Is there anyway to stop the Q3 from doing all it's setup nonsense with WiFi and phone App and whatnot

[aXeL]

Evening Q3 fans. Finally getting around to setting up my Q3 and ( TBH ) have been dreading it. For various reasons I won't go into, mostly security related, it's taken 40 mins so far and it's still wanting to do setup stuff totally unrelated to PC gaming.

1) The PC took a lot of convincing to recognise it on the USB port and even then there's only one it will work with. Strange since the Pico worked on all of them.
2) PC software and tethering is setup - yaay but useless... see below
3) Headset wouldn't let me do anything except connect to WiFi even though the PC software can see it's already connected and 'green' in the Quest App.
4) Ok WiFi setup then but it doesn't like the firewall, there's something I'm not seeing ( yes, every executable in the quest folder and sub-folders is now unrestricted but still I have to drop the firewall or it won't connect ).
5) Ok, firewall dropped, WiFi connected.
6) Now the headset won't let me do anything until I run an app on my phone to connect with it.

Ok, here I'm drawing the line. Either there's a way to skip all this or I'm giving up for the evening.

I don't supposed anyone has an approach that doesn't involve drink?

 

[DeckerSolo]

Been a while since I setup my Q3 so I'm not going to be very helpful here, but from memory there is no way round the phone app setup thing, you simply have to do it.
You have to created a Meta Account (not Facebook) and a Meta Horizon Profile, as a one off setup.
I don't have the app on my phone anymore its a one time setup process.

 

[DeckerSolo]

From Google Ai Search:

To set up a Meta Quest 3, you need a Meta account. This account replaces the previously required Facebook account for Meta Quest devices. You can create a Meta account using your email, or if you choose, link it with an existing Facebook or Instagram account.



Here's a breakdown:

• Meta Account:
  This is the primary account for managing your Meta Quest 3 and accessing its features.
  

• Meta Horizon Profile:
  This profile is associated with your Meta account and is used as your virtual social profile within the VR environment.
  
  
  
• Optional Facebook/Instagram Link:
  You can choose to link your Meta account with your existing Facebook or Instagram accounts for connected experiences. However, this is not mandatory for setting up the headset.
  
  
  
• Meta Horizon Mobile App:
  You'll need this app on your smartphone to complete the initial pairing and setup process.
  

 

[aXeL]

Thanks, done the whole Meta account stuff already via the PC app AND it's already tethered via USB to the headset. Still, the headset insists on doing nothing until it's setup with a phone. Tried a tablet just now but the 'continue' button in the Horizon app doesn't do anything even though I'm logged in and it 'knows' I have a headset. It just won't connect. Trying another phone. Having to use a hotspot because the WiFi is 'whitelisting' only and I can't get the MAC. Hmmm, maybe turn my PC WiFi hotspot back on and maybe get the MAC that way.

On the plus side, the panels look lovely but I seriously doubt I'll have it working tonight. Then, doubtless there will be loads of 'post mobile' setup to do and then doubtless loads of reasons SteamVR won't work unless I make lots of undocumented config changes. Can you tell I'm enjoying myself

I really wish Pimax would just hurry up with the CS so I can send this back.

 

[aXeL]

Ok, I think I have it more or less working although when I went to power it off, it complained it was installing an update, even though all the updates said they had completed, and then it switched off anyway. Nice that it lets me uninstall FB, Insta and WA though. Pity I can't remove the 'People' App.

Tomorrow I'll start on all the PC post install 'install' extra steps, whatever they maybe. Link is enabled for tethering but since one of the first things I did was switch off WiFi, I'll bet a million Quatloos that tomorrow it won't let me USB tether again unless it's connected to some sort of WiFi. Not looking forward to getting OpenComposite and VD running on this thing.

Gemini warned me the Quest 3 is a PIA to set up but I didn't listen since I don't usually put much stock in AI responses. That'll learn me. Of all the headsets I've had over the years the Q3 is, by a wide margin, the most ridiculous setup I have seen.

 

[Helmut Grokenberger]

don't have anything constructive to contribute, but that hassle there is why people should not buy Meta stuff. Remember how easy it was to set up the G2? Plug in, install WMR, set up your room, done. No account fiddling, no phone apps, nothing.

Also, it is Meta. They will consolidate any data they have on you, Meta account or not. And if they get caught, it will be an "unfortunate software problem".

Also, they are doing stuff like this.

 

[rilanglin]

Evening Q3 fans. Finally getting around to setting up my Q3 and ( TBH ) have been dreading it. For various reasons I won't go into, mostly security related, it's taken 40 mins so far and it's still wanting to do setup stuff totally unrelated to PC gaming.

1) The PC took a lot of convincing to recognise it on the USB port and even then there's only one it will work with. Strange since the Pico worked on all of them.
2) PC software and tethering is setup - yaay but useless... see below
3) Headset wouldn't let me do anything except connect to WiFi even though the PC software can see it's already connected and 'green' in the Quest App.
4) Ok WiFi setup then but it doesn't like the firewall, there's something I'm not seeing ( yes, every executable in the quest folder and sub-folders is now unrestricted but still I have to drop the firewall or it won't connect ).
5) Ok, firewall dropped, WiFi connected.
6) Now the headset won't let me do anything until I run an app on my phone to connect with it.

Ok, here I'm drawing the line. Either there's a way to skip all this or I'm giving up for the evening.

I don't supposed anyone has an approach that doesn't involve drink?

Yeah, the Q3 setup can be pretty frustrating the first time, especially with the Meta account requirement. I ran into the same issue where nothing moved forward until I linked it via the mobile app. Once that’s done, things smooth out a lot — but that first 30-60 minutes definitely feels like a test of patience. Hang in there!