While the Galaxy Note 4 is the only ‘one’ phone that is compatible with Samsung’s Gear VR headset, there’s different variations of the phone for different regions. Should you be attempting to import a Gear VR from a country where the device is not officially available, you can now check a compatibility list from Oculus before making a risky purchase.

See Also: Samsung Gear VR Detailed Review: Part One – Design Comparison to Oculus Rift DK2

Gear VR’s anticipated launch came in December for the US, but the rest of the world was left waiting for regional availability. Samsung and Oculus, who collaborated on the headset, recently began rolling it out to additional regions, beginning with a few countries in Europe. If you’re trying to buy Gear VR and worried about compatibility with your regional Note 4 variant, Oculus is now keeping a handy list:

  • SM-N910A [AT&T]
  • SM-N910T [T-Mobile]
  • SM-N910V [Verizon]
  • SM-N910P [Sprint]
  • SM-N910R4 [US Cellular] *may require Samsung Kies update.
  • SM-N910F [Europe]

The support page further explains:

In order for a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 mobile device to be compatible with the Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition headset, a required software update must be downloaded and installed. This update can only be officially obtained by having an active sim card installed on the [above] phone variants.

Please note that Oculus and Samsung are working to expand support for additional countries, phone models, and cellular carriers in the near future. Until we have expanded to additional locations, phones not listed [above] may not function with the Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition as they will be lacking key VR elements that are required for low-latency, consistent VR.

Be sure to check the Samsung Gear VR Compatibility support page any updates to the list.

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Ben is the world's most senior professional analyst solely dedicated to the XR industry, having founded Road to VR in 2011—a year before the Oculus Kickstarter sparked a resurgence that led to the modern XR landscape. He has authored more than 3,000 articles chronicling the evolution of the XR industry over more than a decade. With that unique perspective, Ben has been consistently recognized as one of the most influential voices in XR, giving keynotes and joining panel and podcast discussions at key industry events. He is a self-described "journalist and analyst, not evangelist."
  • Jacob Pederson

    “active sim card installed?” So I can’t buy an unlocked phone and use WIFI?

    • Ben Lang

      That’s a great question. You might have luck asking here, let us know what you hear!

      https://support.oculus.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

      • Jacob Pederson

        Desmond (Oculus Support)
        Feb 26, 7:23 AM

        Hello Jacob,

        Thank you for contacting Oculus Support!

        The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 requires a specific update to allow it to work with the Samsung Gear VR.

        Typically this update is distributed by the phones service carrier.

        Unlocked phones require a non-carrier specific update to allow it to work with the Samsung Gear VR.

        Please contact Samsung Support for more information on the release of this software for unlocked phones.

        Thank you and have a great day,

        Desmond
        Oculus Support

        • Ben Lang

          Hmm that’s not terribly helpful : /

  • WadeWatts

    Anyone resolve this question?