Do you need a Facebook account to use Oculus Quest?

Facebook is right in the name

Once upon a time, Facebook and Oculus accounts were separate. As of Oct. 1, 2020, that's no longer the case if you're joining the Oculus family for the first time. After October 1, all new players will be required to sign into their Oculus Quest or Oculus Quest 2 with their Facebook account. Facebook says that current Oculus account holders should merge their Oculus accounts with their Facebook account before Jan. 1, 2023 in order to avoid complications.

Since it's launching on October 13, the Oculus Quest 2 can only be used with a Facebook account.

Facebook says that it's merging Oculus accounts with Facebook accounts in order to provide better transparency with how it handles user data. Facebook also wants to make finding and communicating with friends in VR a simpler affair. Given that most people have a Facebook account, it seems logical for the company to merge its services instead of forcing players to make lots of separate accounts.

What if I don't want to merge my Oculus account with my Facebook account?

Existing Oculus accounts will not be required to merge with a Facebook account, however, not merging will create several limitations. Facebook says that it cannot guarantee that all games, apps, and services will work with Oculus accounts after January 2023 because Facebook accounts will be used for authentication, payment, and communication exclusively after that time. If you don't have a Facebook account on your Oculus device, it likely won't be possible to authenticate with the store, make payments, or even communicate with other players.

How to log into an Oculus Quest with your Facebook account

Logging into Facebook on your Oculus Quest or Oculus Quest 2 is simple. Before you power up the headset, follow these instructions.

1. Download the Oculus app on your smartphone. Go here for the Android version, and here if you have an iPhone.
2. Once the app is downloaded, log in with your Facebook account.
3. Power up your Oculus Quest headset.
4. On the Oculus app, select the Oculus Quest or Oculus Quest 2 to pair the headset with your Facebook account and smartphone.

And that's all you need to do. With a Facebook account, players will be able to easily find and chat with their friends without ever having to take the headset off their heads. You'll also be able to easily share screenshots, videos, and even livestream your gameplay to Facebook through the Universal Home Menu on the Oculus Quest.

A Facebook account also unlocks exclusive events like concerts, movie screenings, and more through the Events section. The upcoming Facebook Horizon even promises to help you join your friends in a virtual environment where you can hang out, play games, and more, all without having to navigate a web page.