New to Meta Horizon device modes? Learn more about Shared Mode, Individual Mode, and how to manage device modes from ManageXR in our Understanding Meta Horizon Device Modes doc.
Overview: Shared Mode Sessions
Meta devices using a restricted kiosk experience like Custom Home or Kiosk App use Meta Shared Mode. To refresh device and app data between users and ensure that all users in-headset have accepted required legal terms, Meta requires Shared Mode devices to use Sessions.
At the start of each new Session, new users must complete new user experience “Session Intro Steps” before getting to the Home Screen or Kiosk App. The Session Intro Steps include a series of optional tutorial steps and required legal screens. During the Session Intro, the user also creates a Session Passcode to identify the session. When a session is ended, newly created local app and device data are cleared and the device is rebooted. This guide covers how to start, return to, and end sessions on Meta Quest devices using Shared Mode.
Note, this information does not apply to legacy Meta devices or devices from other hardware manufacturers.
Shared Mode Sessions - User Experience Diagram
Start Session
Before arriving at your Custom Home Screen or Kiosk App, a user needs to start their Shared Mode session. To start a Shared Mode session, the user must complete a series of Session Intro Steps. Once the user puts on the headset, the full list of Session Intro Steps includes:
(Optional - Off by default on ManageXR) Wake controllers
(Optional - Off by default on ManageXR) Adjust device fit
Review Meta Quest Safety warnings and select Continue.
Set session passcode
Review Terms and privacy policies and select Continue
Choose whether to enable hand and body tracking
Press the Meta button on your controller or use a pinch gesture with hand tracking to go to the ManageXR Home Screen, Kiosk App, or Kiosk Video
Video Demo
To learn how to edit the Session Intro Steps and Session Passcode settings, go to our doc on managing device modes and related settings.
Return to Session
If there is an existing session active on a device, the user will see an Enter Passcode screen upon putting on the headset.
To return to the current session, enter the session passcode
To end the session and start a new one, press the red “End Session” button at the bottom of the screen. Doing so will restart the device, wipe local app data, and kick off a new sequence of Session Intro Steps to begin a new session.
End Session
There are two ways users can end Meta Shared Mode sessions in-headset:
From the Return to Session “Enter Passcode” screen
From within an active session on the Meta quick settings menu
You can bring up this menu by pressing the Meta button on your controller from within the Custom Home Screen or Kiosk App.
When a session ends, the following happen:
The device reboots
Local app and device data that were created during the previous session are wiped
A new session is started, requiring the user to complete the Session Intro Steps and set a Session Passcode
FAQs
Can I turn off session passcodes?
Can I turn off session passcodes?
No. You cannot turn off session passcodes at this time. You can adjust the passcode complexity requirements on your configuration, but a passcode is required. The ability to turn off session passcodes and auto-end sessions after 15 minutes of inactivity will come later in 2025.
Can I set multiple session passcodes at once to maintain several user sessions?
Can I set multiple session passcodes at once to maintain several user sessions?
No. Only one session is active on a device at a time. For example, say User A sets a passcode (1234), uses the device, then puts it down. If User B picks up the device, leaves the session, and sets a new passcode (1111), User A will not be able to enter 1234 to retrieve their previous session. The only valid passcode at that time to resume a session would be 1111.
Can I complete the Session Intro Steps without controllers?
Can I complete the Session Intro Steps without controllers?
Controllers are required to complete Session Intro. It is not possible to complete the Meta Shared Mode Session Intro Steps with hand tracking or gaze selection at this time.
Can I turn off all of the Session Intro Steps?
Can I turn off all of the Session Intro Steps?
No. You can turn off some of them on your configuration, but there are several required Session Intro steps that cannot be disabled:
Review Meta Quest Safety warnings and select Continue.
Set session passcode
Review Terms and privacy policies and select Continue
Choose whether to enable hand and body tracking
Press the Meta button on your controller or use a pinch gesture with hand tracking to go to the ManageXR Home Screen, Kiosk App, or Kiosk Video