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Factory reset and firmware update, the right way

Anonymous
Not applicable
Hopefully this will prevent soft bricks and other hassles:

Most of us will never have any problems but if we do then often a factory reset is the best cure.
At least on something otherwise as limited as the GO.
Together with problems often comes a firmware update.
And since these do their stuff mostly in the background it is easy to miss something.

One thing first: Make sure that your GO and phone are connected to the same WiFI!!
Same for the phone being visible in BT mode!!
Using the GO on the 5GHz WiFi and the phone on the 2.4GHz WiFi is not working as it should!!

1. Firmware updates:
About once a week you should pair your GO with the phone or tablet used to set it up.
Just let them sit together for a while you have dinner or similar.
Only if both devices are paired and connected to the same WiFi it is possible to get and install firmware updates.
Leaving your GO for weeks without ever adding the phone could mean you miss out on vital updates.
In some cases it is advised to restart the GO after a firmware update to complete everything.
Do not restart while a firmware update is still in progress!

2. Factory reset:
Let's face it: With all the ongoing reports of bricked devices one can be hesitant to reset.
At least in theory there is a simple way to ensure a factory reset goes as planned.
The key of course is to follow step one first!
You simply do not want to do a factory reset if there is update pending!!
If you do then this update has to work in the background during the new set up of the GO.
And without the phone or tablet paired for this from the start it is easy to stuff it all up.
Worst case would be if a vital setup part happens while the firmware update tries to change files - brick.
Might also be possible that the block based updates require a fully set up GO to work in the first place.
You see that making sure the GO is updated to latest firmware stuff before attempting a factory reset...
There are many different options to a factory reset on the GO.
Like going into the settings on the GO or using the app on the phone.
The later is prefered as it would make sure that possible updates are checked first.
However, I prefer the classic and low level way.
By going through the recovery for a factory reset I can make sure really nothing on the GO is active and that I don't have to rely on a past boot command to work properly.
But even here I first check for firmware updates...

In case the reset still goes wrong:
Don't panic! The support is still able to fix it once you sent it back.
But there might be the option to do another factory reset if the GO is not booting up.
Enter the recovery manually by holding down the volume down button when starting the GO.
In the menu (using volume to select) use the factory reset option and confirm with a quick press of the power button.
If the firmware was not corrupted then the reset should proceed as normal and with some luck revive your GO.
Untested so far though...
Again I have to stress out to ensure the phone is paired and connected to WiFi.
13 REPLIES 13

LZoltowski
Champion
Thanks so much for taking the time to write the short guide, I am going to make this sticky in the GO section so it's easier to find for others.
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Anonymous
Not applicable
If it helps and works to prevent a brick then stick it.
Here to help, well, most of the time anyway....

Katz63
Honored Guest
aye thanks. I figured it would just do it itself if I hooked it up to some wifi.  I'll pair em up and load em on the wifi next chance I get.

kevinwarhaft
Adventurer
i just got the latest update
kevin warhaft

JRHeath99
Honored Guest
"About once a week you should pair your GO with the phone or tablet used to set it up" - Finally! An Oculus employee admitting that the GO IS NOT STAND-ALONE. Please, please publish this on a public site, so that we don't waste our time trying to keep it working without an supported iOS or Android device.

jagpipe
Explorer
Thought my recently purchased Go had also bricked, then read this.

Good point, @JRHeath99 about the device not being a standalone (as advertised). Not really complaining since my phone is nearly always with me, but when troubleshooting a device that's locked in the "three dots loading" mode and you think you have a standalone device, considering your phone as part of the equation doesn't exactly spring right to mind.

So yes - if you have ANY problem with your Go: Just make sure your phone is on and nearby (with your Oculus Go App open) and any issues should shortly if not immediately resolve themselves.

Other than that little hiccup, love the Go!

Suggestion for Those Who Are Listening: needs the ability to set a login preference for "Battery Saver" on...vs. having to do it manually each time you log in.

prettyweird
Honored Guest


AU-User said:

1. Firmware updates:
About once a week you should pair your GO with the phone or tablet used to set it up.
Just let them sit together for a while you have dinner or similar.
Only if both devices are paired and connected to the same WiFi it is possible to get and install firmware updates.
Leaving your GO for weeks without ever adding the phone could mean you miss out on vital updates.
In some cases it is advised to restart the GO after a firmware update to complete everything.
Do not restart while a firmware update is still in progress!

T h a n k s.  I wish GO settings would say if new firmware is available, and instruct you to turn on phone app, and show update progress so you don't accidentally power off during update.

jsbien
Protege

AU-User said:


Using the GO on the 5GHz WiFi and the phone on the 2.4GHz WiFi is not working as it should!!
That's my current setup as my phone doesn't support 5GHz. What is your advice? Temporarily switch the GO to 2.4GHz or to keep it permanently at the slowest speed?

dris2
Honored Guest
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