Phones, cardboard viewers and file transfer
A headset gives the best experience, but a phone can still help: for a quick look with a cardboard-style viewer, or as a way to get files onto your headset.
Step by step
Download to your phone
Open your private link and save the MP4. Check free space first; files are about 3–10 GB.
Try a cardboard-style viewer
Open the file in a VR video app with a split-screen (cardboard) mode, choose 180° side by side, then place the phone in the viewer.
Or send it to a headset over Wi-Fi
Players such as Skybox VR can browse DLNA media servers and network folders on your home network. Share the folder from your computer or a media server app, then open it from the player's network tab.
Or copy it by USB
Connect the headset to a computer with a USB-C data cable, allow file access in the headset, and copy the MP4 into its Movies or Download folder.
Tips
Many phones cannot decode 8K (8192 × 4096) video. If a file won't play, use a headset or a PC instead.
Copying to a USB drive? Format it as exFAT; FAT32 can't store files larger than 4 GB.
Wi-Fi streaming works best on 5 GHz or 6 GHz with the computer connected to the router by cable.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see 3D on a phone without a viewer?
Depending on the app, you'll see the two eye views side by side or a flat 180° view. For 3D you need a viewer or a headset.
What is DLNA?
A standard that lets devices on the same network share media. Many VR players can browse DLNA servers, so you can play or copy files from your computer without a cable.
Why won't the 8K file play on my phone?
Most phones have no hardware decoder for 8K video. The file itself is fine; play it on a headset or a PC.
Try it free first
Watch a free preview on your device to check your player and settings before you buy.
Other guides
Meta Quest
Quest 3, 3S and Pro: download in the Quest Browser or copy from a PC, then play in 180° SBS.
Read the guideApple Vision Pro
Safari download, the Files app and a VR180 player such as Moon Player or Reality Player.
Read the guidePICO
PICO 4 and 4 Ultra: download in the browser and play in PICO Video, Skybox or DeoVR.
Read the guidePC VR
Valve Index, HTC Vive or Quest via Link, Air Link or Virtual Desktop with DeoVR, Skybox or HereSphere.
Read the guideDownload tips
The 24-hour link, resuming downloads, storage space, the 2-device limit and lost emails.
Read the guideApp names, menus and features change over time and can differ by region and device. If something looks different, look for the equivalent option in your player.