Meta Quest devices require a Meta account in order to be set up. This is done by logging into the Meta Horizon app and pairing a headset to the app. Logging into Meta devices is easy enough when pairing one-off devices, but what are your options when deploying Meta devices at scale? Find out below!
Standard Meta accounts vs Meta Test User accounts
There are two account options for setting up large numbers of Meta devices:
Using standard Meta accounts. In most large-scale deployments, Meta accounts are created solely for setting up Meta devices for VR deployments and are not used as personal Meta accounts.
Using Meta Test User accounts.
Each method is viable, but you should consider its pros and cons based on your deployment needs. Read on to learn more!
Standard Meta accounts
Pros:
Access to the Meta Horizon app store.
Using store content for large-scale VR deployments is not optimal or sustainable and is not recommended by ManageXR.
When using store content, you must purchase content for each device using a unique Meta account and manually download that content to each device. You cannot remotely deploy store-bought apps.
If you want to use an app for your VR deployment, we recommend contacting the app developer directly for app licensing information. From there, we make it extremely easy for developers to share their applications through ManageXR. Then you can remotely deploy these apps to any headset you've added to your ManageXR organization with ease! In most cases, we will already be partnered with these developers, making this content even easier to acquire for your device fleet.
Cons:
Longer setup process
Requires a unique email address for each account
Each Meta account must sign up to be a Meta Quest developer, which requires 2FA or a credit card to become validated
Can't be generated in bulk
If you still decide to use Meta accounts for large-scale deployments and are having issues with 2FA/credit card, reach out to support@managexr.com for advice.
Meta Test Users
Pros:
Easy to set up. Learn how to create test users
Can be generated in bulk
Developer enabled upon creation
Does not require additional authentication (2FA or credit card)
No limit to the number of accounts you can create
Although there's no documented test user limit, we've had reports that when reaching 1400 generated test user IDs under a single developer account, the site begins experiencing issues that significantly slow the creation of subsequent test user IDs. The most reported test users we've seen generated for a single developer account is 1600.
If you plan to generate more than 1400 test user accounts, we recommend creating another developer-enabled account to lighten the load on a single account.
Cons:
Cannot directly access Meta Horizon store content or any Meta social features
Requires the completion of the business verification process for your Meta developer account
Pairing Devices to Accounts: One-to-One vs. One-to-Many
It's time to weigh the pros and cons of setting up your devices using one of these methodologies:
For both account types, we recommend creating a unique account for each device. This adds time to the setup process; however, it will save you time and effort in the long run (check the one-to-many cons section below).
One-to-one
Pros:
Can utilize content tied to the Meta Store/App Lab/Developer System
Can cast without issue
Cons:
Longer setup process.
One-to-many
A one-to-many approach using Meta accounts is risky because it is directly against Meta ToS and can cause issues with applications tied to Meta release channels.
Pros:
Faster setup process. Removes the need to log out of the Meta Horizon app before setting up a new device.
Cons:
Cannot cast on multiple devices simultaneously if using the Meta website or the Meta app. We have found that casting to a Chromecast media streamer supports a one-to-many approach. This could be subject to change, so if casting is pivotal to your deployment, a one-to-one approach is recommended.
Cannot use content tied to Meta's Store/App Lab/Developer System on multiple devices simultaneously. This is because Meta applies anti-piracy measures to apps deployed through those channels. When trying to access this content on multiple devices simultaneously, you will receive this error, "Multiple Devices Can't Access This App at the Same Time." Again, this restriction is an anti-piracy measure that helps protect the developer's IP. This will not happen when setting devices up with a one-to-one methodology.
If the apps you've distributed via ManageXR are not connected to the Meta Store/App Lab/Developer System in any way, then there is currently no restriction on simultaneously playing that app across devices on the same account.
Optimal Device Setup Instructions
Now that an account type and provisioning methodology have been chosen, it's time to outline step-by-step device setup instructions for provisioning many devices in a single session. Check out our Meta Quest Bulk Device Provisioning Guide to learn more!
FAQs
Can I invite non-developer Meta accounts to my developer org so that they can enable developer mode on their device(s)?
Can I invite non-developer Meta accounts to my developer org so that they can enable developer mode on their device(s)?
Inviting another user to join an existing Meta developer organization does not give them the ability to place a device into developer mode. Every email/user account must complete the steps above in order to enable developer mode on a device. This means that each account must be verified with one of the 2FA methods.
Do I need to use Meta Accounts/Test User accounts to set up Meta devices with ManageXR? Or will using ManageXR allow me to bypass this requirement?
Do I need to use Meta Accounts/Test User accounts to set up Meta devices with ManageXR? Or will using ManageXR allow me to bypass this requirement?
Using a Meta account is required by Meta to set up and use their devices. Using ManageXR will not change this requirement, as Meta does not allow any third party to bypass this step.
Need more help?
Talk to a member of our team using the chat bubble (in the bottom right of your screen), or reach out to support@managexr.com