Virtual Reality (VR) apps transform your smartphone into an immersive gateway to digital worlds.
This allows users to experience 360-degree environments, games, and interactive content through VR headsets like Google Cardboard or Samsung Gear VR.
A gyroscope is a crucial sensor in modern smartphones that detects rotational movement and orientation changes, enabling precise head tracking in VR applications.
However, many older or budget smartphones lack this sensor, which traditionally limited VR functionality.
Fortunately, VR apps designed for phones without gyroscope utilize alternative methods such as touch controls, accelerometer-based movement detection, and simplified interaction systems.
This delivers engaging virtual reality experiences without requiring advanced motion sensors.
Let’s take a look at some of these apps that work on phones without gyroscope.
Also Read: Best Virtual Reality Social Games
1. VR Thrills: Roller Coaster 360
VR Thrills is one of the most popular VR roller coaster simulators, designed to work even on phones without a gyroscope. It provides pre-recorded 360-degree video rides that simulate thrilling roller coaster experiences. You can play the game in touch mode if your phone lacks motion sensors.
Features:
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Compatible with non-gyroscope phones
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360-degree pre-recorded videos
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Multiple roller coaster environments
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Works with Google Cardboard and similar headsets
2. Fulldive VR
Fulldive VR is a VR content platform that works with or without a gyroscope, offering videos, games, and internet browsing in a virtual environment. While some features are limited without a gyro, touch-based navigation is available to explore immersive content. It also supports social sharing and VR photos.
Features:
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Touch-based and head-tracking navigation
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VR video player and internet browser
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Access to 360° YouTube videos
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Works with Google Cardboard
Check Out: Best VR Chat Apps For Immersive Experience
3. VR Ocean Aquarium 3D
This app offers a relaxing underwater VR experience with various sea creatures and aquatic scenery. It’s built to run smoothly on devices without a gyroscope, offering a tap-to-look-around system. It’s ideal for educational use or stress relief.
Features:
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Touch interaction support
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Realistic ocean environment
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Ideal for meditation and education
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Simple UI for beginners
4. VR Media Player – 360° Viewer
A lightweight media player that lets you watch 360° videos on your phone, even if it lacks a gyroscope. It allows manual panning with your fingers to simulate looking around. You can play both local and online content.
Features:
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Gyroscope-free 360° video playback
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Manual swipe to view different angles
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Supports MP4 and other common formats
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Google Cardboard support
Also Read: Best Sitting VR Games
5. VR Apps Zone – VR Games App
VR Apps Zone is a collection-based VR platform that includes a variety of lightweight VR experiences and mini-games. It’s designed to accommodate both gyroscope and non-gyroscope phones, offering a touch-based navigation mode where needed. Users can enjoy diverse genres like adventure, horror, and casual games in a single app.
Features:
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Multi-game VR platform
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Supports phones without gyroscope
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Touch and head movement controls
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Works with most low-end VR headsets
6. VR Real Feel Racing
VR Real Feel Racing is a VR racing simulator designed to be used with a physical Bluetooth steering wheel, but the app itself also works without it. While full motion control benefits from a gyroscope, the app does allow racing functionality and screen-based steering for non-gyro phones.
Features:
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Compatible with Real Feel Racing wheel
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Works in basic mode on phones without gyroscope
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Arcade-style VR racing
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Responsive gameplay for entry-level phones
Also Read: RecRoom vs VRChat
7. Solar System Scope VR
Solar System Scope VR is an educational app that lets you explore the solar system in a beautifully designed 3D space environment. While optimal performance comes with a gyroscope, it does include manual navigation support, allowing users without one to look around using swipe gestures or buttons. Great for students and astronomy enthusiasts.
Features:
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Accurate 3D planetary models
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Manual viewing support for non-gyro phones
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Educational content with orbit simulation
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Day/night cycles and real-time positions
8. VR X-Racer: Sonic 3D Racing
This version of the VR X-Racer franchise focuses on even faster gameplay and intense neon visuals. It’s built with flexibility in mind, supporting both gyroscope and touch-based controls. It works smoothly on phones without a gyroscope and provides the same thrill using screen inputs or tilt functions.
Features:
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Futuristic, high-speed endless runner
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Non-gyroscope support via touch or tilt
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Multiple difficulty levels and environments
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Lightweight for older phones
Check Out: Best VR Headsets For PC Gaming
9. VR Haunted House 3D
VR Haunted House 3D offers a spooky virtual reality adventure with haunted mansions, jump scares, and eerie audio. The game includes both gyroscope and non-gyroscope modes, with on-screen buttons for movement and interaction. It’s optimized for low-end phones and offers a scary experience even without advanced sensors.
Features:
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Horror-themed VR experience
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Full support for phones without gyroscope
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Touch controls for navigation
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Immersive 3D sound and visuals
Check Out: Best VR Ready Laptops
Final Thoughts
Having a phone without a gyroscope no longer means missing out on virtual reality.
Using these apps, you can enjoy everything from thrilling rides to tranquil underwater scenes and exciting games, all using touch-based navigation or basic accelerometer inputs.
Be it gaming, exploration, or relaxing environments, there’s something here to suit your taste.
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