Skip to main content
diegocbarboza
New Participant
May 22, 2026
Question

Cannot connect with official link cable anymore

Hello, earlier this week I was playing with my Quest 3 connected to the PC with the official link cable. Then, the connection crashed and I'm unable to connect to the PC using this cable since.

Since I have only one USB-C port on my computer, I'm limited on what I can test, but I tried using a third-party cable and it worked. Also, I tried inverting the link cable ends (connecting the end that's supposed to connect to the headset to the computer and vice-versa) and it also worked.

So, it seems the problem isn't with the cable or the USB port.

I also tried reinstalling the drivers and the Horizon Link software, with no luck.

All I get is a "Charge only cable detected" in the Quest display.

Is there a fix to it?

Both the Quest 3 and the cable are around six months old and I never had this issue before.

4 replies

Choleni
Choleni
Honored Contributor
May 23, 2026

Hi diegocbarboza​ 🙂

Also, I tried inverting the link cable ends (connecting the end that's supposed to connect to the headset to the computer and vice-versa) and it also worked.

It might also work if you just flip the connector to the headset 180 degrees.

I think,  DaftnDirect​  mentioned somewhere in the forum that he need to do that with his link cable.

So, it seems the problem isn't with the cable or the USB port.

Not quite sure about that...... probably, you're flipping the the connectors when you change the plugs.

Google says this:

If your Quest Link cable only works when you flip the connector by \(180^{\circ }\), it means one of the internal high-speed data pins in either your headset's port or the cable itself is damaged or clogged. Because USB-C is symmetrical, flipping the plug allows the device to utilize the secondary, undamaged set of pins.

And I guess, this is why third party cables work. They are not fiber optic cables and might not use all pins. 🤔

My friend Google😄 also says this:

  1. Inspect and Clean the Ports

The most common culprit is debris or lint trapped inside the USB-C port on your Quest. 

  • Action: Inspect the port on your headset and the end of your Link cable using a flashlight.
  • Fix: Carefully use a wooden toothpick or a non-metallic tool to gently scrape out any lint or dirt. Compressed air can also be used, but hold the can upright to avoid spraying liquid propellant. 
  1. Check for Hardware Damage

If cleaning doesn't work, one of the internal pins on the connector might have been pushed out of place or broken, especially if the cable is frequently bent or pulled. 

 

 

 

diegocbarbozaAuthor
New Participant
May 23, 2026

It might also work if you just flip the connector to the headset 180 degrees.

I tried that before posting here. It didn't work.

And, of course, I searched for help before posting here also and tried a lot of different solutions, with no good results also.

    Choleni
    Choleni
    Honored Contributor
    May 23, 2026

    I tried that before posting here. It didn't work.

    Well, it was an option... you didn't mention that you already tried that 😉

    Richard9871
    New Participant
    May 24, 2026

    2 days ago the quest link software received an update. since then I wasnt able to connect to my pc via the cable, and when I tried to reinstall the meta quest link software the installer gave an error. I've raised a support ticket for this.

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement