How to get Daydream working on any Android 7.1 / CM 14.1 device perfectly

Daydream, Google's virtual reality platform is currently compatible only with the Pixel, Pixel XL, Moto Z, Moto Z-Droid and Moto Z Force Droid. The feature, which was included in the Android 7.1 Nougat OS update, allows users to play VR games, watch movies in a VR cinema and watch 360-degree videos using a compatible VR headset.

Google hasn't ported the feature to more devices, users of a large number of Android devices will not be able to access Daydream VR content.

But for owners of devices such as the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, OnePlus 3 and any CyanogenMod 14.1 supporting device who still want to try out Google's VR offerings, there is a workaround to this restriction. You can run the Daydream app on the mentioned devices by rooting the devices.

Users should proceed at their own risk.

You will need a rooted device running Android 7.1 with Google VR services and the Daydream app installed, a Daydream compatible VR headset.

Once you have the devices, you will need to use a root explorer app and navigate to /system/etc/permissions/handheld_core_hardware.xml. It will show you the system features of your devices.

Inside the XML file, you will find a list of permissions.

You will need to edit the script and insert the code in the picture below into the root permissions tag.

Reboot the device. You should be able to launch Daydream VR from the app.


Once you go through this process, you will able to run Daydream apps that were previously incompatible with your device. The fix could also work on older phones. We would recommend using the Daydream app with higher specification VR headsets compared to low specification ones such as the Google Cardboard as Daydream VR videos are graphics heavy — the VR videos might lag if played on a low-end device.