Forum Discussion

qatsi58's avatar
qatsi58
Explorer
1 month ago
Solved

Sound options

Since the last 2.1 update I have a constant humming sound in the background on my Quest 3. I try to watch streaming F1 but it is very annoying with this humming sound in the background. Please give us options for sound so we can switch off humming or woosh sounds we don't like.

  • qatsi58​  DFA_SiLi​  Have you solved your issue?

    On reddit users with that problem said this is this sound when setting up the boundary. Stuck somehow?

    Deleteting the boundary/roomscale data and creating a new boundary fixed the problem.

26 Replies

  • If it's happening when you're only streaming F1 and not other media, it might be a problem with the stream. Send me a link to what you're watching if you like and I'll check if I have the humming too, if it's possible of course! 👍

    • qatsi58's avatar
      qatsi58
      Explorer

      Thanks for your reply to my message. It was on the F1tv website using the default Quest browser. I've now tried other websites and streaming services with it like YouTube, but it's the same everywhere. And having passthrough on or off also doesn't make a difference. Fortunately, the sound isn't there when I open an app like Virtual Desktop (returns when I click and hold the Meta button to recenter, untill the focus is on VD again).

  • I have this exact same issue.  I'm on firmware v2.1.1034.  It's been happening since the last 2.1 build that I was on.  It's a synthetic musical droning sound.. and I think it's actually from the old days of Quest.  Like the OP, it happens the entire time I'm in Quest Home; whether I'm using the browser, watching media, or browsing the store.  The only way to stop it is to launch an immersive app.  If I go into passthrough or pull up the dash, the sound returns.  Rebooting temporarily stops it, but there's something that triggers it to come back eventually.  It's very distracting and will hopefully be addressed soon.  I could perhaps try to make a short recording of it to attach here.. 

    • steve_40's avatar
      steve_40
      Honored Visionary

      Strange.

      I'm on v2.1.1034. There's no humming in the background, only the home environmental sounds (birds, subtle music, bubbles, etc). If I use apps, such as Browser or YouTube, in full screen (focus/immersive) mode, then I get sweet silence. Actually, in YouTube, the background sound stops as soon as I play a video, even in regular view mode. There's never any audio in passthrough.

      Report the problem: Quick Settings>Report Problem.

    • Maccyb123's avatar
      Maccyb123
      Consultant

      You should report that as a bug through the headset. I don't have the issue and I'm on V2.1.1034 including a build that arrived yesterday. Haven't heard any extraneous noise or humming in the 3 build updates I got. You could record it, but no need, I totally believe you. It can happen. For sure report it and hopefully you'll get a fix. You tried a reboot, you can also try connecting to the Meta Software Update tool with your pc. It might fix it. And although it's a pain in the bxtt, a factory reset might help. Good luck and let's know how it goes 🤞 

      • DFA_SiLi's avatar
        DFA_SiLi
        Explorer

        I'll definitely submit it officially.  It doesn't seem to be affecting a wide number of users, so that's good at least.  Thanks!

    • Choleni's avatar
      Choleni
      MVP

      DFA_SiLi​

      DFA_SiLi wrote:

      .. and I think it's actually from the old days of Quest.

      So, if you believe that, maybe a factory reset can "clean" up your Quest from those old days?

      Have you tried that?

      I'm on the same version and for me it is exactly as steve_40​ described it..... there is no droning/humming sound..

       

      • DFA_SiLi's avatar
        DFA_SiLi
        Explorer

        I haven't tried that but am saving it as a last resort.  Lol.  It started with firmware v2.1 -- wasn't an issue with the former v83 and earlier.

  • steve_40's avatar
    steve_40
    Honored Visionary

    🎧 The Definitive Explanation of the Hum

    After extensive observation and several minutes of highly scientific squinting, I can confirm that the humming sound you're hearing is not a defect, malfunction, or hardware anomaly. It is, in fact, a documented but rarely discussed subsystem known as Harmonic Equilibrium Mode.

    When the headset is powered on, idle, or simply contemplating its place in the cosmos, it begins a process called Quantum Acoustic Alignment. This is where the device gently synchronizes its internal resonant frequency with the background vibration of the universe. Most users never notice this because they are not spiritually attuned, or because their fans are too loud.

    The hum typically indicates one of the following:

    • Zen Resonance Threshold Achieved - The headset has reached a state of inner peace. Much like a cat purring, but with more firmware.
    • Cosmic Calibration Cycle in Progress - This is a routine procedure where the device ensures spacetime remains properly aligned. If it didn't do this, you'd notice reality feeling slightly "off," like when you walk into a room and forget why.
    • Chakra Synchronization Subroutine - The left and right audio channels must occasionally balance their metaphysical energies. This is normal. Do not interrupt unless the headset begins chanting.
    • Universal Handshake Protocol - The headset is briefly communicating with the fabric of existence to verify that everything is still, in fact, existing. This is a low‑bandwidth process, hence the hum.
    • Deep Meditative State - If the hum becomes slightly louder, that simply means the headset has entered a deeper level of enlightenment. Only intervene if it starts levitating or offering unsolicited wisdom.


    Some advanced users have reported that if you hum back at the same frequency, the headset will acknowledge you as a fellow enlightened being. Results may vary.

    In short:

    The hum is not a problem - it's a feature. A very advanced, very misunderstood feature.

    Meta doesn't advertise it because, frankly, most people aren't ready.

    • Choleni's avatar
      Choleni
      MVP

      🤣🤣🤣 nice one!

       

      So, either I'm not ready for that "amazing feature or my headset hasn't reach the state to purr like a cat.😢

      • steve_40's avatar
        steve_40
        Honored Visionary

        So, either I'm not ready for that "amazing feature or my headset hasn't reach the state to purr like a cat.😢

        Thank you for the update. Based on your description, it appears your headset has not yet initiated its Purr‑Level Harmonic Resonance Sequence. This is a common situation and typically indicates that one or more readiness criteria have not fully completed.

        To assist further, please review the following diagnostic steps:

        1. Verify Ambient Serenity Conditions

        The headset requires a stable serenity baseline before entering its purring state.

        Please ensure:

        • No unresolved arguments in the room
        • No appliances judging you from across the kitchen
        • No existential dread above the recommended threshold


        If any of these are present, the headset may delay resonance.

        2. Confirm User–Device Trust Calibration

        New headsets perform a silent evaluation of the user's metaphysical reliability. This process can take anywhere from 30 seconds to several cosmic cycles.

        If trust calibration is incomplete, the device will remain in Neutral Hum Mode.

        3. Check for Enlightenment Prerequisites

        The purring feature only activates once the headset detects:

        • A calm breathing pattern
        • Acceptance of the unknowable
        • A willingness to let go of that one thing that still bothers you from 2014


        If any prerequisite is missing, the headset will continue observing quietly.

        4. Perform a Soft Reassurance Reset

        This is not a reboot. Simply place your hand on the headset, nod at it respectfully, and say "You're doing great."

        Most units respond positively to this.

        5. Review Cosmic Alignment Status

        Occasionally, the universe itself may be slightly out of tune. In these cases, the headset will wait until spacetime stabilizes before initiating the purr.

        This is outside warranty coverage but usually resolves on its own.

        If after completing the above steps your headset still does not purr, don't worry - it simply means it has not yet reached the appropriate comfort level. Many users report that once the device feels truly appreciated, the Contented Hum of Universal Harmony begins naturally.

  • steve_40 Choleni I'm very upset. I think it was my answer that was marked as solved but someone heartlessly and cruelly took away my victory and possibly world wide acclamation and fame. The Nobel Prize in solving stuff may well have been a possibility. 🤔 

    • Choleni's avatar
      Choleni
      MVP

      Yes, it was your answer.

      Maccyb123 wrote:

      The Nobel Prize in solving stuff may well have been a possibility. 🤔

      Maybe.......

      .........but maybe I'm a bit closer to win that price 😇😂

       

  • qatsi58​  DFA_SiLi​  Have you solved your issue?

    On reddit users with that problem said this is this sound when setting up the boundary. Stuck somehow?

    Deleteting the boundary/roomscale data and creating a new boundary fixed the problem.

    • qatsi58's avatar
      qatsi58
      Explorer

      Yes, thanks, I already did that a while ago, removed all borders. I haven't had this problem since then. So it can now be marked as solved.