1. Start with the Pico Browser
The Pico 4 and Pico 4 Ultra ship with a Chromium-based browser that handles WebXR. Open a site from our rankings, hit the VR button in the player and playback switches to immersive 180°. The pancake lenses give the Pico 4 a wide sweet spot, so scenes stay sharp even when you look around.
2. Install a proper video player
The Pico Store carries the essentials: SKYBOX, Pigasus and DeoVR all have native Pico builds. DeoVR’s direct site integrations make streaming inside the app seamless; SKYBOX is the best all-rounder for local files with DLNA/SMB network streaming from a PC or NAS.
3. Sideload anything the store is missing
Enable developer mode (pair the Pico phone app, then toggle developer options in headset settings) and you can install any Android APK via USB — useful for players not on the Pico Store. SideQuest’s advanced installer works with Pico devices too.
4. Optimize quality and storage
The Pico 4’s 2160×2160 per-eye panels are close to Quest 3 territory: 7K–8K source files are worth it. The base model has 128/256 GB with no SD slot, so lean on network streaming for your library and keep only favorites locally as high-bitrate HEVC files.
5. Privacy checklist
Use the browser’s incognito mode, clear downloads after transferring, disable screen recording/casting in quick settings, and set an unlock PIN. If you sideload, the installed-app list is visible to anyone wearing the headset — tuck players into a folder and lock the headset when idle.