Galaxy S7 Guides

What is Galaxy S7 screen grid in Galaxy S7 home screen and apps screen?

In Galaxy S7 and S7 edge home screen (actually, all Android devices), all app icons are arranged in rows and columns.  You are not allowed to put your app icon in arbitrary locations.

In other words, Galaxy S7 screen grid keeps your app icons aligned in both Galaxy S7 home screen and Galaxy S7 apps screen.

When you change the size of Galaxy S7 screen grid, the size of app icons in all grids (cells) will also be resized to match the change. In this way,  it is possible to slightly resize app icon size in Galaxy S7 home screen and apps screen.

Of course, there are many other ways to customize Galaxy S7 home screen for Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, for example, using Galaxy S7 themes.

Please note, the Galaxy S7 screen grid settings apply to both Galaxy S7 home screen and apps screen.  So, there are no separate screen grid settings for home screen and apps screen.

In Galaxy S7 home screen, there is a favorite tray (as shown below)in the bottom of all home screen panels except the Flipboard Briefing panel. This tray is NOT counted in the screen grid.

In other words, Galaxy S7 screen grid applies to the space above the favorite tray excluding the tray itself.  But the number of available (maximum) slots in the favorite tray is determined by number of columns in Galaxy S7 screen grid settings.

How to change Galaxy S7 screen grid to customize app icon size in home screen and apps screen?

To change  Galaxy S7 screen grid settings, you may follow these steps.

Step 1: Enter Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode (home screen options)

In Galaxy S7 home screen as shown below, tap and hold (aka “long tap”)any empty area to enter edit mode of Galaxy S7 home screen (aka, access Galaxy S7 home screen options) as shown below.

The other way to enter home screen mode is to pinch in the home screen.

Please note, you can enter Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode in any home screen panels. It is not necessary to be from the home of home screen panels.

Step 2: Set and preview Galaxy S7 screen grid settings

In the edit mode of Galaxy S7 home screen as shown above, you can tap the Screen grid as shown above.… Read the rest

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Update: Samsung moved the Google settings back to the standard location in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge in a May update. You can access Google settings in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge as in other Android devices at Settings–– Google.

What is Google Settings on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

Google settings on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is a centralized app for you to set almost everything related to your Google account and Google services on the phone. These include:

• Your Google account: Account sign-in, and security, personal info and privacy, and account preferences;
• Google services: Ads, connected apps, data management, Google Fit, Google Photos backup, location, Nearby, Play Games, Search & Now, Security, setup nearby device, and smart lock for passwords.

Some Google settings can also be accessed from individual apps.

For example, Google Photos backup settings can be done in Google Photos app.

Search and Now settings can be set in Google app (Google Now app, or Google Search app).

But a centralized location for most Google settings is convenient for most Android users.

In previous versions (since Android Jelly Bean), Google tried to put more and more settings into this centralized Google Settings.

Prior to Android Marshmallow, you can find the Google Settings app icon (shown above) in the apps screen (app drawer)

Where is Google Settings on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

But when you get your Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, you may immediately find you cannot find the Google Settings icon for as shown in the beginning of this page.

It is not in Galaxy S7 Apps screen.

It is not in Galaxy S7 Home screen.

It is not in any app folders.

Then, where is Google Settings on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge? 

Yes, some nerds may tell you Google Settings has a dedicated entry in the Settings in Android Marshmallow.

But when you check Galaxy S7 Settings, you still cannot find Google Settings on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

If you try to Search Galaxy S7 settings, it will not return Google Settings either.

Did Samsung remove Google Settings on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

Of course, not.

Samsung put Google Settings entry under Settings–Applications on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

You can find Google settings after Samsung apps settings.… Read the rest

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Why you get mirrored photos from Galaxy S7 front camera?

By default, when you take a selfie with the front camera in Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, you will get mirrored photos.

In other words, the photo saved in the phone is different from what you seen in the Galaxy S7 camera preview screen. It is flipped horizontally.

Such an implementation is very common in other smartphone front cameras as well.

Of course, just like other features, some users like it, some don’t.

Luckily, Samsung allows you to configure the camera settings so that you can avoid mirrored photos from Galaxy S7 front camera (if you want).

Even if you get mirrored photos, you can easily flip them in Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge.

How to avoid mirrored photos from Galaxy S7 front camera?

As mentioned, by default, Galaxy S7 or S7 edge front camera will save mirrored selfie.

To avoid mirrored photos from Galaxy S7 front camera, you may follow these steps.

Step 1: Start Camera appp.

There are many ways to start Camera app in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge:

• use Galaxy S7 camera quick launch (double tap Home button);
• tap camera app icon in Galaxy S7 home screen;
• tap camera app icon in apps screen;
• use Galaxy S7 camera mode shortcuts;
• use apps edge or tasks edge from edge screen (for Galaxy S7 edge only).

Step 2: Switch to front camera

After launching camera app, you should be in the Galaxy S7 camera preview screen as shown below.

In the preview screen, tap camera switch button (in green box in the screenshot below) if rear camera is active.

Step 3: Enter camera settings and enable “Save pictures as previewed”.

Once front camera is active (i.e., you can see yourself in the preview screen), tap the settings icon as shown above.

In Camera settings page, you can find one entry “Save pictures as previewed” as shown above.

You can tap the switch to enable it.

If you cannot find this option, very likely, you forget to switch to front camera.

From now on, all your photos taken with front camera will be saved as what you seen in the preview screen, instead of mirrored photos (or flipped photos).

This setting is persistent. You only need to do this once.

How to edit (flip) mirrored photos in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

… Read the rest

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What are edge panels on  Galaxy S7 edge?

As mentioned in this page, when Galaxy S7 edge screen is off, you can access edge feeds by swiping up and down in the edge screen area.

When Galaxy S7 edge touch screen is on, by default, you can drag the edge panel handle towards the center of the screen to access another feature of edge screen: edge panel, as shown below.

Once edge panels are accessed, the first edge panel is shown. For example, as shown above, Apps edge is in the first spot (by default) and therefore, you get apps edge as shown above.

You can tap app shortcuts (marked as 3 in the screenshot above) added to apps edge to launch them quickly without navigating to Galaxy S7 Home screen or Galaxy S7 Apps screen.

Please refer to this guide on how to add, remove, rearrange apps in apps edge in the first edge panel, and this guide on using tasks edge in edge panel.

You can swipe left and right o access other edge panels. The location of the current panel is indicated as a white dot (marked as 2 in the screenshot above).

You can tap gear icon (marked as 1 in the screenshot above) to access edge panel settings directly.

So, edge panels (part of edge screen) are actually place holders for frequently used apps and tools. It is not just a software gimmick. It can be a very useful productivity tool for Galaxy S7 edge owners if used properly.

This guide also applies to Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+ with Android Marshmallow update.

How to enable edge panels on Galaxy S7 edge?

By default, edge screen and edge panels are enabled on Galaxy S7 edge.

To enable or disable edge panels, you can go to Galaxy S7 Settings— Edge screen.

In Edge screen page as shown below, tap Edge panels.

In edge panels page, you can tap the switch button to turn on or turn off this feature as shown below.

Please note, edge feeds, edge panels and edge lighting all work independently in edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge. You can turn on/off them individually.

How to manage edge panels on Galaxy S7 edge?

As shown above, you can enable or disable individual panels for edge panel by selecting it (marked as 4 in the screenshot).

You can have up to 9 active panels.… Read the rest

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Android Nougat udpate for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge allows you to further customize Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons, including, adjusting button layout and ordering these quick setting buttons.

If your phone is still running Marshmallow, please check this guide.

What are the changes for Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons in Android Nougat update?

After applying Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, you may noticed the quick setting buttons (icons) were changed.

It seems it is part of Samsung’s design overhaul for material design.

In addition to the aesthetic update, there are four major changes:

1. The swipe (left or right) gesture in notification panel is no longer working for the top row of quick setting buttons. There are  now up to 6 buttons only (instead of 10 in two panels in previous versions).
2. You can customize the layout of the quick settings buttons: 3×3, 4×3 or 5×3.
3. New buttons were added, including, performance mode, data saver, private mode, phone visibility, blue light filter and smart view.
4. Brightness control can be placed above notifications, or below the 3-row quick setting buttons. You decide!
5. You can add buttons of third-party apps to quick setting buttons.

Please note, the size of quick setting buttons is a bit smaller. If you want to make it bigger, you can change screen zoom level.

How to customize Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons after Android Nougat update?

In the notification panel, only first 6 quick setting buttons will be shown after Android Nougat update.

As in previous versions of Android, you can swipe down again from notification panel to access Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons with Android Nougat update.

You can also swipe down with two fingers from the status bar to access Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons.

In the quick settings button, you can tap the menu key (3 vertical dots) as shown below.

You will then have two options for customizing Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons after Android Nougat update:

• Button layout (marked as 2 in the screenshot below). This is a new option for customizing quick setting buttons in Android Nougat udpate.
• Edit (marked as 1). This option allows you to order the buttons.

As shown above, you can use one of the three button layout: 3×3, 4×3 or 5×3, to customize Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons after Android Nougat update.

After you choose the desired button layout, you need tap OK button as shown above to apply the change.… Read the rest

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Flipboard is a good app for reading news and feeds.  But you may want to disable Flipboard briefing on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

Why you may want to disable Flipboard briefing on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

Flipboard Briefing is a special version of Flipboard app for Samsung devices. Samsung wants to make flipboard briefing on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge a personalized magazine so that you can get news from around the web based on your interest.

To be honest, Galaxy S7 Flipboard briefing has decent visual design for your stories.

The problem is that Samsung put the Flipboard briefing on the Galaxy S7 home screen with one dedicated panel.  It always occupies the leftmost Galaxy S7 home screen panel.

This is similar to Google Now page in Google Now launcher.  But Google Now is more useful and more intelligent.

You may want to disable Flipboard briefing on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge:

• if you are not a fan of the app;
• if you prefer a widget style of the app so that you can put it on any home screen pages and re-size it;
• if you are happy with the standard Flipboard app;
• when you want to scroll through all home screen panels. When Flipboard briefing is enabled, you cannot scroll through it.
• if you want to save battery and data. Some pre-installed apps like this may suck battery and data very quickly in the background. The doze mode in Android Marshmallow usually excludes such apps.
• if you have privacy concerns on the app.

The good news is that it is very easy to disable Flipboard briefing on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

How to disable Flipboard briefing on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

To disable Flipboard briefing on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, you may follow these steps.

Step 1: Return to home screen.

If you are using any apps, you can return to Galaxy S7 home screen by:

• tap Home button
• or tap Back button (may be a few times depends on the app you are using).

If you are not sure about the buttons on Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, please check Galaxy S7 layout page.

Step 2: Enter Galaxy S7 home screen Edit mode

In Galaxy S7 home screen (or Galaxy S7 home screen), tap and hold any blank area as shown below.

Your Galaxy S7 home screen now enters Edit mode as shown below.… Read the rest

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Update: if you Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 has been updated to Android Nougat, you may find there are some new features for quick setting buttons. You can even customize the layout of quick setting buttons in Android Nougat. For details, please check this guide.

As shown in Galaxy S7 notifications panel, there are by default 10 visible quick setting buttons on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

Quick setting buttons on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge actually correspond to quick settings panel in most other Android phones.

As Samsung’s TouchWiz modify many default features of the quick settings in stock Android OS, many new Samsung Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge owners may get confused on using the quick setting buttons on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

This guide will show you how to access, use and manage (rearrange) quick settings buttons on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.  You will also learn how to disable or enable Quick connect on Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.

How to access quick setting buttons on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge

There are two ways to access access quick setting buttons on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

Method 1: from notification panel

Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons always occupy one row in notification panel.

You can access Galaxy S7 notification panel by swiping down from top of the screen (status bar).

By default, there are 5 quick settings buttons are shown in notification panel.  You can swipe horizontally to access another 5 quick settings buttons as shown below.

So, in total, the notification panel accommodates 10 Galaxy S7 quick settings buttons.

To show all quick settings buttons on Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, tap the V icon as shown below.

You can also swipe down again on notification panel to show all Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons.

Method 2: Directly access all quick setting buttons on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge

You can directly access ALL Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons by swiping down from top of the screen (status bar) with two fingers.

This is a new touch screen gesture in Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, although it is a default gesture for quick settings in stock Android.

Anyway, it is good that Galaxy S7 and S7 edge now accept this gesture to access all Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons.… Read the rest

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About Samsung Galaxy S7 Online Manual

Samsung  Galaxy S7 Online Manual is an extension (with more details) of the official Samsung Galaxy S7 user manual (in PDF) and official Galaxy S7 edge user manual (PDF) .

Samsung Galaxy S7 online manual as created for Galaxy S7 owners to use commonly used feature of Galaxy S7.

If you want to download the PDF version of Samsung Galaxy S7 user manual in your own language, you can find them in this page for Galaxy S7, and this page for Galaxy S7 edge.

If you need some detailed Galaxy S7 how-to guides  for some advanced features, please check this Galaxy S7 how-to page.

More pages will be added to Samsung Galaxy S7 online manual regularly after they are tested. So, this is a live page. You may check this page later if you cannot find the page you want.

Of course, you can leave your questions in the comments section below, and the community will help you find the solution/answer.

You can use the following links to navigate through Galaxy S7 online manual.

List of Samsung Galaxy S7 online manual pages

1. Galaxy S7 layout and Galaxy S7 edge layout

   This Galaxy S7 layout and Galaxy S7 edge layout page will show you the functions and features of all buttons, ports and components in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Read on…..

2. Galaxy S7 physical buttons?

   Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge have 4 hardware buttons (keys), Home, Power, Volume up and Volume down,  and 2 capacitive buttons, Recent and Back. This Galaxy S7 online guide explains you the functions of these 6 Galaxy S7 buttons and how to use the combinations of these Galaxy S7 buttons.  Read on...

3. Galaxy S7 SIM card guide

   This Galaxy S7 SIM card guide page explains to you 1). the correct SIM card size (nano SIM) for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7; 2). how to use the 2 slots in Galaxy S7 SIM card tray; 3). the differences in Galaxy S7 SIM card slot between Galaxy S7 dual SIM model and single SIM model; 4). how to install SIM card for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, and 5). how to remove SIM card from Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Read on.…

4. Charging Galaxy S7 battery

   Do you really know how to charge Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge properly? Do you know the differences among normal wall charger, fast (adaptive) charger, wireless charger and fast wireless charger for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

… Read the rest

The post Samsung Galaxy S7 online manual appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge were officially announced on February 21 during MWC2016. Both phones will be available on brick and mortar shops from March 11 in many regions as expected. If you want to get it a few days earlier, you can pre-order it in most regions. Traditionally, the carriers and distributors may ship the order a few days earlier.

Before we examine the top features of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, let’s check Galaxy S7 specs and Galaxy S7 edge specs.

This post tries to summarize the hardware and software specifications of Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge to help you decide whether you should get Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge, or other Android phones.

Please don’t solely rely on Galaxy S7 specs or Galaxy S7 edge specs to make decisions. You should try them physically in the shop to help you make a better decision.

Galaxy S7 specs vs Galaxy S7 edge specs: what are the differences?

As in Galaxy S6, Samsung introduced two variants of Galaxy S7:  Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. But very likely there will be no Galaxy S7 edge+ model.

The differences between Galaxy S7 specs and Galaxy S7 edge specs include:

• Bigger screen size for Galaxy S7 edge, but identical screen resolution. Galaxy S7 has a  5.1″ screen with QHD super AMOLED display. This is identical to Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge. Galaxy S7 edge has a larger screen of 5.5″. But the resolution is identical to Galaxy S7.  The 5.5″ screen of Galaxy S7 edge lies somewhere between Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S6 edge+ (or Galaxy Note 5, both have a 5.7″ QHD screen).
• Bigger battery for Galaxy S7 edge. Galaxy S7 edge has a 3600mAh battery, which is 20% larger than Galaxy S7’s battey (3000mAh). Due to bigger screen size of Galaxy S7 edge, the battery life of S7 and S7 edge should be similar.
• Galaxy S7 edge is slightly heavier. Galaxy S7 edge is 157g (5.54oz), which is only 5g heavier than Galaxy S7.
• Curved edge screen for Galaxy S7 edge. Of course, only Galaxy S7 edge has edge screen features. The edge screen in Galaxy S7 edge is significantly improved compared to edge screen on Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+.
• Galaxy S7 edge will be $50-$100 more expensive in most regions for the same storage (32GB or 64GB) configuration.

… Read the rest

The post Galaxy S7 specs and Galaxy S7 edge specs appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

What is Galaxy S7 power button options?

As explained in Samsung Galaxy S7 buttons page, you can use power button to wake up the phone when the screen is off.  When screen is on, you can use power button to turn off the display and lock the screen instantly.

In addition to waking up the screen, or locking Galaxy S7 screen, Galaxy S7 power button options offers additional functions for you to:

• Power off Galaxy S7 (and Galaxy S7 edge)
• Restart (reboot) Galaxy S7
• Turn on/off emergency mode on Galaxy S7.

Please note, in different Android phones, the power button options are usually different.  The power button options discussed in this page apply to:

• Samsung Galaxy S7
• Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
• Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 edge and S6 edge+ with Android Marshmallow update
• Samsung Galaxy Note 5 with Android Marshmallow update

How to access Galaxy S7 power button options?

To access  Galaxy S7 power button options, you need press and hold power button for more than 2 seconds.

If you hold power button more than 7 seconds, Galaxy S7 will reboot.

If you want to exit from Galaxy S7 power button options, you can tap Back button.

How to use Galaxy S7 power button options?

As shown below, once you get Galaxy S7 power button options, you tap on one of the three buttons:

To power off Galaxy S7, tap Power off.

To reboot Galaxy S7, tap Restart.  This will shutdown the Android operating system, then restart it automatically.

To enable (if currently disabled) or disable (if currently enabled) emergency mode, tap emergency mode.

If you access Galaxy S7 power button options by accident,  you can tap Home button or back button to exit this screen.

Do you understand and use Galaxy S7 power button options now?

If you have any questions or problems with Galaxy S7 power button options, please let us know in the comment box below.

The community will try to help you.

You can get the official Samsung Galaxy S7 user manual (user guide) in your local language here, and Galaxy S7 edge user manual (user guide) in your local language here.

For other guides on using Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, please check Galaxy S7 online manual page.

For detailed Galaxy S7 how-to guides, please check Galaxy S7 how-to guides page.… Read the rest

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Why I cannot uninstall some apps in Galaxy S7 or S7 edge?

When you get your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, you can find there are some apps pre-installed (in both home screen and apps screen) before you start to install your own apps.

Like in other Android phones, the pre-installed apps in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge can be classified into 3 categories:

• System essential apps. These apps usually do not have icons (or user interfaces).  It is not necessary for Galaxy S7 owners to play with these apps at all.
• Pre-installed apps offering basic functions. For example, phone app and messaging app let you use Galaxy S7 immediately without installing any apps. Of course, many Google apps can fall into this category.
• Bloatware. These are apps that most Galaxy S7 owners hate. The app publisher paid Samsung or local distributor or your carrier to installed their crappy apps into Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. The bloatware in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge is usually different in different regions (or different carrier models).  For example, in most regions, a few Microsoft apps were pre-installed as bloatware. Flipboard briefing is another example of bloatware.

For any of these pre-installed apps, you cannot uninstall them without rooting Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.

If you do not want to use these apps, you may disable (turn off) some of these apps if they are not essential.

Please note, you cannot move any of the pre-installed apps to micro SD card in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

What’s the difference between uninstalling apps and disabling apps in Galaxy S7?

For apps installed by you, you can uninstall them from Galaxy S7 or S7 edge at any timewithout any issues.

But for pre-installed apps, you can only disable such apps. You cannot “uninstall” them.

The difference between “uninstall” and “disable” (turn off) is that when you disable apps in Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, these apps still occupy your internal storage.

Of course app data are removed. But the files for the app are still in the internal storage.

So, disabling apps in Galaxy S7 essentially prevent them from starting. You cannot fully claim back the storage used by such apps.

When you uninstall apps in Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, they are removed from the phone. Both app files and app data are removed and therefore you can claim back the storage.… Read the rest

The post How to disable and uninstall apps in Galaxy S7 ans S7 edge? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

You can use flash for Galaxy S7 front camera

As explained in Galaxy S7 layout, there is a LED flash for the rear camera (main camera) in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

But many owners of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge may not be aware of that they can also use flash for Galaxy S7 front camera when taking selfies.

Of course, there is no LED flash in the front of Galaxy S7  or Galaxy S7 edge.

So, how to use flash for Galaxy S7 front camera?

Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge can use the screen as flash so that your face will get better lighting conditions.

Because you are usually close to the screen when taking selfie, the additional light offered by the screen usually is sufficient for selfies even you are in total darkness.

Using screen as flash is not a new feature in Android phones. There are even some third-party apps  (e.g., this one)for this.

But for Samsung phones, this is new.  And it works surprisingly well.

How to use flash for Galaxy S7 front camera?

Just like for rear camera, you can set to use flash for Galaxy S7 front camera as the following 3 modes:

• Off.   This will not use flash for Galaxy S7 front camera when taking selfies.
• Auto.  Flash will be used only if the lighting conditions are not good. If this mode is used, you will see the flash icon if flash will be used as shown below.
• On. Flash will be always used regardless of the light conditions.

When flash is used for Galaxy S7 front camera, the screen will light up as white for 1-2 seconds and photos will be taken during this period.

Please note, when burst mode is used, flash will not work.  This is true for rear camera as well.

But you can use flash for Galaxy S7 front camera together will any of the 5 shooting methods for Galaxy S7 front camera and using volume keys to take photos.

Do you know how to enable and use flash for Galaxy S7 front camera when taking selfies in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

If you have any questions or encounter any problems to enable and use flash for Galaxy S7 front camera when taking selfies in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, please let us know your questions or problems in the comment box below.… Read the rest

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Galaxy S7 Guides community@GadgetGuideOnline (GGO) likes to hear from you! You cam share your thoughts, questions, recommendations on Galaxy S7 in comments page of corresponding Galaxy S7 guides.

You can also reach us with the contact us form below.

Please note, this Galaxy S7  Guides community is NOT affiliated to Samsung in any way.

If you have any warranty issues on your Samsung Galaxy S7, please contact local Samsung service center.  You can also find the Samsung  service center information in the warranty card in your Galaxy S7 box.

If you have any specific problems with Galaxy S7, please check our Galaxy S7 how-to guides and Galaxy S7 online manual.

Very likely, the problem has been addressed in the guides or in the comments. If not, posting your questions in the comments usually let you get faster reply from other members or from us.

You can also read and download official Samsung Galaxy S7 user manual in your languages (in PDF format) and Galaxy S7 edge user manual in your own language.

You can also post any Galaxy S7 problems in our Facebook page.

We will try to answer your email as early as we can. But the reply usually is slower than answering questions in comments or in our Facebook page.

In addition, many other Galaxy S7 owners may help you find a solution if you post questions in comments section or Facebook page. So, we encourage you to post specific questions in comments section of relevant guide pages.

Please note, our reply cannot reach following email providers: Microsoft (Outlook, Hotmail) and AOL. Please try to use Google Mail (GMail).

Again, you may get faster reply through comments box in relevant pages.

Want to learn how to use Samsung Galaxy S7? Check our Galaxy S7 how-to guides page.

Want to download official Galaxy S7 user manual (Galaxy S7 user guide) in your own languages? Check Samsung Galaxy S7 user manual page.… Read the rest

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What are Galaxy S7 developer options?

Galaxy S7 developer options are some settings for app developers to test apps under some simulated environment in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. For example, to test apps with limited available RAM.

In recent versions of Android, some complicated settings, and some settings for seldom-used backward compatibility were also moved/added to developer options.

Since Android Jelly Bean 4.2, developer options are hidden. This was done deliberately so that users will not accidentally enable some settings.  And most Android users do not need developer options at all.

But for app developers and a few owners, they may need to access and use Galaxy S7 developer options to test some apps or try some settings. For example, some owners may want to run a few ADB commands. They then have to enable USB debugging in Galaxy S7 developer options.

Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge have the identical developer options. So this guide applies to both Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge although we took screenshots from Galaxy S7 edge.

Do you need Galaxy S7 developer options?

Please note, for most owners of Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, you may not need to access developer options at all.

Galaxy S7 developer options do NOT solve any of your phone problems. If you have any issues with your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, seldom the developer options can solve them.

And some settings in Galaxy S7 developer options may affect the performance or functions of Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

You may need Galaxy S7 developer options if

• you are an app developer to test apps on Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge.
• you want to to use ADB commands (you need to enable USB debugging).
• you want to force RTL layout.
• you want to adjust animation speed or turn off animations when opening apps.
• you want to keep mobile data always on.
• you want to turn the Galaxy S7 screen on all the time  when it is connected to a charger.

Anyway, if you are not sure, you may not need Galaxy S7 developer options.

How to enable Galaxy S7 developer options?

As mentioned, by default, developer options in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are hidden. You cannot find it in Settings before you enable (unhide) them.

To enable Galaxy S7 developer options, you need follow these steps.

Step 1: Go to Settings– About device –Software info

You can access Galaxy S7 Settings from Home screen, Apps screen or notification panel.… Read the rest

The post How to access and use Galaxy S7 developer options? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

Volume key is not just for volume control

You may not know you can use volume key to take photos in Galaxy S7 camera app.

This can be very useful in occasions when you are using one hand to take photos.

And you can use volume key to take photos for both front and rear cameras in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

So, for front camera, in addition to the 5 shooting methods discussed in this guide, you can use volume key as the 6th shooting method.

For rear camera, you already know that  you can use shutter button, or use voice control to take photos. Volume key is the 3rd shooting method for the rear camera in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

In Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, in addition to controlling volume, volume key have many other functions in various apps, for example,

• Messages app: you can adjust text size using volume up and volume down keys.
• Camera app: you can use volume key to take photos or zoom in/out or recording videos.

Anyway, volume key is not just for volume controls in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Many apps may use volume keys for special functions.

This guide shows you how to use volume key to take photos in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

How to disable/enable volume key for taking photos

By default, in Galaxy S7 camera app, you can press volume key to take photos without any settings. Volume down and volume up keys work identically for taking photos.

However, if you do not want to use volume key to take photos, or if you want to configure volume key for other functions in Galaxy S7 camera app, you may follow these steps.

Step 1:  Start Camera app

You can use one of the following ways to start Camera app in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge:

• use Galaxy S7 camera quick launch (double tap Home button);
• tap camera app icon in Galaxy S7 home screen;
• tap camera app icon in apps screen;
• use Galaxy S7 camera mode shortcuts;
• use apps edge or tasks edge from edge screen (for Galaxy S7 edge only).

Step 2: Enter camera settings

In Galaxy S7 camera app preview screen, tap Settings button (gear icon) as shown below to enter camera settings.

In Camera settings page, as shown below, tap Volume keys function.… Read the rest

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We all hate app pushing pop up ads

As most of Galaxy S7 owners use a lot of free apps. We understand many app developers rely on ad revenue to pay their bills.

So, normally we can tolerate ads in apps without installing the ad blocker apps. Just FYI, some app blockers may replace original ads with their own ads. So these guys are using other developers’ work to earn money.

Anyway, the majority of Galaxy S7 owners may get angry when some apps push pop up ads which affect your phone usage unless you tap the ad or close the app.

Even worse, some nasty apps may push pop up ads when the app is NOT in use.  They deliberately to hide the app pushing pop up ads.

For example, as shown below, when I browsed my own website with Chrome browser, and suddenly, a pop up ads blocked my view as shown below.

I have no way to close this pop up ad. The X in the pop up ad actually direct me to Google Play store to install the poor app, or to some suspicious sites.

This is an example of malicious pop up ad. I believe most of us hate them.

I know I do not use such pop up ads in the website because this is our own website. I know the ad types and sources.

I know Chrome never push pop up ads.

I know my ISP does not have such a shabby business.

Then where does this pop ads come?

So I decided to dig it further to find out the app pushing pop up ads.

How to find out the app pushing pop up ads in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

Such ads do not show all times.  Sometimes, it shows once a day or twice a day or every the other day.

I know such nasty pop up ads are pushed by some apps installed on my Galaxy S7 edge.  But you do not know which one because the app developer deliberately tried to hide app.

Initially, I thought, it is through notification. So, I disabled notification for most suspicious apps.

But this does not solve the issue. A developer told me it is from a running service, not through notification system.

And my friend shared his method to find out the app pushing pop up ads in Galaxy S7 .… Read the rest

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Why you may use Galaxy S7 camera modes?

By default, when you use Galaxy S7 main camera, the Auto mode will be used. For front-facing camera, the default Galaxy S7 camera mode is selfie mode.

The Auto mode (or selfie mode for front-facing camera) is usually sufficient for most users in most scenarios.

But sometimes, you may consider to use other Galaxy S7 camera modes. For example:

• if you want to have more control on ISO, exposure and white balance, you may want to use Pro mode.
• if you want to take a picture and modify it later with different focus, you may want to try Selective Focus mode.
• if you want take a panorama photo, of course,  you will try Panorama mode.
• if you want to include more people in selfie, you may want to use wide-selfie mode.

In addition, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge offer a few special camera modes, including hyperlapse, virtual shot, live broadcast, video collage. To use these Galaxy S7 camera modes, you have to manually change to it or create a Galaxy S7 camera mode shortcut in home screen.

We will have individual guides on how to use these Galaxy S7 camera modes.

What are pre-installed Galaxy S7 camera modes?

The number of pre-installed Galaxy S7 camera modes may slightly different in different regions or on different carriers.

In most regions, the following Galaxy S7 camera modes are pre-installed for rear camera as shown below:

• Auto mode. This is the default mode for rear camera.
• Pro mode.
• Selective focus mode.
• Panorama mode.
• Video collage.
• Live broadcast.
• Slow motion.
• Virtual shot mode.
• Food mode.
• Hyperlapse mode.

For front-facing camera, the pre-installed Galaxy S7 camera modes include:

• Selfie mode (default).
• Wide selfie mode.
• Video collage.
• Live broadcast.
• Virtual shot mode.

How to change and use Galaxy S7 camera modes?

To change Galaxy S7 camera modes, you can tap Mode button as shown below in camera preview screen.

In the Galaxy S7 camera modes screen, select the camera mode you want to use as shown below.

Now, you Galaxy S7 camera switches to this new camera mode.

Please note, camera mode selection is not consistent.

When you launch Galaxy S7 camera next time, the default camera mode will be used again. Your previous selection for camera mode is not saved after you exit the camera app.

If you use certain Galaxy S7 camera mode often, you can add a camera mode shortcut to Galaxy S7 home screen.… Read the rest

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Can you use micro SD card in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge as internal storage?

One of the new features in Android Marshmallow is that you can use micro SD card as internal storage, or as portable storage.  Many owners of low-storage phone owners were very excited  about it.

But Samsung does not allow you to use micro SD card in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge as internal storage because they believe the low-speed micro SD card may ruin the  user experiences.

Does this mean you cannot move apps to micro SD card in Galaxy S7?

The answer is No.

Actually Galaxy S7 and S7 edge still allow you to move some app to micro SD card (if the app supports it). And you can even move whole app to the SD card, not just part of app data as in previous generations Galaxy phones with SD card slot.

In other words, you can use micro SD card in Galaxy S7 as internal storage, in a special way.

How to insert micro SD card in Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 use single tray for SIM card and micro SD card.

In some regions, Galaxy S7 and S7 edge were marked as dual SIM phone. For those models,  you have the option to use slot 2 for either micro SD card or second SIM card. But you cannot use both in slot 2. This was explained in Galaxy S7 SIM card guide page.

To insert micro SD card in Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, it is recommended to power off the phone.

Once you power off Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, you can then follow these steps as shown in the following animation:

• insert the sim card tray injection tool into the hole, press it a bit.
• pull out the SIM card tray.
• put micro SD card into slot 2. You need to match the shape with metal part facing down.
• press micro SD card slightly so that it fits into the slot.
• push the SIM card tray fully into the phone.

How to remove micro SD card in Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

You can follow the similar steps mentioned above to removed SD card from Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

Again, it is recommended to power off Galaxy S7 or S7 edge before opening the SIM card tray.… Read the rest

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Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge introduced Galaxy S7 performance mode optimized for different usage scenarios: gaming, entertaining, and high performance.

What is Galaxy S7 performance mode in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

Different owners may use Galaxy S7 or S7 edge very differently.  Even one owner may use the phone differently during different periods.

Such different usages may have different requirements for hardware and software optimization to get the best user experience.

One-size-fits-all type configuration is almost impossible to deliver the best user experience, even Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge have top-notch hardware specs.

Samsung tried to address this issue with Galaxy S7 performance mode in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

Each Galaxy S7 performance mode is designed for a specific usage scenario: gaming, entertaining, high performance,

By default, after applying Nougat udpate, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S& edge will enter “optimized” mode, which is optimized for normal daily usage.

For example, the optimized mode set the screen resolution to full HD 1080p, instead of the WQHD 1440p. Of course, you can change Galaxy S7 screen resolution and change screen zoom level.

If you need to use Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge for gaming, watching videos, or for maximum performance, you can then change and customize Galaxy S7 performance mode.

What are the 3 Galaxy S7 performance modes in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

In addition to the default optimized mode,  Galaxy S7 and S7 edge offer 3 additional pre-defined performance modes in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

Of course, you can further customize any of these 3 Galaxy S7 performance modes.

1. Game mode

Game mode is optimized for gaming experiences.

By default, when you choose game mode for Galaxy S7 performance mode, the screen brightness will increase by 10%  automatically, screen resolution will be adjusted to full HD 1080p, game tools and game launcher will be activated instantly.

As mentioned, you can also customize the default profile. For example, set default screen resolution in game mode as WQHD 1440p.

2. Entertainment mode

Entertainment mode is optimized for watching videos and listening music.

When this Galaxy S7 performance mode is enabled, by default, the screen resolution will be adjusted to WQHD, video enhancer will be turned on. UHQ upscaler for music and video will also be turned on automatically.… Read the rest

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Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge also enabled Galaxy S7 blue light filter, which makes night reading more comfortable.

Actually, the recalled and now deceased Galaxy Note 7 actually already got blue light filter.  Google also introduced a similar feature in Pixel and Pixel XL phones.

What’s blue light filter in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update?

Blue light is not a new thing. It is part of the visible light from day one.

But in recent years, there are growing concerns on the impact of blue night on our eyes due to the prolonged use of LED devices, which usually are considered as a major source of blue light in modern age.

Although it is still arguable whether blue light from smartphones and other LED devices may cause any eye health issues, we all can feel it is more comfortable in night reading if blue light is partially filtered.

Galaxy S7 blue light filter allows you to filter some blue light to reduce the strain of your eyes, especially in dark or low-night environment.

Of course, you should never consider blue light filter as an excuse to use the phone excessively. It is more or less for comfort.

How to turn on and turn off Galaxy S7 blue light filter in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update?

You can quickly turn on and turn off Galaxy S7 blue light filter at any time with one tap.

In Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons,  you can find blue light filter button as shown below.

You can tap the button to turn on it immediately if the filter is off now; turn off the filter if it is currently one

If you need to use blue light filter frequently, you may relocate the button to one of the first 6 spots as explained in this guide if your Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge was updated to Android Nougat 7.0.

If your phone is still on Android Marshmallow 6.0, you may check this guide on how to customize the quick setting buttons.

Similar to other Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons in Android Nougat 7.0, if you tap and hold (i.e, long tap) the blue light filter button, you will be directed to the corresponding settings page as discussed later.

Another way to enable or disable blue light filter in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is from phone settings.… Read the rest

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