How to launch Gear VR apps without Oculus

The Oculus app is a fairly reliable and stable app that is the window into VR for Samsung Galaxy phones. It loads automatically as soon as you attach your handset to the headset and loads into the home screen ready for you to launch your app or game of choice. You can also launch the Gear VR apps without Oculus. Here’s how.

Why would you want to launch the Gear VR apps without Oculus? The main reason would be if you’re a developer and don’t want to keep plugging your phone into the Gear VR to test effects or changes. By enabling this setting, you can quickly see what the screen would look like without having to load the phone into the headset.

Launch Gear VR apps without Oculus
You will need to load an app to get this working but it is quite straightforward.

1. Download and install SideloadVR onto your handset.
2. Follow the steps in the SideloadVR setup wizard.
The setup process has four steps that require you to pop in and out of the SideloadVR app. It may take a couple of attempts to get it right but you should end up with a working app. The SideloadVR site has instructions on how to get it working if you get stuck.
3. Navigate to Settings, Application Manager and Gear VR Service.

4. Select Manage Storage and Tap VR Service Version several times to enable developer mode on your handset.
You should see a toggle appear asking you if you want to enable Developer Mode. Toggle it to on.
Now you can open an Oculus app and it will show the VR view without being attached to the Gear VR headset. Have fun with it!

Do more with your Gear VR. Read ‘How to use a NES, Game Boy and PSP emulator with the Gear VR’ or ‘How to play Steam games with your Samsung Gear VR’.