# Cardboard

> Experience virtual reality on your smartphone with Cardboard.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.google.samples.apps.cardboarddemo](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.google.samples.apps.cardboarddemo)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.google.samples.apps.cardboarddemo`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Google LLC
- **Category:** LIBRARIES\_AND\_DEMO
- **Downloads:** 40,180,817
- **Rating:** 3.29 / 5 (162,700 ratings)
- **Version:** 3.5
- **Last updated:** 2025-12-05
- **First published:** 2014-06-25
- **Publisher country:** US
- **Size:** 21 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-12
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.samples.apps.cardboarddemo)
- **Website:** [http://developers.google.com/cardboard](http://developers.google.com/cardboard)
- **Privacy policy:** [http://www.google.com/policies/privacy](http://www.google.com/policies/privacy)

## Description

Cardboard brings virtual reality to your smartphone, letting you launch VR experiences, discover apps, and set up a Cardboard viewer. Built on the Cardboard open-source software (OSS) SDK, it enables easy access to mobile VR.

Note that a Cardboard viewer is required for full enjoyment. Learn more at g.co/cardboard and explore the OSS project on GitHub. By using this app you agree to Google TOS, privacy policy, and the app’s safety terms; avoid use while driving or in distracting situations.

## Rankings

- #3,826 — Overall

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_ADMIN`
- `android.permission.CAMERA`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.NFC`
- `android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.READ_MEDIA_IMAGES`
- `android.permission.READ_MEDIA_VIDEO`
- `android.permission.VIBRATE`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID`

## Review summary

Cardboard offers a simple, accessible VR experience with 3D and 360-view content, aligning with Google Cardboard’s affordable VR idea. However, many reviews cite device compatibility issues, instability and crash behavior, lack of Daydream/controller support, missing viewer procurement info (QR code), and occasional installation problems—making it feel outdated or unsupported on newer devices.

### Pros

- Easy to use / user-friendly
- 3D/VR viewing support
- Great for viewing 360-degree images
- Aligns with Google Cardboard concept and affordable VR idea

### Cons

- Compatibility issues with newer devices (e.g., Pixel 7) / outdated app on newer Android versions
- Crashes or unstable performance (quits when turning head; video viewer navigation causing brightness issues)
- Limited hardware support (not compatible with Daydream or requires specific headset controllers)
- Missing QR code / viewer procurement information and guidance (where to get / how to set up)
- Download/install difficulties or limited availability on some devices

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.google.samples.apps.cardboarddemo)