computer.
How to Watch Movies Offline on Oculus
The Oculus headset is one of the most popular virtual reality headsets. With it, you can immerse yourself in a world of games and movies.
But what if you don’t have an internet connection? Here’s how you can watch movies on your Oculus without internet access.
Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video are some of the best ways to catch up on your favorite shows while traveling.
It’s easy to imagine using this feature while lounging in a hotel bed after a long flight or sitting in an airport waiting for your next flight, but what happens when you’re out of range?
That’s where offline playback comes into play. Here’s how you can download content from Hulu or Netflix onto your device so that you can watch it later without an internet connection or Wi-Fi access:
To download these streaming services and watch movies offline using Oculus Quest 2, you will need a storage device that supports the USB 3.0 protocol.
If your laptop doesn’t have this port, you will need to buy an external storage device with this functionality, such as an external hard drive or flash drive.
If you don’t have a network, move it to an SD card or USB drive, then insert the card or drive into your Quest device; this won’t work with external drives.
You don’t need additional downloads or software installed on your computer; just move the file.
How to Connect Oculus to Wi-Fi
You can connect your Oculus to Wi-Fi in several ways, which include:
By using the included controller or remote control. Press the Home button on either controller, then select Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi. Select your network and enter the password when prompted.
Using a USB cable connected directly from your PC or Mac computer to your device’s micro USB port; will give you access to features like streaming media from your computer’s library or mirroring its display on the headset’s screen.
You’ll also need an HDMI cable if you want to use an external display with your Oculus Go device.
This is not included with the purchase but is available at many electronics retailers online and offline as well as online marketplaces such as Amazon.com.
Does Oculus Come With Offline Games?
The Oculus comes with a built-in library of offline games which can be viewed in the Oculus Store.
Several options are available if you’re interested in playing games with your Oculus.
The Oculus Store includes hundreds of titles to choose from. The store is also divided into two sections: Games and Apps & Experiences.
If you want to explore the world of virtual reality, we recommend starting with some of its most popular free titles.
Which Games Come Offline
Arizona Sunshine: Arizona Sunshine is one of the most popular games among all the free offline Oculus Rift games. In this game, you will have to fight against zombies in the Arizona desert while defending yourself from them and trying to find your way out safely!
VRChat: If you want to socialize with other people in virtual reality, then VRChat is one of the best options that you can go with!
Lucky’s Tale: The adorable fox from Playful Corp.’s colorful platforming game Lucky’s Tale is back for a new VR adventure! Explore new worlds, meet fascinating creatures, and help Lucky find his best friend in this delightful game.
Henry: Explore Henry’s virtual home in VR with Touch controllers as you discover how he uses his imagination to bring toys and appliances to life in unexpected ways.
Oculus Dreamdeck: Travel through outer space, watch whales breach in the deep sea, and visit otherworldly destinations across the solar system at hyperspeed — before returning home to Earth.
My Final Thoughts
The Oculus is a standalone VR headset that doesn’t require a PC or smartphone to operate, unlike other high-end headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
Oculus is one of a kind. It’s a standalone VR headset that doesn’t require any other device to work or an internet connection to play games. All you need to do is plug it into a wall outlet and start playing games immediately.
But what if you want to take your Oculus with you on vacation? Oculus has a few different ways to watch entertainment without an internet connection.
The most obvious way is to have a local video on your device.
