Install APK on Meta Quest, Pico 4 & Android VR Headsets

Install APK on VR Headsets

Android-based VR headsets like Meta Quest, Pico 4, and HTC Vive XR have a local storage system that accepts APK sideloads. AnExplorer — available on the Meta Horizon Store — is the file manager purpose-built for VR headsets, handling the complete sideload flow inside the headset itself.

Supported Headsets

Step 0 — Enable Developer Mode (One-Time Setup)

For Meta Quest:

1. Visit developer.oculus.com → create or join an organization
2. Open the Meta companion app on your phone
3. Settings → your headset → Developer Mode → ON
4. In the headset, unknown APK installation is now permitted

For Pico 4:

1. Settings → General → About → tap Build Version 7 times
2. Developer Options appear → enable USB Debugging and Install via USB

Method 1 — Transfer from Phone via WiFi (No PC)

1. Install AnExplorer on your phone and on the headset
2. On your phone, navigate to the APK → tap WiFi Share
3. Inside the headset (with controllers), open AnExplorer → Network → WiFi Receive
4. Accept the transfer — APK arrives in headset storage
5. In the headset's AnExplorer, navigate to the APK → tap to install

Method 2 — Device Connect (PC Browser → Headset)

Device Connect starts a web server on the headset that your PC browser can push files to:

1. Inside the headset, open AnExplorer → Tools → Device Connect → Start Server
2. Note the IP address and port shown (e.g. 192.168.1.50:1234)
3. On your PC, open a browser and navigate to that address
4. Drag and drop the APK onto the browser page — it uploads to headset storage
5. Back in the headset, tap the APK in AnExplorer → install

This is the fastest method for large APKs since it runs over your local WiFi at full speed.

Method 3 — Remote Install via ADB from Phone

AnExplorer's Remote Install installs the APK inside the headset silently — no confirmation dialog inside the headset. Works over WiFi or USB.

WiFi ADB (recommended — no cable):

1. In the headset: Settings → Developer Options → Wireless Debugging → ON
2. Tap Pair device with pairing code — note the IP, port, and 6-digit code
3. On your phone, navigate to the APK in AnExplorer → tap Remote Install
4. Enter the IP address and pairing code shown in the headset
5. Tap Pair, then Install — the app installs silently inside the headset

USB ADB:

1. Connect the headset to your phone via USB-C
2. Headset: Developer Options → USB Debugging → ON
3. Put on the headset and tap Allow on the "Allow USB Debugging" prompt
4. On your phone, navigate to the APK in AnExplorer → tap Remote Install
5. Tap Install — done

After Install — Finding Sideloaded Apps

Sideloaded apps on Meta Quest appear under App Library → Unknown Sources. On Pico 4 they appear in the main app grid. AnExplorer itself shows installed apps in App Manager regardless of source.

Related Guides

• APK Installer Feature
• File Manager for Meta Quest
• Install APK on AR Glasses
• Best VR Headset File Manager