Develop

Quickstart

Updated: Oct 8, 2026
Follow this Quickstart to configure your development environment, create a Unity VR project, build a hand-tracked UI, and test it.

How the guides are organized

This section walks you through setting up your development environment and building your first prototype. The guides are designed to be followed in order, and each one picks up where the previous one left off.
StepWhat you doFrequency
1. Hardware Setup
Verify your development computer, Meta VR device, and USB cable
Once
2. Software Setup
Create accounts, install tools, and configure your Meta VR device
Once
3. Project Setup
Create and configure your Unity VR project
Per prototype
4. Interaction Setup
Build and configure a hand-tracked UI with buttons, sliders, and toggles
Per prototype
5. Deploy and Test
Test your prototype using the method that fits your setup
Per prototype
You complete Hardware Setup and Software Setup once. After your hardware and software are configured, you don’t need to repeat these stages. If you’ve already completed both stages, skip ahead to Project Setup.
Quickstart guide sequence. Hardware Setup and Software Setup are completed once. Project Setup, Interaction Setup, and Deploy and Test repeat for each prototype.

Choosing a testing method

The Quickstart supports three testing methods. Hardware Setup compares their hardware requirements, and Deploy and Test explains how to use each method. You don’t need to pick one up front because you can switch between them at any time.
CriterionMeta XR SimulatorMeta Horizon LinkBuild and Run
Speed
Fastest
Fast
Slowest
Meta VR device
Not needed
Required
Required
Hand tracking
Simulated (keyboard/mouse)
Real (streamed)
Real (on device)
Best for
Layout, interaction logic
Rapid device testing
Final device validation
Platform
Windows, macOS
Windows only
Windows, macOS
Start with Meta XR Simulator for rapid iteration, use Meta Horizon Link for real hand tracking without building an APK, then Build and Run for final device validation.
Suggested testing progression from Meta XR Simulator, to Meta Horizon Link when you need real hand tracking, to Build and Run for final validation.

Meta Horizon Link streams your app directly to a Meta VR device from the Unity Editor. It requires a Windows PC and a USB or Wi-Fi connection. No APK build step is needed.
Next:Hardware Setup →

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