SFF GEEK

Oculus-Quest-2-DJI

Turn your Oculus Quest 2 into a VR headset for your DJI drone

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After having my Oculus Quest 2 128GB for a little over a week I’ve started to use it for more than it’s intended to be used for. In this case, to fly my DJI Mavic drones. Since the Quest 2 and Quest 3 runs on Android, side-loading apps is allowed. So, I got to work figuring out a way to get the job done.

2023 update 2: This works with the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 2.

2023 update: This tutorial is still working after testing it. However, this will not work with the DJI RC remote as third-party apps can’t be downloaded on to it. In theory it should work with the DJI RC Pro, DJI RC Pro Enterprise, and DJI RC Plus but we have not tested this.

Also read: Tutorial: Steam Deck VR with Meta Quest 2

Figuring it out

As I’ve already side loaded apps onto the Quest 2, I knew that I should be able to add any APK file to it using SideQuest. The first option for the app to use was the DJI Fly app but that wouldn’t work as it requires a connection with the drone’s controller. This is where a casting app comes in — for this I chose AirScreen. As a bonus it works with Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Miracast, and DLNA.

Now that I’ve chosen an app, I must get the APK file and connect my Oculus, now branded as Meta Quest 2 to my PC, open SideQuest, and load the APK file onto the headset — SideQuest makes this extremely easy to do. AirScreen was now installed on my Quest 2 and ready to use.

Now that AirScreen is ready I went onto my Android phone, into my cast settings, from the list, selected AS-Quest. From here its smooth sailing, I connected my drone and am ready to fly. As the connection is running wirelessly there is a tiny bit of lag but nothing too worrying when flying in an open space — DO NOT fly near to objects. It is also not advised to fly without a visual line of sight to your drone and be sure to use a spotter if you are going to fly.

Tutorial: Fly you drone in Quest VR

Time needed: 30 minutes.

Get flying in VR in no time! Follow the steps below and remember you must NOT fly without a visual line of sight to your drone. If you are going to fly, ensure you have someone else with you that can watch the drone.

  1. Become an Oculus developer

    To sideload apps onto your Oculus Quest or Quest 2 you must become an Oculus developer. Head over to the Oculus developer website and sign up for an account. Once done you can close the website.

  2. Turn on developer mode

    If you don’t have the Oculus app installed, install it now. Connect your Quest to the app and head over to Devices, select your Quest, and then Developer Mode, turn the toggle on and you’re done.

  3. Install SideQuest and download AirScreen APK

    Go back to your PC and download the AirScreen APK and install the SideQuest app (you will need an account to use it). Once installed, open and connect your Quest to the PC via USB, you should see that it’s connected by looking at the top left of SideQuest. If it doesn’t connect turn the Quest off and on, unplug it, and try again.

  4. Install AirScreen onto the Quest/Quest 2

    Next to the globe and arrow keys in the top bar of SideQuest, there is box with a downward facing arrow in it, click on this icon and find the AirScreen APK file, open it. Put on your Quest and accept the permission popup. The app should now be on your Quest.

  5. Open AirScreen

    From your app list, click the dropdown in the top right, select from unknown sources, AirScreen should show up. Opening it will ask you for location permission, click allow. Close the quick start guide and you’ll be taken to the AirScreen home screen — stay on this screen.

  6. Connect your phone

    Now that AirScreen has started its own casting server, you should be able to open your Cast/AirPlay options and it should show up as AS-Quest. Click on it and your phone will now be mirrored on the Quest.

  7. Have fun

    From here, use your phone normally and connect it to your drone (DJI and others that use an app). Please remember that there is a little bit of latency so DO NOT fly near objects. You must also NOT fly without a visual line of sight to your drone. If you are going to fly, ensure you have someone else with you that can watch the drone.