Can you use your Oculus Quest while charging?

Oculus Quest charging
Oculus Quest charging (Image credit: Windows Central)

Oculus Quest charging

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

Can you use your Oculus Quest while charging?

Best answer: Yes, you can use the Oculus Quest while charging it thanks to the extended charging cable provided with the headset and the headset's active cooling.Untethered VR experience: Oculus Quest (From $399 on Amazon)Long-lasting power: Anker PowerCore 10000 ($32 at Amazon)

Why can I run the Quest while charging?

It is definitely alright to use your Oculus Quest while it charges. Of course, it will likely charge slower while you do so. This is not recommended for the Oculus Go, because the Go only has a passive cooling solution (the front is a giant heatsink).

In the Quest's case, there is a fan cooling system, so it will not overheat if you play on it while charging. In fact, the extended charging cable provided with the Quest is designed to let you easily play with it plugged in.

Best charging methods

There are two options to charge your Quest while playing. The first, and cheapest, since it uses equipment you will already have, is to use the included charging cable and plug. This will essentially give you a VR setup similar to regular PCVR, in that you will have to manage a cable draped along your floor while you play. The main consideration here is to not lose track of the cable, or you may trip or damage your cable.

A more elegant solution is to use a power bank. You can carry this around in your pocket and just run a cable to your headset. That way, your cable will not stretch across the floor, and you will more-or-less have the same wireless VR experience. There are plenty of options when purchasing a power bank, but the Anker PowerCore 10000 is a good option thanks to its large battery capacity. Either method will keep your Oculus Quest charged and ready to play.

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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.