Headset not turning on despite full charge

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Immediate Diagnostic Steps

  1. Hard Reset Procedure
  • Meta Quest: Hold power + volume down for 30 seconds
  • HoloLens 2: Power + vol up for 15 seconds
  • Valve Index: Disconnect power for 2 minutes
  • PSVR2: Hold power + function button for 10 seconds
  1. Charging Verification
  • Try different USB-C PD charger (minimum 18W)
  • Check for charging LED indicators
  • Measure voltage at port (should be 5V±5%)
  1. Bootloader Access Attempt
   # Common key combos during boot:
   # Quest - Vol Down + Power
   # Vive Focus - Back + Power
   # Pico - Vol Up + Power

Hardware Failure Analysis

Power Circuit Diagnostics

ComponentFailure SymptomsTest Method
BatterySwollen, no charge retentionThermal camera inspection
PMICNo power rail activityMultimeter check (3.3V, 5V lines)
USB-C PortLoose connection, debrisMicroscope inspection
Power ButtonNo tactile feedbackContinuity test

Common Failure Points by Model

  • Meta Quest: Battery management IC (BQ25895)
  • HP Reverb: Power distribution board
  • Varjo VR-3: Daughterboard flex cable
  • Pico 4: Charging port solder joints

Software Recovery Methods

For Bootloader-Accessible Devices

# Android-based headsets (Quest/Pico)
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot reboot

Factory Reset Options

  • Quest: Bootloader → Recovery Mode
  • Vive Focus: Power + Vol Down → Wipe Data
  • Windows MR: Win+P -> Advanced Startup

**Firmware-Specific Solutions

Meta Quest Brick Recovery

# Requires Qualcomm EDL mode
qfil --port=COM3 --xml=prog_firehose_ddr.elf

SteamVR Lighthouse Units

# Lighthouse revive script
import serial
ser = serial.Serial('/dev/ttyACM0', 115200)
ser.write(b'reset\n')

Thermal Protection Analysis

  1. Check Thermal History
   # Quest log access
   adb shell dumpsys thermalservice
  1. Cooling Procedure
  • Place in airflow for 30 minutes
  • Check for blocked vents
  • Monitor with IR thermometer (should be <45°C)

Component-Level Repair Guide

Battery Replacement

  1. Heat gun at 80°C to soften adhesive
  2. Use plastic spudgers for disconnect
  3. Match connector polarity (check with multimeter)

Power Button Repair

1. Remove facial interface
2. Desolder faulty switch (usually 3x3mm SMD)
3. Replace with compatible tact switch

Manufacturer Service Options

BrandWarranty CoverageOut-of-Warranty Cost
Meta1-2 years$200-$400
Valve1 year$150-$300
Sony1 year$250+
Pico6 monthsVaries by region

Preventative Maintenance Tips

  1. Charging Best Practices
  • Use only certified chargers
  • Avoid overnight charging
  • Maintain 20-80% charge cycle
  1. Firmware Management
   # Check for updates (Quest)
   adb shell pm list packages | grep oculus
  1. Storage Conditions
  • 15-25°C environment
  • 40-60% humidity
  • No direct sunlight

When to Seek Professional Repair

Consider professional service if:

  • You smell ozone/burning
  • Battery is swollen
  • Liquid damage indicators are triggered
  • Multiple components failed simultaneously

Diagnostic Flowchart

graph TD
    A[Headset Unresponsive] --> B{LED Activity?}
    B -->|Yes| C[Attempt Bootloader]
    B -->|No| D[Check Power Supply]
    C --> E[Flash Factory Images]
    D --> F[Inspect Battery]
    E --> G[Functional?]
    F --> G
    G -->|No| H[Component-Level Repair]
    G -->|Yes| I[Preventative Measures]

Expected Repair Timelines

  • Battery replacement: 1-2 hours
  • Power circuit repair: 3-5 hours
  • Mainboard swap: 1 hour (plus parts ordering)

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