My Quest 3 is stuck in USB Update Mode

[jeeter56.2023]

I am unable to factory reset, boot or turn the device off. When I select one of the above options, the meta logo flashes for a second and the Usb update mode page re-appears. I have extended warranty, should I request a new device? Right now the device is of no use to me.

[MetaQuestSupport]

Hey there, @jeeter56.2023! Having your headset stuck in this USB update mode is not ideal as it prevents you from playing your games, and we want to get you back to gaming quickly! We're going to recommend we proceed with a Factory Reset of the device. What this will do is reset the device to a "like-new" state, wiping all information and data off the device. Some of this data can be restored by enabling Cloud Backups beforehand; however, keep in mind that while Cloud Backup is available to all Meta Quest developers, it's up to developers to decide whether to enable this feature for their app and what data is backed up. You can find which installed apps have Cloud Backups enabled on the Cloud Backups page of your Meta account profile.

Once you've set up Cloud Backups, ensure your device is fully charged, then proceed with the directions found in the Meta Store Help Center. In this case, As you mentioned not being able to do so from your headset, please try the steps in this help article for doing a Factory Reset from your mobile app. 

Should that not work however, please reach out over a private message so we can look into the other options for your headset and go from there! Please select our name to get to our profile page, or click here. Next, click "Send a Message" to privately message us! Please remember, you must be signed into the community first to send us a private message.

[MetaQuestSupport]

Hey there, @jeeter56.2023! just checking in with you to see if you still need assistance with your headset. Please reach out over a private message if you still need assistance, and we will be happy to continue working with you.

[jdshaolinstar]

I have the same problem! I send a DM to support. Their only suggestion is a replacement. But I'm curious, what does the sideload update button do? Is it possible to put a firmware onto a USB drive and click "sideload update"?
Is sideload update for something that is already loaded onto device via ADB? We can only access fastboot when stuck in this sequence.
Does quest3 support booting from USB? If so, I'd like to fix it that way. 
I'm a fairly technical software dev and can fix PCs sometimes. But I can't fix a OEM locked device.

[jdshaolinstar]

Also, this seems to be a real problem thats happening to many people on this forum. Meta should provide some kind of Bios recovery utility. 

[oculusness]

Hi @jdshaolinstar  have you tried this - 

It may work on your paperweight, but the link to it may not be working, see the video comments.

Or this which does the same thing - 

[jdshaolinstar]

Clicking on sideload update also sends me back to the menu. and on boot only android shows up with the oculus update tool. fastboot commands work, but not adb commands

[leesydan]

have you found a fix yet

[jiju143.2025]

kudus hi its not working

[oculusness]

@jiju143.2025  sorry my friend. I have no more ideas. If it was my Q3 I'd be removing the inner faceplate and the outer faceplate to disconnect the battery from the mainboard. Then depress all the buttons to discharge the capacitors, then reconnect the battery and see if it gets past the boot menu. There are tutorials to get the front faceplate off.