The most common cause is a failed update. Other possible reasons are damaged system files, power problems, or getting too hot from charging for a long time. In this guide, we will discuss how to solve this problem.
1. Adjust the Head Straps
The first thing to check when you see a black screen on your Oculus Quest is the head straps. If the straps aren’t positioned properly, the headset might not detect that you’re wearing it, which can result in a black screen when you turn it on. Start by carefully readjusting the head straps. Make sure they are secure—not too tight, but not too loose either. Take a few minutes to fit the headset comfortably on your head and then see if the issue continues.
2. Clean the Proximity Sensor
The proximity sensor on the Oculus Quest can sometimes be the reason for the black screen. This can happen if the sensor is dirty or if there are gaps letting light pass through the foam around the sensor. To fix this, gently wipe the sensor with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any dirt or smudges. Next, cover the sensor with your thumb and check if the black screen disappears. If covering the sensor fixes the problem, light may be leaking in through the foam. In that case, try to find and close any gaps to prevent light from reaching the sensor.
3. Perform a Hard Restart
Sometimes, a regular restart isn’t enough to fix the black screen of death. A hard restart, which also clears the device’s cache, can often help resolve the problem. To perform a hard restart, make sure your Oculus Quest is powered on. If you’re facing the black screen, press and hold the Power button for at least 10 seconds. This will force the device to restart completely. Once it turns back on, check if the black screen persists.
4. Enable the Guardian Feature
The Guardian feature on the Oculus Quest allows you to set up virtual walls that help keep your play area safe. If you’ve disabled the Guardian in the developer settings, it could lead to the black screen issue, likely due to a software conflict that needs to be fixed by Meta. For now, re-enabling the Guardian feature should solve the problem.
5. Use the First Steps Tutorial
Another method to fix the black screen is by starting the First Steps tutorial. This involves casting your Oculus Quest to the Oculus app on your phone and launching the tutorial. Here’s how:
6. Factory Reset Your Oculus Quest
If none of the previous steps have fixed the black screen, your last option is to factory reset the device. Be aware that a factory reset will erase all your saved files and games. Factory resetting is recommended by customer support if all else fails.
