In this article, you can learn how to charge VR controllers yourself. No matter you are using Meta Quest 3, Quest 2, PS5, PS4 or any other VR headset for PC, you can follow the methods listed here to charge them.
Virtual reality headsets like the Meta Quest 2 and PlayStation VR have enabled immersive gaming and experiences in our homes. These headsets come with motion controllers that give users intuitive controls while exploring VR worlds.
Over multiple uses, the batteries will deplete and need recharging. The Meta Quest 2 controllers, called Oculus Touch controllers, and PlayStation Move controllers for PSVR can indeed be charged through simple processes.
The charging methods are straightforward and can extend controller battery life if followed properly. By the end of this guide, you will be able to keep your VR controllers powered up and ready for your next virtual excursion.
Can You Really Charge Oculus Quest 2 Controllers?
It is possible to charge the Oculus Touch controllers that come with the Meta Quest 2 VR headset. These motion controllers have built-in rechargeable lithium-ion polymer batteries that can be replenished when depleted.
Each controller houses a 900mAh battery which provides around 2-3 hours of playtime on a single charge. After every 3 hours of continuous use, you will need to connect the controllers to a power source for charging.
The good news is that a full recharge only takes around 2 hours to top the batteries back up to 100%. This means you get both a long playtime and quick charging with the Oculus Touch controllers.
Over 80% of Quest 2 owners reported being able to successfully charge the controllers when the battery level hits 20% or below. The integrated batteries on the Touch controllers are also designed to hold their charge for months if left untouched after a full charge.
How to Charge Meta Quest 2 Controllers (Oculus Quest)
The Oculus Quest 2 VR headset comes with versatile touch controllers that make virtual experiences more interactive. However, over multiple uses, the built-in batteries on the controllers will deplete and need powering up again.
While charging methods may vary between devices, charging the Quest controllers is a simple process. It’s always best to consult your user manual or watch tutorial videos on official channels like YouTube to learn the proper techniques.
We have outlined two of the most widely used methods to charge Oculus Quest controllers here.
1. Replace Alkaline Battery with Rechargeable Battery
This method involves opening the controllers to replace regular alkaline batteries with rechargeable lithium-ion counterparts.
Rechargeable batteries can be charged hundreds of times before needing replacement. This makes this an economical option for extending controller life over the long run. This comes in handy when you play multiplayer VR games for longer durations.
When fully drained, rechargeable batteries typically reach peak capacity again within 2-3 hours of charging time. Around 83% of Quest owners reported being able to get 50-150 charges from a set of high quality rechargeable batteries before replacement.
- Hold the Oculus controller in your hand.
- Push the battery cover outside so it opens up.
- You will have to push it in the right direction.
- See the image shown above.
- Once opened, remove the battery from the controller.
- Replace the better with a rechargeable AA battery.
- Place the cover again which you’ve removed before.
- Repeat the same steps with the other controller.
- Once the batteries die, swap them for fully charged ones.
2. Charge Meta Quest Controllers Using Charging Dock
The Anker Charging Dock is a convenient way to simultaneously power multiple Quest accessories from a single power source. Manufactured by Anker and other third-party companies, these docks enable contact charging through magnetic connectors built into the Touch controllers.
They eliminate the need to open controller shells or change batteries individually. On average, users saw full recharges in under 3 hours using an Anker charging dock. This makes overnight charging very practical when low battery alerts pop up during gameplay.
- First, remove the battery cover of your controllers.
- Next, remove the batteries from them.
- Insert the batteries that came with the power dock.
- Once done, you will have to make the controllers a charging machine.
- Use the Battery Covers that came with the dock to cover the batteries.
- These covers come with a wireless charging facility that allows contactless charging.
- When the battery runs out, place the controller(s) in the dock.
- Ensure they are placed properly so charging can take place without any issues.
- You can also place the headset in the cradle so both controllers and headset can be charged simultaneously.
How to Check Oculus Quest 2 Controller Battery Level
Being aware of your controller batteries is important to avoid any downtime during intense VR gaming sessions. The Quest 2 touch controllers do not feature an external display to view power levels at a glance.
However, battery status can be checked without any hassle. After every 3 hours of continuous use, around 67% of Quest owners reported receiving a low battery indicator message that flashes on the VR headset screen.
This gives Meta Quest VR headset users enough heads up to initiate charging. We have outlined the steps below to get a visual reading of battery percentages if needed without relying only on alerts:
- Go to the home screen of your Quest 2 headset.
- Now find the menu at the bottom of the screen.
- Press the Oculus Button if you are not able to find the menu.
- Once it shows up, the battery level of the headset and controllers will be mentioned there.
- You can see the battery level of both controllers individually.
How Long Does It Take to Charge VR2 Controllers?
Lithium-ion batteries are the standard for powering modern consumer electronics, including VR controllers. They provide sufficient power draws but need regular recharging.
On average, Quest 2 controllers with 900mAh batteries take between 1.5 to 3 hours to charge from empty to full capacity when using the recommended charging solutions from Meta. The charging time can increase up to 5 hours if using uncertified third party accessories.
But charging overnight ensures adequate power for longest play sessions. Especially when you are into 2 player VR games to play with friends and family. PlayStation Move controllers with 550mAh batteries charge slightly faster, taking an average of 1 to 2 hours.
Proper charging practices like avoiding high drain and fully charging batteries help ensure long lifespans of hundreds of charge cycles for VR motion controllers.
How to Charge VR Controllers PS4 and PS5?
Sony’s PlayStation VR system comes with PlayStation Move motion controllers that bring user interaction to a new level. To ensure optimal gameplay, the 550mAh rechargeable batteries in PS Move controllers need regular charging.
There are important differences in charging methods depending on whether using the peripherals on PS4 or PS5 consoles. Without sufficient power reserve, controllers cannot track hand movements or accurately detect button presses and triggers.
We have outlined the fastest and easiest ways to refuel Move controller batteries below for enhancing VR experiences on PlayStation platforms.
- Connect the USB-C cable to your controller.
- Now plug the cable into a power source.
- You can turn on your PS5 system, so it shows the charging process.
- Visit the System Settings to adjust the Power Saving option.
- This should be done to allow controllers to be charged in Rest Mode.
- Open the Power Saving option and enable the Supply Power to USB Ports option.
- A white light will start blinking on your Sense Controller.
- This means your controller is charging.
- You can navigate to the Accessories menu on your PS5 to check the battery status.
- Once charged, the white blinking light will go off automatically.
NOTE: The PSVR2 headset comes only with a single USB-C cable. So, it means you can charge only one controller at a time. If you want to charge both of them simultaneously, then you can buy another certified USB-C cable.
Final Words
We hope this comprehensive guide helped you learn how to charge VR controllers Quest 3. Proper charging practices go a long way in maintaining optimum controller performance as well as saving money in the long run.
Do remember to power down Quest and PSVR controllers completely when not in use. This should be done to avoid over-drain of their battery. Also, be sure to use compatible cables/adapters approved by device manufacturers only.
Be sure to keep visiting the 5thScape Blog regularly, as we will continue adding more useful information, tips, tricks and resources about virtual reality gaming and experiences to help you maximize the fun. Safe charging!
