How To Fix ‘Tracking Lost’ Issues on Meta Quest 2

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The Meta Quest 2 is a great VR headset, becoming increasingly popular with users. That said, the device is not without its fair share of problems. One such problem is ‘Tracking Lost’; you may be wondering how to fix this problem.

The different fixes to this problem are:

• Restart your headset
• Hold the headset steady and the controllers in sight
• Turn Meta Quest 2 off and on manually
• Clean the cameras
• Modify the lighting conditions of the playing area
• Try playing using another room
• Turn off Guardian
• Change controller batteries
• Delete your saved guardians
• Unpair and repair your controllers

In this blog post, I will discuss ways you can try to fix this issue. I will also provide some tips on preventing it from happening in the first place.

What Causes the “Tracking Lost” Errors on Meta Quest 2?

Before I discuss the different reasons for this error, it’s important to understand how Meta Quest 2 works. The most recent SLAM technology in this Meta Quest 2 is to identify its position (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping).

In contrast to earlier devices like the Oculus Rift CV1, Quest 2 is a standalone VR headset that does not need a transmitter.

Four small cameras alternately monitor its surroundings. The Quest 2 can pinpoint its precise position in three dimensions by using computer vision to create a real-time 3D map of its surroundings.

The Quest 2 needs a clear view of its surroundings to orient itself whenever it is switched on.

It may lose its senses, get confused, and become disoriented if anything blocks its view or if the surroundings suddenly change.

Some of the reasons for this error are:

• Something is blocking the view of the cameras.
• The lighting conditions in the room have changed.
• There are a lot of reflective surfaces in the room.
• The camera lenses are dirty.
• One of the cameras is not working properly.
• If there is a lot of activity in the room, the Oculus might be confused.
• There is a lot of movement.
• Another continent’s lights. The lights may flicker to the Quest 2’s lenses if you move your device to a country with a different household electric frequency (although your bare eyes will not notice the flashing).

READ MORE! How Can I Fix My Meta Quest 2 Guardian Boundary Issues?

11 Ways to Fix The “Tracking Lost” Error on Meta Quest 2?

Now that I have discussed the different reasons for this error let’s look at some ways you can fix it.

1. Restart Your Meta Quest 2

If you are experiencing this issue, the first thing you should do is restart your Meta Quest. The great majority of the time, it works. The Meta Quest 2 controller tracking issue may be resolved by rebooting or restarting your device, among other technical problems.

To restart your Meta Quest:

• Press and hold the power button on your headset for about two seconds.
• A menu will appear with the option to “Reboot.” Select it.
• Once your device restarts, try using it again.

2. Check If Something is Blocking the View of the Cameras

One of the most common reasons for this error is that something is blocking the view of the cameras. If you are using your Meta Quest 2 in a crowded room, it is likely that something will eventually block the view of one of the cameras.

To avoid this problem, make sure nothing is blocking the view of the cameras. You should also try to avoid using your Meta Quest in a crowded room.

3. Hold the Headsets and Controllers in Sight

If you are having trouble with controller tracking, keep the headsets and controllers in sight. The Meta Quest can lose track of the controllers if they are out of sight for too long.

To solve this problem:

• Make sure to hold the controllers in sight at all times
• Hold your headset steady, do not move your head rapidly
• Do not cover the cameras with your hands
• Move the controllers in front of you as you press the buttons repeatedly
• Be patient; sometimes, it takes a few seconds for the Quest to find the controllers.

4. Clean The Camera Lenses

Another common reason for this error is that the camera lenses are dirty. Over time, the lenses on the Meta Quest’s cameras can become covered in dust and dirt. This can eventually lead to tracking issues.

To clean the camera lenses:

• Turn off your Quest and remove the batteries from the controllers.
• Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the lenses.
• Do not use any cleaning solutions or water.
• Reinsert the batteries and turn on your Quest.

5. Change The Lighting Conditions in the Room

If you are experiencing this issue, it is possible that the lighting conditions in the room are causing problems. To fix this, try to change the lighting conditions in the room.

If you are using your Meta Quest in a bright room, try turning off the lights or closing the curtains. If you are using your Meta Quest in a dark room, try turning on the lights.

Make sure that none of the LEDs on your controllers are facing you directly or in a position to interfere with them (Christmas lights, ring lights, web cameras, etc.).

Close the curtains if there are spots of light caused by the sun coming through the window. Remove anything reflective that is visible as well (mirrors are a good place to start). Even the light from your laptop or monitor’s screen might obstruct the tracking.

6. Try Using Your Meta Quest 2 in a Different Room

Sometimes the headset just doesn’t have enough space to track everything properly. If you’re in a small room, try using your Meta Quest in a larger room.

You should also try to avoid using your Meta Quest in a room with a lot of reflective surfaces. Mirrors, windows, and shiny floors can all cause problems. You may also want to try using your Meta Quest outdoors. The tracking on the Meta Quest is much better when there is a lot of natural light.

7. Calibrate Your Meta Quest 2

If you are still experiencing this issue, it is possible that your Meta Quest needs to be calibrated. To calibrate your Meta Quest:

• Open the Oculus app on your phone.
• Select “Devices” from the menu.
• Select your Meta Quest from the list of devices.
• Tap “Calibrate” and follow the instructions.

8. Factory Reset Your Meta Quest 2

Sometimes you’ll learn that most technical glitches are software problems that require a little “kickstart.” When you do a factory reset on your Quest 2, all your data is erased, and the headset is returned to its factory default settings.

Additionally, this will probably fix several software-related guardian problems with your Quest 2 headset. This will restore your Quest to its default settings and should fix any software issues that may be causing the problem.

To perform a factory reset, you can use the headset or the Oculus app on your phone.

To use the app:

• Open the app on your phone
• Click “Device”
• Tap the headset connected to your phone
• Click on “Advanced Settings”
• Click “Factory Reset” and then Reset

To use the headset:

• Turn off your headset
• Press and hold the volume down button
• While still holding the volume down button, press and hold the power button until you hear a start-up sound
• Release both buttons when you see the Oculus logo
• Select Factory Reset from the list of options

Once you’ve done this, all of your data will be erased, and the headset will be returned to its factory default settings. This should fix any software issues that may be causing the problem. Set up Guardian again and see if that solves the problem.

READ MORE! How Do You Factory Reset Your Meta Quest 2? (Solved!)

9. Unpair and Re-Pair Your Controllers

If you’re still having issues, you can try unpairing and repairing your controllers. To do this:

• Open the Oculus app on your phone
• Enable location/Bluetooth on your phone and connect your Quest 2 to the app
• Click “Menu” in the bottom right corner
• Click “Devices”
• Click “Controllers” in the Headset selection option
• Click “Unpair” next to each controller
• Select “Confirm,” and they will automatically unpair

Follow the same steps to pair your controllers again.

10. Delete Your Saved Guardians

If you’re still having issues, you may need to delete your saved guardians and start from scratch. To do this:

• Open the Oculus app on your phone
• Click “Menu” in the bottom right corner
• Click “Settings”
• Select “Guardian”
• Tap “Clear Guardian History”

After this, try with a new guardian and see if the tracking is improved.

11. Update Your Meta Quest 2

If you’re still having issues with tracking lost, you can try a few other things. First, make sure that your Meta Quest is up-to-date. To do this:

Open the Oculus app on your phone

• Click “Menu” in the bottom right corner
• Click “Settings”
• Select “Quest”
• Click “General”
• Check for updates and install any that are available.

If any updates are available, install them and then try using your Quest again.

!! For more information about the different VR headsets on the market, check out this product specification list.

Final Thoughts

The “Tracking Issue” is one of the most common problems that Meta Quest users face. Thankfully, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem.

I hope this article was helpful and that you were able to fix the problem.