Lock pattern changed LOCKED OUT OF MY OWN META QUEST 3!

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What version software and build number is your Quest 3 on? I was under the impression that that 8-dot lock pattern was actually the OLD pattern, and the 9-dot pattern was the NEW pattern (I could be wrong). Have you somehow downgraded your software?

Anyways, the only solution is to factory reset your headset to erase the lock pattern, then set up your headset again from scratch.

Given all the software screw-ups from Meta, I would suggest sticking to a pin number, not lock pattern, in the future.

This happened to me too. I'm on the PTC and I think I was on v83.  The device prompted me to add an unlock pattern and presented me with 9 dots arranged in a square grid to set the pattern.  However, to unlock the device presents the 8 dots arranged in a hexagon.  This is clearly a bug.

There are a couple of threads on Reddit with a few users experiencing the same thing and are locked out of their devices until some kind of fix is made available.  Customer support told me to factory reset the device. 

Some users with dev mode enabled were able to unlock the device using ADB and entering the unlock pattern as numbers.  I do have dev mode enabled, but I have to authorize the device from within the headset first (which can't be done while it is locked).

There has to be some kind of better answer.  Perhaps Meta could provide update that can be manually sideloaded that can present the 9 dot grid so the unlock pattern can actually be entered?

Same prblem. Arrrghhhh....So FACTORY RESET only,. This sux.

Same issue here.

Hi Zxytro,

I totally understand your frustration — getting locked out of your own Meta Quest 3 is really stressful, especially when the lock pattern changes unexpectedly. Unfortunately, the behavior you described — the pattern changing from the 9-dot design to an 8-dot “octagonal” layout — seems like a bug in the system. Right now, the Meta Quest 3 doesn’t provide any way to recover access to the device if the pattern lock becomes unrecognizable, aside from a factory reset.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Factory Reset (the official method)
• Hold the power and volume down buttons together until the boot menu appears.
• Use the volume buttons to navigate to Factory Reset and press the power button to select.
• Confirm the reset.
2. Note: This will erase all data on the headset, including downloaded games and account info.
3. Before doing a reset
• If you had your Quest linked to your Meta account, some content and game progress may be recoverable after you log back in.
• You could also try logging in via a different Meta account on another device to double-check if anything can be synced or recovered.
4. Report the bug to Meta Support
• Make sure to report the pattern lock bug through the official support page or via the in-device support (if accessible).
• Include your screenshots — this helps Meta track and fix the issue for future updates.
5. Stay updated
• Keep an eye on system updates for your Quest 3. Meta may release a patch addressing this exact lock pattern problem.

I know a factory reset isn’t ideal, but unfortunately, that’s the only way to regain access if the pattern is truly inaccessible. Once reset, consider temporarily using a PIN instead of a pattern, at least until this bug is confirmed fixed.

Hopefully, Meta addresses this soon so others don’t run into the same problem!