Quest 2 allows you to cast Oculus to smart TVs, phones, PCs, and third-party dedicated casting devices. Therefore, gamers who own, or wish to own a Firestick often ask if they can also cast their Oculus Quest 2 to FireStick TV, especially given the fact that, unlike Chromecast, Firestick is not a dedicated casting device.
In this article, we have provided you with all the answers you need for casting Quest 2 to Firestick.
Can You Cast Oculus With a Firestick
Casting means transferring the digital content of a digital media device unto another device, and letting the second device take over receiving the content via wireless connection, semi-independent of the device you’re casting from.
Firestick does not have inbuilt capability to take over media rendering from Oculus Quest 2. However, with third-party casting devices and proper setup, you can cast your Quest 2 unto Firestick and enjoy your virtual reality games on the big screen without hassle.
How to Cast Oculus Quest 2 to Firestick
Casting Oculus Quest 2 to Firestick requires you to install at least one third-party app to your Firestick. We have presented 3 different methods. The method you choose is entirely up to you because they all work equally well.
So, we suggest that if for some reason the method you try does not work for you, you should try other methods until you find the one that works best for you.
Prerequisites for Casting Oculus Quest 2 to Firestick
Before starting the casting set-up, there are few things that must be in place for casting Quest 2 to Firestick to work properly. They are:
Firestick Up to Date – Amazon’s Firestick does not support direct casting from Quest 2. You would have to integrate a third-party application into it, and then cast through that application.
For Firestick to support this kind of connection called a Bridge, it would have to have the latest firmware updates. Updates provide your Firestick with improved capabilities, enhanced third-party app support, and bug elimination to make your casting a much better experience.
To update Firestick:
1. Press and hold the Home button on your Fire TV remote
2. Select Settings
3. Select My Fire TV
4. Select About
5. Select Check for System Update
If there are updates, they will download and install. Please do not power off your TV during this process.
Strong WIFI Signals and Internet Connection – Unlike screen mirroring, casting requires excellent WIFI signals on your Firestick and your Quest 2 headset in order to work.
Also, if you are playing an online game, the internet connection has to be excellent. And by excellent we are talking in the region of 600Mbps at least. This is because casting without lag requires a lot more internet speed than playing directly on your Quest 2 headset.
Later in this article, we will explore ways to resolve any issues you may be having with WIFI and internet connectivity.
Oculus Quest 2 Headset and Firestick On Same Network – The final, key requirement for casting Quest 2 to Firestick is that the two devices have to be connected to the same network. This is the only way they can discover each other and connect to exchange signals throughout the casting session.
Once you have got these prerequisites sorted, you can then proceed to commence your casting set-up.
1. Cast Quest 2 to Firestick Using AirScreen
1. On your Firestick home screen, select Find
2. Then Select Search
3. Enter AirScreen and select AirScreen from the search suggestions
4. Click on AirScreen and select Download
5. Launch AirScreen and select Start
6. Wait until you see the Wait For A Connection screen
7. At this point, turn on your Quest 2 headset and strap it on
8. Press the Oculus button on the right controller to open the universal menu
9. Select Share
10. Select Cast or Start Headset Casting
11. Select Chromecast
12. Select Start to start casting to your Firestick
Note: AirScreen comes in free and paid versions. With the free version, you have ads and limited settings. With the paid version (subscription-based), there are no ads and you have access to advanced settings.
Casting from Oculus Quest 2 to Firestick works well with the free version, so it’s up to you to decide which to go with.
2. Using AirReceiver
The second app to try for casting Quest 2 to Firestick is AirReceiver. Unlike AirScreen, AirReceiver is a one-time purchase for full features, and works just as well as AirScreen.
AirReceiver also comes with Google Screen Cast which is ideal for casting from Android and Oculus Quest 2, and AirPlay which is ideal for mirroring iPhone screen unto the Firestick.
Also, you can customize the name of your Firestick on the app so you can easily identify it from the list of available devices. Unlike, AirScreen, you can select your Firestick directly instead of casting as Chromecast. And, it is the only third-party app that supports audio sync with Apple TV devices.
Please follow the steps below to cast using AirReceiver:
1. On your Firestick home screen, select Find
2. Then Select Search
3. Enter AirReceiver and select AirReceiver from the search suggestions
4. Click on AirReceiver and select Download
5. Launch AirReceiver and select Start
6. On the configuration page that opens, you can make changes that suit your needs such as Firestick name
7. Once done, your Firestick is ready as a casting device
8. At this point, turn on your Quest 2 headset and strap it on
9. Press the Oculus button on the right controller to open the universal menu
10. Select Share
11. Select Cast or Start Headset Casting
12. Select your Firestick device
13. Select Start to start casting to your Firestick
Some users report that the screen on AirReceiver is too large. If you encounter this, head over to advanced settings on AirReceiver and select Overscan to fit the screen properly.
Some of the configurations available on AirReceiver include:
1. Enabling the renderer
2. Configuring the renderer name
3. Activating AirPlay for mirroring from iPhones
4. AirReceiver is designed especially for Android devices so all settings for Android are enabled by default.
3. Using Chromecast
The next method for casting Quest 2 to Amazon Firestick is using a Chromecast device. This is the costliest method but you are not just getting casting features, you are also getting another streaming media adapter just like your Firestick device.
To cast Quest 2 to Firestick using Chromecast, you need to set up Chromecast on your TV after purchasing the device. Please follow the steps below to set up Chromecast:
1. Plug the Chromecast HDMI cable into the HDMI port on your TV
2. Plug the USB cable into the charging dock of your Chromecast, and connect the charging dock to a wall socket
3. Turn on your TV and select the HDMI input source
4. Download the Google Home app onto your smartphone
5. Sign in with your Google account and complete the prompts
6. Then, go to the Home screen of the Google Home app and click the plus icon +
7. Select Set Up Device
8. Select New Device. The app will search for your Chromecast device.
9. Select your WIFI SSID and enter the password if prompted. You need to ensure that you enter the details of the same WIFI that your smartphone and TV are connected to
10. Turn on your Oculus Quest 2
11. Connect your Quest 2 headset to the same WIFI network as your Firestick
12. Strap on your headset and press the Oculus button to open the universal menu
13. Select Share
14. Select Cast
15. From the list of devices, select your Chromecast device
16. Select Start to start casting
Casting Oculus to Fire Stick Not Working? Try These Fixes
If you have followed the steps outlined in this guide carefully and met the requirements listed earlier, then you should have a smooth casting experience from your Oculus Quest 2 to Firestick.
However, if you are still encountering issues with casting, then read on to find solutions to the possible causes of the issue.
1. Quest 2 and Firestick Not On the Same Network
The first thing to check when you are unable to find your device, or when the connection breaks mid-casting, is to ensure that both devices are connected to the same WIFI network.
To check WIFI connection on Firestick:
1. Press the Home button on your Firestick remote
2. Select Settings
3. Select Network
4. The network you are connected to will display on the screen.
To check WIFI connection on Oculus Quest 2:
1. Strap on your Quest 2 headset and turn it on
2. Press the Oculus button on your right controller
3. At the bottom of the screen in quick settings, select the WIFI icon
4. The network you are connected to will display in the WIFI bar
If on any of the devices you are not connected to the right network, simply select the network name from the displayed list of WIFI networks, enter the password, and connect.
Please note that if you are using a free public WIFI, casting Quest 2 to Firestick may not work, especially if the network has a captive portal.
A captive portal is a web page that you are mandated to view and perform some action on, before getting access to the WIFI network.
2. WIFI Issues
Distance Between the Devices – The first aspect to check when it comes to WIFI signals is the distance between your Quest 2 headset and the Firestick.
According to Amazon and from practical tests, the distance between the two devices should be no more than 30ft. If they are further apart from each other, the strength of the signals may not be good enough to support a smooth casting experience.
Distance From Router – Another factor that determines the strength of the WIFI signals is the distance between your Quest 2 headset and the router, or the distance between the Firestick and the router.
For best results, the devices should also be about 30ft from the router. Also, the router has to be at least 1m off the ground.
Wrong WIFI Frequency – Playing Quest 2 on the headset can work with either 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz frequency on your router, as long as the signal strength is consistently good. However, if you want to cast Quest 2 to Firestick, your router has to be using the 5Ghz frequency for connection.
2.4Ghz and 5Ghz are the two main radio frequencies that your router uses to provide WIFI connection. 2.4Ghz has more range but less speed (about 70Mbps usable speed). 5Ghz has less range but a lot more speed (about 700Mbps usable speed).
Also, 2.4Ghz frequency is more prone to interference from other devices around your location such as microwaves, Bluetooth devices, older routers, and baby monitors. This further negatively impacts the available signals and speed on the 2.4Ghz frequency.
Fix – Disable 2.4Ghz
Most routers come with dual band frequency, that is, 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz. Your router uses the 2.4Ghz by default but constantly switches between the two frequencies when searching for good signals. You would need to force your router to use 5Ghz by disabling the 2.4Ghz using the steps below:
1. Connect your PC to the WIFI router
2. Enter your router IP address into a web browser and Go
Your router’s IP address is in the router’s manual. If you do not have access to the manual, please use the steps below to find your router’s IP address:
1. Click the Windows button on your PC
2. Enter Control Panel and select it from the results
3. Select View Network Status under Network and Internet
4. Select the name of your connected WIFI network
5. Select Details in the window that pops up
6. The IP address for IPv4 Default Gateway is your router’s IP address
After opening the IP address on your router, log in with the admin username and password. Again, this detail is on the manual, but if you do not have the manual, please go to Router Passwords and search for the default admin credentials for your router.
After logging in, go to the Wireless or WIFI section of the configuration page and select 2.4Ghz, then toggle to turn it off.
Poor Internet Connectivity – If your WIFI router does not have internet access, or the internet connectivity is poor, you will also have issues with casting Quest 2 to your Firestick.
One of the main causes of poor internet connectivity is a glitch in the router. Thankfully, router glitches are usually resolved by a restart.
Fix – Restart Router
To restart your router:
1. Unplug it from power supply
2. Wait two minutes
3. Plug it back in and wait for it to show the internet connectivity indicator (usually a steady green)
4. Then ensure that your Quest 2 and Firestick are connected to the WIFI and retry casting.
Fix 2 – Contact ISP
If restarting the WIFI does not resolve the issue, please connect your phone or PC to the WIFI and try to stream a video.
If the connection is still poor, then contact your ISP because they may be having issues with providing internet to your location.
3. Oculus Quest 2 Out of Date
Another possible reason why casting Quest 2 to your Firestick is not working is because the Quest 2 headset may be out of date.
Remember that you are trying to integrate a virtual reality headset with the software on a streaming device. The combability requirements can only be provided by having both devices up to date.
We have already detailed how to update your Firestick at the start of the article. Please follow the steps below to update your Oculus Quest 2 headset:
1. Put on your Oculus headset
2. Press the Oculus button on the right controller
3. On the Menu that appears, click the Clock icon
4. Select Settings
5. Select System
6. Select Software Update
7. At the top right corner, select to Update is there is any available.
Or
1. Put on your Oculus headset
2. Press the Oculus button on the right controller
3. Select Settings
4. Select About
5. Select Download or Install Updates
After updating your Quest 2, please try casting it to your Firestick again.
4. Wrong Setup
When setting up Quest 2 casting to Firestick, please note the following:
- Firestick does not support direct casting from Quest 2. Even if you find your Firestick in the list of available devices, it will not connect.
- After installing the AirScreen app, you have to be on the AirScreen app screen to start a cast. But this is not necessary with AirReceiver because it runs as a service in the background
- If you want to cast Quest 2 from your phone, Firestick does not support direct AirPlay on iPhone. You would still need AirScreen or AirReceiver to cast Quest 2 to Firestick from your iPhone