What is Lightning Launcher?

Lightning Launcher is the most popular 3rd-party app launcher for Meta Quest VR headsets. It provides features well beyond those of the default “navigator” app library.

Lightning Launcher can sort, search and launch official and sideloaded apps from a single panel. With 150K users and counting, it's been called a must-have quality-of-life utility for power users, modders, and VR natives alike.

• No more messing around in unknown sources: Unlike the navigator, which relegates unofficial apps to a hidden “unknown sources” menu, Lightning Launcher presents all apps within a single highly-customizable list. 

• Extensive customization: Users can hide apps, replace icons, create groups, and mark your favorites - or leave it up to built-in automatic sorting options. Websites can also be added to the launcher, opening in the user’s choice of browser.

• Online Metadata: High-quality cover art from online sources including SideQuest and the Meta will make sure all apps look great - no matter from what source they were obtained. Bespoke app label and genre data ensures the correct display and sort of all apps.

Meta Quest Store Launch

Lightning Launcher has previously been available for sideloading from GitHub or SideQuest (the leading third-party marketplace for VR applications). Sideloading on Meta Quest requires users to register with Meta as developers, then enable a special developer mode on their headset.

After many weeks of back-and-forth with Meta’s review team, Lightning Launcher has been approved for release on the official Meta Quest Store. This marks the first time any application in the “app launcher” category has been allowed to exist within the confines of Meta’s “walled garden” ecosystem.


For the first time in Quest VR history, users are able to access a better app library on their devices by simply downloading it, without the need to activate developer mode.

Why this matters:

• Unlike the built-in “navigator” app library, Lightning Launcher doesn’t contain any ads or Horizon Worlds promotions. (Unwanted system apps can also be hidden.)

• Lightning Launcher allows access to powerful system utilities (Android Settings, Android File browser) which are otherwise not available without developer mode.

• This move gives regular users access to a level of control over a fundamental part of their VR experience (opening apps) which Meta did not previously allow.

Lightning Launcher is available from the Meta Quest Store for free starting 12/1/2025.