What is a Google Cardboard?

what is a google cardboard

If you came here you’re probably wondering what is a Google Cardboard. Read on and your doubts will be cleared.

What is the Google Cardboard?

The Google Cardboard is a virtual reality (VR) platform and it’s named after its viewer, where you insert your smartphone.

You can buy a pre-manufactured viewer which is quite affordable or you can even build your own version. Specifications are available from Google so you get it right.

google cardboard to buy

Now that you know what is a Google Cardboard, let’s learn how to use it.

Table of Contents

  1. What is the Google Cardboard?
  2. Where to buy the Google Cardboard?
    1. Google Classicboard by Google
    2. Awesome portable cardboard (Certified by Google)
    3. Top-of-the-line cardboard
  3. Do it yourself: Google Cardboard template
    1. Lenses for google cardboard
  4. Google Cardboard Compatible phones
  5. Google Cardboard on iPhone
  6. Google Cardboard instructions: How to use Google Cardboard
    1. Google Cardboard on iPhone

Where to buy the Google Cardboard?

Before anything else, you need to get a Google Cardboard.

The easiest and most convenient way is to buy a ready-made product. And most of them are quite affordable.

If you prefer going offline, you can buy the Google Cardboard in a physical store.

If you prefer to get it online and haven’t figured out the google cardboard to buy, check out the following options:

Google Classicboard by Google

Click the image to check the price on Amazon now!

If you want the classic and basic version of the Cardboard, get this one, by Google itself. In fact, it’s a pack of 2 units which makes it even more affordable.

Awesome portable cardboard (Certified by Google)


Click the image to check the price on Amazon now!

Let’s move on to a very popular Cardboard on Amazon. Not only it is a great option by itself but it scores strongly on probability. You can fold it to take less space and it even has a sturdy case to keep it safe. If you plan to carry it with you, check it out.

You’ll also be happy to know that it will fit a large range of phones, Android and iPhone included.

If all of these weren’t enough qualities, it’s also one of the few 3D VR Glasses to be certified Works with Google Cardboard (WWGC).

There’s also a range of colors for you to choose from to better match your tastes and on top of that, it’s still very affordable.

Top-of-the-line cardboard


Click the image to check the price on Amazon now!

It’s far from the most affordable but its quality and possibilities shine through and make it an Amazon bestseller.

This is the unit you have to buy if you want an awesome virtual reality experience. This headset allows you to play games and watch movies and is compatible with a large range of phones.

It’s comfortable to wear as it is expected to be used for longer periods.

After you’ve chosen the Google Cardboard to buy and you’ve ordered it, learn how to use it.

Do it yourself: Google Cardboard template

If you want to opt for building out your own Google Cardboard, you can do it with ease.

The instructions and Google Cardboard template are readily available so you don’t have to figure it out for yourself.

Without further due, check out Google’s guide.

Lenses for google cardboard

If you’re going to build your own, remember to get lenses for Google Cardboard. It’s just one component but a crucial one.

Click the image to check the price on Amazon now!

Google Cardboard Compatible phones

Like with many apps and functions, it’s important to make sure if you have a device that is featured on the Google Cardboard Compatible phones list.

Maxbox VR, which sells its own Google Cardboards has compiled a list of Cardboard-compatible phones, you can check it here.

Other than that, the best option is to check out the specifications of each Cardboard. Scroll up to check 3 awesome options.

Google Cardboard on iPhone

Ok, so you’re an iPhone user. Don’t worry, there’s an app that allows you to run Google Cardboard on your iPhone, too. Download it here.

Google Cardboard instructions: How to use Google Cardboard

The Google Cardboard viewer is actually pretty simple to use.

You start by inserting your smartphone into the back of the Google Cardboard viewer and then you view the content through the lenses.

Your smartphone needs to feature a gyroscope and Android’s version should be 4.1 or higher but these days it’s highly unlikely that your phone wouldn’t meet these requirements.

Before even starting, you have to download the Google Cardboard app in the Google play store.

Now let’s dive into the Google Cardboard instructions on how to use Google Cardboard:

  1. Open the Cardboard app;
  2. To pair your phone with your viewer, on the right, tap the Right arrow.
  3. Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code on the Cardboard viewer. You might need to remove the cardboard sleeve to find the QR code.
    Open the top flap of the viewer.
  4. Lift the flaps toward you and press them against the fasteners on the sides.
  5. Put your phone inside the viewer, and then close the top flap.
    Before you look through the viewer, look at an object that’s far away.
  6. Close your eyes as you bring the viewer up to your face.
  7. Follow the instructions on the screen to begin using Cardboard.

Google Cardboard on iPhone

Ok, so you’re an iPhone user. If you’re wondering if you can use Google Cardboard, don’t worry.

Yes, there’s an iPhone app that allows you to run Google Cardboard on iPhone, too. Download it here.