Meta Quest (SideQuest)
Sideload the MeshChatX Android APK onto Meta Quest.
The MeshChatX Android APK runs on Meta Quest 2, Quest 3, Quest 3S, and Quest Pro. Quest headsets run a modified Android runtime, so the same universal APK published for phones and tablets can be installed by sideloading.
MeshChatX opens as a 2D panel inside your VR environment. It is not a native VR application. You get the full MeshChatX web UI in a floating window while you remain in your Quest home space.
What you need#
- A Meta Quest 2 or newer headset
- A Meta account with Developer Mode enabled
- SideQuest on your PC (desktop app) or access to the SideQuest web installer
- A USB-C cable (for wired sideloading) or a working wireless ADB setup
Get the APK#
Download the latest signed Android APK from the MeshChatX releases page. Release assets are named like ReticulumMeshChatX-v*-android-universal.apk.
You can also build the APK yourself. See android/README.md.
Enable Developer Mode#
- Install the Meta Horizon app on your phone and pair your headset.
- Open Menu -> Devices -> select your headset -> Developer Mode.
- Turn Developer Mode on and accept the prompt on the headset if asked.
Developer Mode is required for sideloading and for SideQuest to see the device.
Install with SideQuest#
Wired install (typical path):
- Connect the Quest to your PC with USB-C.
- Put on the headset. Accept Allow USB debugging when Meta prompts you.
- Open the SideQuest desktop app. Confirm the headset shows as connected (green dot).
- Click Install APK file from folder on computer (or drag the APK onto SideQuest).
- Select the ReticulumMeshChatX-v*-android-universal.apk file you downloaded.
Wireless ADB works when your PC and headset share a network and SideQuest can pair over Wi-Fi. Follow SideQuest's wireless pairing steps if you prefer that over USB.
Launch on the headset#
- Open the Apps library on the Quest.
- Filter to Unknown Sources (or Unknown on newer Horizon builds).
- Select MeshChatX.
The app opens as a 2D panel. Grant microphone permission if you plan to use LXST calls.
First run#
MeshChatX stores data under the Android app sandbox like any other APK build. Add a Reticulum interface from Interfaces before you expect mesh traffic. Quest Wi-Fi only reaches your LAN and the internet. It does not replace a mesh uplink unless you configure one (for example a TCP client to a known peer).
For native Android builds (not Termux), see android/README.md.