How to sideload apps onto the XREAL Beam

How to sideload apps onto the XREAL Beam

As someone who has spent countless hours streaming movies and series on various devices, I find the XREAL Beam to be a quirky yet intriguing gadget. While it may not be the most versatile device out there, its ability to turn your glasses into a personal cinema is quite appealing.


The original XREAL Beam (not including the more advanced Beam Pro featuring a display and broader application compatibility) serves as a helpful yet somewhat constrained device for the company’s glasses. If your main purpose for using gadgets like the XREAL Air 2 Pro glasses is with a PC or a portable gaming system such as the ROG Ally, it’s unlikely that you would require one.

If you prefer turning your glasses into a personal movie theater, having the Beam device is quite handy. With this compact gadget, you can stream the hottest Netflix series directly to your eyes without relying on your smartphone or laptop.

As a tech enthusiast, I must admit that while the selection of apps on the Beam device is modest, with Netflix, Prime Video, and VLC being some of the few options, it’s not all gloom and doom. The reason for this limited variety lies in its Android-based structure, which opens up a world of possibilities for additional apps. You see, if an app isn’t preinstalled, you can still give it a try by sideloading it onto the Beam. Surprisingly, this process is simpler than one might anticipate.

Here’s what you need to do. 

One caveat before you begin

Installing Android apps through methods other than official sources can potentially pose risks, so it’s essential to approach these installations with careful consideration. While sites such as APK Mirror are often reliable, it’s crucial to remain vigilant at all times.

How to sideload Android apps onto the XREAL Beam

How to sideload apps onto the XREAL Beam

All you need to try other apps on your XREAL Beam are the apk file, a USB-C cable, and a PC (or a Mac or Chromebook if that’s what you prefer). 

Store the APK in an easily accessible location and plug one end of your USB cable into your computer. Then, connect the other end to the input port on the XREAL Beam. The device should power up automatically; if it doesn’t, press and hold the power button located at the top.

Once turned on, your computer should identify it as a portable storage device, similar to connecting a USB flash drive.

How to sideload apps onto the XREAL Beam

Simply transfer the APK file from your computer to the Downloads folder on the XREAL Beam for convenient access. This way, you can easily locate it when needed.

After the copy process is finished on your computer, you can disconnect your Beam device. To proceed further, link your glasses with the Beam for the subsequent stage.

In the Files app on your Beam device, find the recently copied APK file. Once found, open the file which will initiate a typical Android installation procedure. Upon completion, you’ll have the ability to launch the application on your Beam and observe it using your glasses.

You can install certain applications within the Beam device, including community-made apps known as Beam Apps (however, I haven’t had much luck with them myself). Essentially, these are like an app store for the Beam that you access directly. However, before you can sideload any apps onto the Beam, you need to go through a specific process first.

Adds functionality, but the Beam Pro is far better

How to sideload apps onto the XREAL Beam

If you currently own a Beam, this method provides an effective means to enhance its limited built-in features significantly.

Beyond its Android-like appearance, one of its main advantages lies in its access to the Google Play Store. This feature provides a user-friendly and secure method for expanding the apps compatible with your XREAL glasses. Updates will be simpler to install, and you’ll also enjoy perks like Google account integration.

For example, when I log in to Netflix and Disney+ on an Android device, they’re already linked to my Google Account, so it’s seamless. On the OG Beam, I have to enter a very long password manually using the air cursor inside the glasses. And that isn’t fun. But if your main needs are fairly limited, and you primarily use Netflix and/or Prime Video, the cheaper Beam can still be a good investment. 

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2024-09-10 16:11