I’m hoping someone in the VR community can help diagnose some unusual issues with my Meta Quest 2 following water damage. While some components seem to be working, I’m experiencing several interconnected problems that I haven’t been able to resolve.
Background
- The headset was accidentally dropped in water (toilet) a couple months ago
- Basic steps like drying and cleaning with isopropyl alcohol were taken
- Some core functionality remains, but multiple issues persist
Current Symptoms
Display & Boot Issues
- Screen works but shows unusual behavior
- During reboot, the loading dot gets stuck in the center and won’t progress
- System attempts to display UI elements (shows controller icons)
- Screen functions normally until headset is removed, then shows black backlit screen
Controller Problems
- Controllers are detected but continuously buzz every 2 seconds
- System repeatedly attempts firmware updates but fails
- Controllers appear to be stuck in some kind of update/pairing loop
System State
- Basic boot sequence partially works
- Can enter some menus and see display elements
- Attempted factory reset and sideloading from Meta website
- Recovery mode accessible but limited in effectiveness
What I’ve Tried
- Factory reset
- Sideloading official firmware
- New batteries in controllers
- Multiple reboot attempts
- Recovery mode access
Questions for the Community
- Has anyone encountered this specific combination of symptoms before?
- Any suggestions for breaking the controller firmware update loop?
- What might cause the boot sequence dot to freeze?
- Are these symptoms indicative of damage to specific components that could be replaced?
If you’ve successfully recovered a Quest 2 from water damage or have experience with similar issues, I’d greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions. The fact that some components are still functioning gives me hope that this might be repairable.
Please share your experiences or suggestions in the comments below. I’m particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has dealt with controller firmware issues or boot sequence problems.
Technical Details
- Model: Meta Quest 2
- Time since water exposure: Approximately 2 months
- Current firmware version: [Would need to be added if accessible]
- Previous attempts at repair: Basic water damage protocol, factory reset, firmware reinstall
Note: This is a complex issue with multiple symptoms that might be interconnected. Any insights, even partial solutions, would be greatly appreciated.
