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YareliO
New Participant
February 8, 2026
Solved

Quest 3 Pairing Error on iOS: App accepts pairing code, finds headset, but fails to connect

Hi everyone, need some help with a stuck setup.

I'm trying to pair my new Quest 3 to my iPhone to finish the setup (and claim a referral), but I'm hitting a wall.

The Specific Issue: The app detects the headset via Bluetooth, and I am able to enter the 5-digit pairing code shown in the lenses. However, immediately after entering the code, the app attempts to pair/connect but then fails with an error (screenshot attached).

My Theory: I suspect this is a network permission bug. The Meta Horizon app needs "Local Network" access to finish the handshake, but the iOS system popup asking for this permission never appears. When I check iPhone Settings -> Meta Horizon, the "Local Network" toggle is completely missing. Only Location, Bluetooth, and Notifications are listed.

What I have already tried:

  1. Reinstalled the app multiple times.
  2. Reset Network Settings on my iPhone (to force permission prompts).
  3. Factory Reset the Quest 3 multiple times.
  4. Tried connecting via Personal Hotspot (cellular data) to bypass my router.
  5. Tried forcing the prompt by initiating Casting from the headset (didn't work).

Screenshot:

 

 

Has anyone solved this specific "code accepted but pairing failed" loop on iOS recently? Is there a way to force the Local Network permission?

Thanks!

    YareliOAnswer
    New Participant
    February 9, 2026

    The problem was with the glasses themselves: they were faulty, whereas the new ones activated in a matter of seconds.

     

    Thank you for your time😇

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    8 replies

    steve40
    steve40
    Honored Contributor
    February 8, 2026

    Make sure you have Location Permission settings enabled on the phone and for the Meta app. Also Local Network.

    It could possibly also be due to Bluetooth interference/congestion:

    Brand new Meta Quest 3S not pairing | Meta Community Forums - 1355227

    So try removing all other Bluetooth devices that are connected to your phone, and turn off as many other BT devices around your home and see if you can get the headset to connect.

    You could also try clearing the Bluetooth cache on your phone or even using a different phone:

    Paring issues | Meta Community Forums - 1365386

    Factory reset Quest 2, unable to re-pair headset. | Meta Community Forums - 1358370

    Meta quest 2 pairing code not working | Meta Community Forums - 1065513

     

      YareliOAuthor
      New Participant
      February 8, 2026

      The problem is that for some reason the app doesn't ask for permission to access the local network, no matter what I do with it. I reset the permissions settings on my phone, the network settings, and also reinstalled the app itself

       

      steve40
      steve40
      Honored Contributor
      February 8, 2026

      I can't remember if you have to set up wifi before or after this step, but make sure the phone and headset are on the same wifi. Try a different phone if possible, as that seems to fix a substantial number of pairing issues.

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