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New Participant
January 18, 2026
Solved

Quest 3 fan always on, VR does not work :-(

  • January 18, 2026
  • 6 replies
  • 442 views

Hello everyone,

 

First of all, I hope that the translator works reasonably well and that my post is understandable.

The day before yesterday, I wanted to use my Meta Quest 3, but unfortunately, apart from the fan running continuously, nothing else works. There is no response when I try to turn on the headset (which is sad because it is almost new, less than 3 weeks of operating time) and it was also permanently stuck in one position. โ˜น

The headset and screen remain black, the fan runs continuously (you can hear it), and it does not respond to the on/off switch. Even when I connect the headset to the computer, nothing is recognized.

I tried a โ€œhardโ€ reset (power on and volume down button). Unfortunately, the fan only stops spinning briefly (approx. 1-2 seconds) and that's it. Somehow, it seems to me as if the software is missing or the bootloader is stuck somewhere and can no longer load anything (although it should actually be recognized by a watchdog?).

As mentioned above, the headset is almost like new. I bought it new in May 2025, it has no signs of use (if any, then minimal and not visible) and has been used for a maximum of 3 weeks (due to a lack of time in my private and professional life, I only got around to using it now). The headset was always stored safely in a cupboard and had quite a bit of Games and Apps installed.

I searched online for information and, while skimming through the results, saw that there is supposed to be or has been a software update that may cause this error with some VR headsets, but it seems to be an old problem.

I clicked on support on the Meta website. Under Quest 3 error help, there are 10 predefined errors, but none of them are related to this, and I don't know what to select there, as there is no field for entering your own error (did I overlook something? If not, what's the point of this if you can't report other errors?).

I'll check again when the battery is dead to see if I can get the VR to work somehow. However, I have serious doubts, but maybe someone else has an idea?

Best regards

 

 

    Best answer by steve40

    The headset and screen remain black, the fan runs continuously (you can hear it), and it does not respond to the on/off switch. 

    Your headset is bricked, unfortunately, and is in EDL mode (Emergency Download Mode). This is unrepairable by the user. A factory reset or the Quest Software Update Tool won't fix it.

    If it is under warranty (I presume it is, as it is new), send it back for replacement or refund. If not, then that is the end of that headset ๐Ÿ˜ต๐Ÿ’€.

    6 replies

    steve40
    steve40Answer
    Honored Contributor
    January 18, 2026

    The headset and screen remain black, the fan runs continuously (you can hear it), and it does not respond to the on/off switch. 

    Your headset is bricked, unfortunately, and is in EDL mode (Emergency Download Mode). This is unrepairable by the user. A factory reset or the Quest Software Update Tool won't fix it.

    If it is under warranty (I presume it is, as it is new), send it back for replacement or refund. If not, then that is the end of that headset ๐Ÿ˜ต๐Ÿ’€.

    New Participant
    January 18, 2026

    steve_40โ€‹

    Hi,

    I had already suspected something along those lines. So there's nothing I can do as a user, since I don't have access to the headset in that sense.

     

    I'm just wondering how this could have happened and why there isn't some kind of software โ€œlockโ€ to prevent this from happening accidentally.... Well, the VR  is still under warranty, and it's probably a so-called โ€œMonday deviceโ€ :-D

    I've already called and reported the damage (to the seller). Now I have to dig out the support email and report the damage to Meta somehow. Finding it is the magic word (it's really chaotic with the software/account stuff, etc.).

     

    But better now than after the warranty expires. I don't want to be without the VR (all Devices VR) or the Quest 3 anymore. It's great that something like this exists^^.

     

    Greetings

     

    New Participant
    September 11, 2026

    Please try removing any protective film that you installed yourself in front of the Quest 3's front cameras.

    After that, try shutting it down and pressing the power button, or try charging it, and see if the fan still keeps spinning abnormally.

    I found out today that this method worked for my Quest 3, and I was so excited that I wanted to share it with everyone!

    Honored Contributor
    September 11, 2026

    amorwestโ€‹ Thanks for the information, we appreciate it. However you have posted this same comment 3 times, this can be flagged as spam and can get your account restricted. Just post it once in one thread and you can mark it as a possible solution and people will see it. Well done for taking the time to post it. ๐Ÿ‘ 

    Honored Contributor
    September 11, 2026

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