Is Oculus Quest 2 Shuts Off When Watching Netflix?: 4 Hands-On Fixes

Oculus Quest 2 is known for its massive virtual screen that allows for a unique experience when watching TV or streaming Netflix.

However, you’ll sometimes encounter a problem where Oculus Quest 2 shuts down while watching Netflix.

So, what causes this issue, and how do you resolve it? 

Oculus Quest 2 shuts down when watching Netflix due to the auto-wake feature, an auto-sleep setting, problems with the sensors, or a software bug. Possible fixes include disabling the Auto Sleep feature, updating the firmware, or moving the hand controller every few minutes. 

In this article, I’ll discuss why your Oculus Quest 3 may be shutting down when you’re watching Netflix. I’ll also discuss possible fixes in detail. 

Why Your Oculus Quest 2 Shuts Off When Watching Netflix

While Oculus Quest 2 offers a unique experience when watching Netflix or using other streaming apps, many users complain of the headset shutting down when streaming.

Unfortunately, there’s no single explanation for this, and several problems could cause it. 

The auto sleep setting is the most likely cause of Oculus Quest 2 shutting down.

Other potential culprits include:

• Problems with the sensors
• Software bugs
• Headset battery issues
• Other hardware issues

While Oculus has said they’re working on an update, this will only fix the problem if a software bug causes it.

If the headset is shutting down because of the wrong settings or a hardware issue, you’ll have to look at other fixes. 

Let’s look at the most likely reasons why your Oculus Quest 2 shuts down when you watch Netflix. 

The Auto Wake Feature

The Oculus Quest 2 is enabled with an auto-wake feature that switches the headset off automatically when it’s not in use.

The sensors on the headset allow the device to detect touch, prompting the device to turn on when you pick it up.

However, problems with the sensors on your headset could cause it to shut down when you’re streaming. 

Since you won’t be touching the controls or headset while watching Netflix, the Oculus Quest is likely turning off because of the auto-wake feature.

Fortunately, this shouldn’t be a problem if the sensors are properly functioning. 

System Software Bugs 

While many people have complained that their headsets are switching off when watching Netflix, Oculus has responded by saying they are fixing software bugs that may be causing this problem.

If you only face this issue when watching Netflix and not while playing or using other apps, the problem could be a software bug or glitch. 

The Auto Sleep Setting

Your Oculus Quest 2 has an auto-sleep setting that may be causing the headset to switch off during Netflix streaming.

This setting is similar to how a laptop will switch off when you don’t use it for a few minutes.

The Oculus Quest 2’s auto-sleep setting is usually set at 10 minutes, meaning it will automatically switch off if you don’t interact with the headset for 10 minutes.

This is why many people have complained that their headsets switch off exactly 10 minutes after watching a movie or series on Netflix. 

While you can solve this problem by repeatedly touching the sensors or hand controls, the best solution is to adjust the auto-sleep setting.

Hardware Problems 

If you’ve dropped your headset recently and it started switching off randomly afterward, the problem could be with a damaged hardware component.

In most cases, this problem is caused by damage to the sensors.

It can also occur due to loose connections in your headset’s wiring.

You’ll often get an error message when your Oculus Quest 2 detects a hardware issue.

If you don’t get the error message or can’t fix the issue, you’ll have to send it in for repairs. 

The Headset Is Low on Charge

Sometimes your headset may shut down if it’s low on charge.

If you’ve just charged your headset and it still has a low charge, the batteries could be faulty, or the charging cable might be damaged.

However, this will cause your Oculus Quest 2 to shut off on various apps, and the problem won’t be specific to Netflix or other streaming apps. 

4 Fixes for Oculus Quest 2 Turning Off When Playing Netflix

Try these fixes if you still can’t find out what’s causing your Oculus Quest 2 to switch off.

I’ve added them in order of the most likely cause to the least likely one. 

1. Disable the Auto-Sleep Timer

If Oculus Quest 2 shuts off after exactly 10 minutes into streaming, disabling the auto-sleep timer will usually fix the problem. 

Here’s how to disable the auto-sleep timer:

1. Go onto “Settings” and then “Power.” 
2. Select “Disable Auto Sleep Timer” 
3. Check whether step 2 above prevents the headset from automatically switching off while you’re streaming. If not, try the next fix below.

2. Update the Oculus Quest 2 Firmware

If the problem is caused by a software bug, as Oculus has hinted, the best fix is to update your headset’s firmware. 

Here’s how to do that:

1. Go onto “Settings” and select “System.” 
2. Check if any updates are available by selecting “Software Update.”
3. Update your headset if updates are available and check whether that fixes your problem. 

3. Disable the Auto Wake Feature

If the sensors of the auto wake feature are causing the headset to shut off automatically, disabling it will solve the problem. 

Here are the steps involved:

1. Go onto the “Settings” menu and select “Device.” 
2. Under “Power,” look for “Auto Wake” and switch it off. 

While Oculus doesn’t recommend this fix, many users have reported that it works effectively. 

4. Move the Hand Controls While Streaming

If none of the above fixes work, the best solution is to move the hand controls every few minutes to prevent the headset from turning off.

If your Oculus Quest 2 switches off after 10 minutes while streaming, set a timer for moving the hand controls every 8-9 minutes. 

While it’s not pretty, it works and may be the only solution available until Oculus releases an update to remove the bugs. 

Oculus Quest 2 Shuts Off When Watching Netflix? Final Thoughts 

Watching Netflix on Oculus Quest 2 is a whole different experience, but it can be irritating if the headset shuts off every few minutes.

While you can usually resolve this issue by changing a few settings, the best solution is to wait for Oculus to release an update that resolves the problem for good.