Pair a replacement controller from inside Meta Quest
Use the current in-headset tracked-controller pairing path and keep it separate from Bluetooth accessory pairing and controller remapping.
Direct answer
The shortest reliable path.
On current Meta Quest software, open Settings → Devices → Controllers and choose Pair controllers. Meta added this in-headset tracked-controller flow so pairing no longer requires the Meta Horizon mobile app. Use the exact left or right controller replacement intended for the headset model and follow the prompts shown in the headset.
System view
Check the whole path.
- 01Replacement tracked controller
- 02Pairing mode
- 03Meta Quest controller settings
- 04Headset tracking system
Scope before steps.
Supported Meta Quest headsets with the current in-headset tracked-controller pairing flow when adding a replacement left or right controller.
Bluetooth gamepads, hand-tracking setup, controller repair, cross-generation controller compatibility, or pairing on software that has not received the feature.
Procedure
Do this in order.
- 01
Open the tracked-controller menu
In the headset, open Settings → Devices → Controllers and select Pair controllers.
- 02
Select the correct side and model
Choose the controller requested by the interface and verify the physical replacement matches the headset generation and side.
- 03
Follow the displayed pairing prompt
Use the button combination and indicator behavior shown for the selected controller, keeping it close to the headset until confirmation appears.
- 04
Verify tracking and buttons separately
After pairing, confirm the controller appears, tracks in space, and registers buttons before changing accessibility remapping or app settings.
Diagnostic matrix
Read the result, not the guess.
| What you see | Check next | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Pair controllers is missing | Update the headset and confirm the model is included in Meta’s current software support. | The documented in-headset flow may not be available on this software or device. |
| The controller pairs but does not track | Check lighting, camera obstruction, battery, and the headset’s tracking state. | Bluetooth association exists; spatial tracking is the remaining branch. |
| A generic gamepad appears in Bluetooth settings | Return to Devices → Controllers for a tracked Touch controller. | Bluetooth accessories and tracked controllers use different setup paths. |
Stop conditions
Know when not to keep changing things.
- Do not claim a controller is cross-compatible unless Meta lists that exact headset and controller combination.
- Do not open a controller with battery leakage or impact damage.
- Contact Meta when a compatible powered controller never enters or completes the documented pairing flow.