Galaxy S7 Guides

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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Like most other smartphones, Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge do not have a dedicated hardware button for camera.

This means before you can take photos with Samsung Galaxy S7 or Galxy S7 edge, you must launch the camera app.

The good news is that there are several different ways to launch Galaxy S7 camera app (access camera in Samsung Galaxy S7):

• Use Galaxy S7 camera quick launch (read on);
• Launch Galaxy S7 camera app from Galaxy S7 lock screen;
• Launch Galaxy S7 camera app from Galaxy S7 Home screen;
• Launch Galaxy S7 camera app from Galaxy S7 Apps screen;
• Launch Galaxy S7 camera app from other apps;
• Launch  Galaxy S7 camera app from camera mode shortcuts.

How to use Galaxy S7 camera quick launch to launch Galaxy S7 camera app?

Since Galaxy S6, Samsung introduced quick launch for camera app. And Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge fully support quick launch for Galaxy S7 camera.

You can press Home button twice to launch camera app instantly.  This is referred as Galaxy S7 camera quick launch,

Galaxy S7 camera quick launch works even when the screen is off or locked.

So, Galaxy S7 camera quick launch is the fastest method to launch Galaxy S7 camera app in S7 and S7 edge.

By default, Galaxy S7 camera quick launch is enabled.

If you find Galaxy S7 camera quick launch does not work on your Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, you may check the settings.

Go to Galaxy S7 settings, tap Applications.

In Settings–Applications, tap Camera as shown below.

In Camera Setting page, you can enable or disable Galaxy S7 camera quick launch as shown below.

Launch Galaxy S7 camera app from Galaxy S7 lock screen

As explained in Galaxy S7 lock screen guide, you can put two app shortcuts in Galaxy S7 lock screen.

By default, camera app shortcuts is on the bottom right in Galaxy S7 lock screen.

You can tap the icon to launch Galaxy S7 camera app without unlocking the screen.

Because lock screen is not unlocked, you cannot edit the photos after you take them. You cannot share them before you unlock the phone.

Launch Galaxy S7 camera app from Galaxy S7 Home screen

By default, camera app icon is in the favorite tray in Galaxy S7 Home screen.

You can tap the icon to launch camera app from Galaxy S7 Home screen, just like using other apps.… Read the rest

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What are widgets in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

Widgets in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge let you access partial features of the app without launching the app in your phone.

Essentially, widgets in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are “at-a-glance” views of an app. It adds another quick way to use the app.

In other words, you can access some info or get control (partial) of the app directly from Galaxy S7 home screen.

So, you can use your Galaxy S7 and S7 edge in a more efficient way. For example, you can use widgets to make a call to a specific contact without fiddling around the phone app or contacts app as shown in this guide.

Please note, whether an app has widgets, and what functions and info are offered in the widgets,  are decided by the app developer, not Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

How to add widgets in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

In old Android (prior to Android KitKat), widgets are listed in apps screen (app drawer).  There was usually a tab for widget.

In Galaxy S7 apps screen, you cannot find widgets with the default launcher or in Google Now launcher.

You can only access widgets in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge through Galaxy S7 home screen in edit mode.

To add widgets in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, you may follow these steps.

Step 1: Enter Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode

There are two ways to enter Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode (aka, access home screen options):

1. Pinch (to zoom in)in any home screen panels.
2. Tap and hold (long tap) on any empty area in any home screen panels.

The result is identical.

Step 2: Find a widget

Once in edit mode, tap Widgets as shown below.

You are now directed to the widget list page with all installed widgets in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

You can navigate to different pages/panels by swiping left or right. You can also use the page indicator (white dots in default Galaxy S7 theme) to navigate through different panels.

Some apps may have more than one widget. This will be indicated by the number next to it,  and a “>” in a white circle.

For example, for Google+ app, as shown below, there are 2 widgets.  Tapping the “>”  button to find 2 of the widgets as shown below.

Some apps have only one widget.… Read the rest

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Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge introduced some changes in icons and buttons. This page explains to you two of the most confusing new Galaxy S7 status icons you may find in the status bar: data saver status icon and performance mode notification icon.

Some Galaxy S7 status icons are carrier specific, for example, voLTE, WiFi calling. For these icons, they may be different in different phones.

But for data saver and performance mode status icons, they are identical in  all Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge devices.

New Galaxy S7 status icons: Data saver icon

By default, after you apply the Android Nougat udpate for Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge, data saver will be automatically turned on.

And therefore, you may notice the following icon in the right side of the status bar.

Data saver is a new feature in Android Nougat.

Prior to Android Nougat, there is an option called restrict background data in stock Android. Data saver in Android Nougat is a replacement for this option.

Compared to simply restricting background data, data saver uses some algorithms to decide how to save data usage without comprising the phone functions.

Data saver can prevent some apps from sending and receiving data in background.

For apps you are actively using, it may also reduce the frequency of data usage to save data.

You can turn off  or turn on data saver in Settings —Connections-–Data usage–-Data saver in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

After data saver is turned off, the data saver status icon will then disappear from the status bar.

New Galaxy S7 status icons: Performance mode icon

After applying Android Nougat udpate, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is in optimized mode. You can manually adjust some settings to meet your needs.

For example, the default screen resolution was scaled down to 1080p in optimized mode. You can adjust the screen resolution to WQHD 1440p or HD 720p as explained in this guide.

To make your life easier, Samsung also introduced three pre-defined performance modes for gaming, entertainment and high performance.

So, you can switch to any of these 3 modes with one tap to get the optimized settings for each mode without fiddling around various settings.

When any of the 3 performance modes is activated, you will find the performance mode icon as shown below.… 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

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Samsung Galaxy S7 notification panel is a centralized location for all notifications from all apps on your Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

This guide applies to Galaxy S7 edge notification panel as well, although Galaxy S7 notification panel is used in the guide.

How to access Samsung Galaxy S7 notification panel?

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

If you are in immersive full-screen mode (full-screen without status bar), you can just swipe from top of the screen to access Galaxy S7 notification panel.  You can in either landscape mode or portrait mode.

Please note, unlike other Android phones, Samsung Galaxy S7 only use one finger to access notification panel.

If you swipe down from top of screen with 2 fingers, or swipe down twice with one finger, you will get the Quick Setting buttons panel, not Galaxy S7 notification panel.

Samsung Galaxy S7 notification panel for Galaxy S7 or S7 edge with single SIM card inside

Samsung Galaxy S7 (and S7 edge) has two versions based on number of SIM card supported: single SIM version and dual SIM version of Galaxy S7 (and S7 edge).

For single SIM version of Galaxy S7 (S7 edge), you can put SIM card in slot 1 and slot 2 is for micro SD card.

For dual SIM version of Galaxy S7 9S7 edge), you can put either SIM card or micro SD card into slot 2 (but not bother) as explained in Galaxy S7 SIM card guide page.

If there is only one SIM card installed, Galaxy S7 notification panel will look like the screenshot shown below.

You can find the following components in Galaxy S7 notification panel (as shown above):

• Date and time 
• Settings icon.  Tap the icon to launch Galaxy S7 Settings
• Quick Setting buttons. Tap the icon to enable/disable the corresponding features.
• More button (for quick setting buttons). Tap the button to see all quick setting buttons (quick settings panel).  This is equivalent to swipe down again in notification panel. For more details on how to use quick setting button (and quick settings page), please check this guide.
• Brightness control.
• Quick connect.
• Notifications.  Some notifications are actionable. You can perform certain actions through notifications in Galaxy S7 notification panel.
• Notification settings.
• Clear button. Tap the button to dismiss all notifications (excluding on-going notifications, e.g,

… 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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If you just switch to Galaxy S7 and  are trying to migrate old phone data to Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, this guide will show you the best way to migrate your data.

You probably even do not need to install any apps or tools when you switch to Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

The tool we are going to use to help you switch to Galaxy S7  is called Smart Switch, free software offered by Samsung.

What is Smart Switch for me to switch to Galaxy S7?

Smart Switch is Samsung’s killer tool for you to migrate old phone data to Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.  It will help you migrate to Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

There are 2 different Smart Switch software packages:

1. Samsung Smart Switch Mobile App.  The Smart Switch mobile app allows you to migrate data from your old device (Android, iOS, BlackBerry) to Galaxy S7 directly (from mobile to mobile).
2. Samsung Smart Switch for PC/Mac. The Smart Switch for PC/Mac allows you to backup phone (Galaxy phones only)  data to the PC/Mac, and to restore backup data (not limited to Galaxy phones) to Galaxy S7.

When you switch to Galaxy S7, Smart Switch mobile app can migrate old phone data to Galaxy S7 in 2 different ways:

• Wireless transfer through WiFi Direct. If your old phone is 1). an Android phone with Android ICS 4.o or later, or 2). an iPhone with iCloud backup, you can use this method. You need install Smart Switch app on the old Android phone.
• Wired transfer through USB cable. If you old phone is 1). a Galaxy phone with Android Jelly Bean 4.3 or later, or 2). an iPhone with iOS 5 or later, or  3). a BlackBerry with BlackBerry 7 OS or earlier,  you can migrate the phone data from old device to Galaxy S7 with the USB connector in your Galaxy S7 box and the USB cable.

 Why I cannot install Smart Switch on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

Smart Switch was pre-installed and enabled in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge already. You don’t need to install Smart Switch on Galaxy S7.

But you cannot find  Smart Switch app on Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge.

Then, how to launch and use Smart Switch on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge to switch to Galaxy S7?

Samsung puts Smart Switch in Settings— Backup and reset –-Open Smart Switch as shown below.  … Read the rest

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If you cannot find the brightness control after getting Android Nougat udpate for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, or if you want to show brightness control above notification panel, this guide will give you the answer.

Where is the brightness control in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

Many owners of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge owners find they cannot locate brightness control in the notification panel as shown below.

Of course, you can adjust brightness in Settings— Display — Brightness.

But it would be more convenient to adjust brightness in notification panel.

So, where is the brightness control in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

Why did Samsung hide the brightness control?

The answer is that, in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, by default,  brightness control was moved below the quick settings buttons, not above notifications.

This is somewhat similar to phones with stock Android, which requires 2 swipes (or swipe with 2 fingers) to access brightness settings.

So, as shown below, if you swipe down again in the notification panel (or swipe down from status bar with 2 fingers) to show all quick settings buttons.

Below the quick settings buttons, you can find brightness control as shown below.

The good news is you can move the brightness control above notifications. Read on…

How to show brightness control above notification panel in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

As shown above, you can tap the arrow down button right to brightness slider to access all settings for brightness.

You can now find the option to show control in top as shown below.

Tap the switch to enable it.

Then tap Done as shown below.

Now, you can check again in the notification panel.

The brightness control now is moved above notifications. This would save you one swipe to access it.

Of course, it is very annoying that Samsung make such unnecessary changes.

Can you show brightness control above notification panel in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

If you still have any questions on encounter any problems on showing brightness control above notification panel in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, please let us know your questions or problems in the comment box below.

The community will try to help you.… Read the rest

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From time to time, you may want to silence Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, for example, when you are in library or during an important meeting.

This guide tries to help you understand how to silence Galaxy S7 and S7 edge in different scenarios and different ways.

Please note, there are 5 types of sound in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge:

• Ringtone;
• Notifications (notification tone);
• Media;
• System (alerts);
• Alarm.

So, when you try to silence Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, you need to know which are to be silenced, and which are not.

How to silence ringtone in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

If you do not want the phone to ring, you can silence Galaxy S7 ringtone with any of the following methods:

• Put Galaxy S7 or S7 edge in mute mode (silent mode) or vibrate mode.
• Turn on Do not Disturb.
• Set ringtone as Silent.

Method 1: Use mute mode or vibrate mode to silence Galaxy S7 ringtone.

You can put Galaxy S7 or S7 edge in mute mode (silent mode) or vibrate mode using Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons as shown below.

You can tap the icon to cycle through the 3 sound modes:

• Sound mode.
• Vibrate mode. No ringtones, no notifications tones and no system tones. But the phone may vibrate depending on your settings.
• Mute mode. No sound, and no vibration for ringtone, notification tone and system tones.

You can also set sound mode in Settings—Sounds and vibration—Sound mode.

If you want to quickly enter vibrate mode, you can hold volume down button until phone vibrates.

You can also use on-screen volume settings by tapping volume down (or volume up) button to set volume for ringtones, notification tones, media and system sound individually.

As shown below, when you drag the volume slider to the leftmost side, it will automatically enter vibrate mode for ringtone and notification tones.

You can also access Galaxy S7 volume settings in Settings— Sound and vibration — Volume.

Method 2: use Do not Disturb (DnD) to silence Galaxy S7 ringtone

Do not Disturb is an Android feature since Android Lollipop.  It was further polished in Android Marshmallow.

You may refer to this guide on detailed usages of Do not Disturb in Android Marshmallow.

However, in Galaxy S7, Do not Disturb was implemented in a slightly different way.… 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

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What are Galaxy S7 wallpapers?

Galaxy S7 wallpapers are just background images in Galaxy S7 home screen, apps screen and lock screen.

And it is the easiest part when you want to customize your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.  You can simply use your photo or your dog’s photo to make the phone “yours”.

But you should not overdo it.

Because app icons are overlaid on Galaxy S7 wallpapers, you may try to choose wallpapers so that it should not be difficult to see the app icons.

Some Galaxy S7 owners may prefer dark wallpapers to save battery because of the Super AMOLED display in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. But do not expect too much.

Anyway, choose Galaxy S7 wallpapers you like so that you can enjoy your phone. Don’t think too much on battery consumption: the difference is very marginal.

However, some poor designed live wallpapers may drain battery in Galaxy S7 or S7 edge noticeably.

So, you need to check battery usage by live wallpapers only.

How to set Galaxy S7 wallpapers for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

You can set Galaxy S7 wallpapers for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge by following these steps.

Step 1: Enter edit mode of Galaxy S7 home screen.

In Galaxy S7 home screen ,you can 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.

You can also enter home screen edit mode through pinching to zoom in in the home screen.

In the Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode (aka home screen options), tap Wallpapers as shown below to customize Galaxy S7 wallpapers.

Step 2: Select wallpaper for home screen or lock screen or both

By default, the wallpaper setting is for Galaxy S7 home screen.

The preview of home panel of Galaxy S7 home screen is shown (marked in green box in the screenshot above).

Tap Home screen as shown above.

Now you have 3 options:

• Home screen.
• Lock screen.
• Home and lock screen.

These options let you choose which screen(s) you want to apply the wallpaper.

For example, you want to use the same wallpapers for Galaxy S7 home screen and lock screen.

Tap Home and lock screens as shown below.

The preview windows for the home panel of home screen and lock screen will be shown as illustrated in the green box below.… Read the rest

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What is apps edge in the edge screen of Galaxy S7 edge (and Galaxy Note 7 and Galaxy S6 edge)?

In edge screen of Galaxy S7 edge (as well as Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+), you have edge lighting,  edge panels and edge feeds.

Apps edge is the first (leftmost) edge panel in the edge screen (as shown below). In other words, when you open edge screen, the first panel in the edge panel is apps edge.

Apps edge allows you to put up to 1o apps into this edge panel of the edge screen so that you can access them quickly without navigating to Galaxy S7 home screen or Galaxy S7 apps screen.

So, you can imagine apps edge is the mini home screen for Galaxy S7 edge screen.

Please note, apps edge in edge screen of Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9 and S9+, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S8 and S8+, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+ is almost identical.  This guide applies to all these phones although Galaxy S7 edge was used as an example in this guide.

Update: for Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9+, Note 8 and Note 9, you can also use app pair, which is an extended feature of Multi Window,  on the apps edge as explained in this guide.

How to manage apps in apps edge in the edge screen?

By default, there are 8 apps in the apps edge as shown below.

You can add any other apps (up to 10) and remove any apps from the apps edge.

To add and manage apps to app edge directly, tap the + button as shown below.

Because apps edge needs to know the top 3 apps you used, special permission to access app usage data is required for apps edge.

So, after tapping the  + button, you will be directed to grant accessing app data usage permission for apps edge.

In Usage data access page, tap Apps edge as shown below.

Now, enable “Allow usage tracking” as shown above.

This would allow the apps edge to list the top 3 frequently used apps as shown above (marked as 1).

In the edit mode for apps edge page as shown above (marked as 2), you can tap the “-” icon next to apps which are currently  in the apps edge, to remove them  from edge screen

To add an app to the apps edge, tap and hold (aka long tap) the app icon (e.g.,… Read the rest

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Edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge is the unique feature that differs Samsung Galaxy S7 edge from normal Samsung Galaxy S7. It allows you to access your favourite apps, tasks, contacts, and more from various edge panels.

Compared to Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy S7 edge offers a polished edge screen.  It can be very useful even for ordinary users.

Please note, Edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge is a software feature. The curved screen is not a requirement for such a feature. Technically, any Android vendors can implement similar features on any Android phones.

But Samsung only implemented edge screen feature in edge variants of the phones.

Please note, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and Galaxy Note 9 all have similar edge screen features. So this guide applies to all Galaxy S phones and Galaxy Note phones newer than Galaxy S7.  For Galaxy S9 and S9+, you may check this guide.

How to access edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge?

You can access edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge no matter the screen is on or off.

But the edge screen features you can access when the screen is off are different from those when the screen is on.

When the screen of Galaxy S7 edge is off

When the screen is off, you can only view edge feeds including notifications in the edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge.

When the screen is off (no matter Galaxy S7 always-on display is on or off), you can quickly swipe your finger along the edge screen in one direction, and then back in the opposite direction.

In other words, you can swipe  “V” or “^” in the edge of the screen to wake up edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge as shown below.

When the screen of Galaxy S7 edge is on

When the screen of Galaxy S7 edge is on, you can find the edge handle as shown in Galaxy S7 home screen.

If the edge panel handle is not visible, you can go to  Settings — Edge screen — Edge panels, and then tap the switch to activate edge panel handle.

To access edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge when the screen is on, you can drag the edge panel handle towards the centre of the screen. Then, swipe to the left or right to switch between the Edge panels as shown below.… Read the rest

The post How to use edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

What is Galaxy S7 S View cover?

Galaxy S7 S View cover (and Galaxy S7 edge S View cover) , as shown left is a special folio-type flip cover with a special plastic window, S View window. It is one of the official accessories for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

Samsung first introduced S View cover for Galaxy S4 in 2013. Initially the S view window was a small rectangle. Since Galaxy Note 3, the S View window became larger (close to a square) as shown in this guide.

Different from other brands of flip covers, S view cover offers additional features through the plastic S View window. The features offered in S View window changed with time and phone models.

Prior to Galaxy S6, you have to remove the back cover to use S View cover.  Because Galaxy S6 (and S6 edge), Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S7 (and S7 edge) have non-removable back panel, Galaxy S7 S View cover have to snap on the phone.

Galaxy S7 S view cover (and Galaxy S7 edge S view cover) offers the following special features:

• Auto sleep and auto wake. When you close the front lid of S view cover, Galaxy S7 or S7 edge will automatically sleep. The screen will wake up once you open the front lid. If you lock screen security is set as swipe or none, opening the front lid will direct you to Galaxy S7 home screen.
• Answering and rejecting calls from S View window. You can answer or reject calls by swiping on the S View window as instructed.
• Take photos or record videos from S View window.
• Check notifications from S View window. This follows your lock screen notification settings.
• Share same app shortcuts in S View window as Galaxy S7 lock screen.
• Control music playing in S View window.
• Check time, weather and status icons from S view window.
• Use quick setting buttons (first 10) in S view window. You can use the first 10 quick setting buttons from S View window to change phone settings and features.
• Set separate wallpaper for S View window.

So, in addition to protecting the phone (and the screen), Galaxy S7 S view cover offers these exclusive features.  These features can be very useful for some Galaxy S7 or S7 owners.

Please note, in the market, only Samsung’s Galaxy S7 S view cover offers such features.… Read the rest

The post How to use Galaxy S7 S View cover (for S7 and S7 edge)? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

What is edge lighting on Galaxy S7 edge?

Edge lighting is a special edge screen feature for Galaxy S7 edge. Edge screen lights up when you receive a call or notification while Galaxy S7 edge screen is
facing downwards as shown below.

Edge lighting can be a quite interesting feature if you use it properly together with People edge (see this guide).

If People edge is activated, the edge screen lights up with a customized color when you receive a call or a notification from your priority contacts.

Edge lighting was first introduced in Galaxy S6 edge. So, it is not a new feature for Galaxy S7 edge.

But many Galaxy S7 edge owners may be not aware of  this interesting feature that cannot be found in any other Android devices.

How to enable edge lighting on Galaxy S7 edge?

To enable edge lighting, go to Galaxy S7 Settings, tap Edge screen, tap Edge lighting.

Then tap the switch to activate it as shown below.

How to use quick replay with edge lighting on Galaxy S7 edge?

In addition to lighting the edge screen on incoming calls and notifications, you can also reject incoming calls using custom rejection messages with edge lighting.

You can enable quick replay with edge lighting by tapping Quick reply as shown above.

Tap the switch near top right to enable quick reply.

Once quick reply is enabled, you can customize the quick reply message as shown above so that the caller will receive the message when the call is rejected.

When Galaxy S7 edge’s screen is facing downwards, you can hold your finger on the heart rate monitor sensor on the back of Galaxy S7 edge  for two seconds to reject calls as shown below.

FAQs on edge lighting on Galaxy S7 edge

Q1: I enabled edge lighting, but it does not light up when it rings?

A1: Edge lighting works only when the phone screen is facing downwards on a flat surface.

Q2: Why does edge lighting only illuminate in one color regardless who is calling?

A2: You need enable and configure People edge to get assigned colors.  Please refer to this guide on using People edge.

Can you use edge lighting on Galaxy S7 edge? Do you know how to use edge lighting on Galaxy S7 edge to reject calls and send a quick reply automatically

If you have any questions or encounter any problems on edge lighting for Galaxy S7 edge, please let us know your questions or problems in the comment box below.… Read the rest

The post How to use edge lighting on Galaxy S7 edge? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

Galaxy S7 SIM card slot is identical to that of Galaxy S7 edge. This guide applies to both Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, although Galaxy S7 is mentioned most of the time.

What is Galaxy S7 SIM card size?

Galaxy S7 SIM card allows you to connect to carrier’s and its partner’s mobile network to use voice service and mobile data services.

So, although you can use most features of Galaxy S7 through WiFi without installing SIM card for Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, you cannot use any mobile network related features before you install Galaxy S7 SIM card.

SIM card are always issued by your carrier, NOT Samsung. You should get SIM card for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge from your carrier (your phone company)

There are 4 different sizes for SIM card for smartphones from big to small:

1. Full-size SIM. it is hard to find one unless you have a phone that is more than 15 years old.
2. Mini-SIM. Mini-SIM usually is referred as “big” or “normal” SIM card in some countries. Again, it is seldom used for today’s smartphones.
3. Micro-SIM. Micro SIM is still the most popular size of SIM card for smartphones. Most middle range and budget smartphones are using micro SIM card.
4. Nano-SIM. This is the smallest SIM card for smartphone today. It is usually used in most flagship smartphones.

Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge use nano SIM card. In other words, Galaxy S7 SIM card size is nano SIM (4FF).

Here is a list of some popular phones using nano SIM card: Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy Note 5, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S+, iPhone 6, iPhone 6+, iPhone 5, Moto X (including  all generations) and many more. If you have any of these phones, the SIM card is interchangeable with Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.

If you own a Galaxy S5 or Galaxy Note 4 or earlier Samsung devices, micro SIM card is normally used, and therefore, you cannot use the existing SIM card for Galaxy S7.

You should get official nano SIM card from your carrier. Do NOT try to trim the SIM card by yourself.

Galaxy S7 SIM card tray and Galaxy S7 edge SIM card tray

Galaxy S7 SIM card tray has 2 slots as shown below. Slot 2 is bigger than  slot 1.

Slot 1 is always for a nano SIM card.… Read the rest

The post Galaxy S7 SIM card guide appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

What is Galaxy S7 auto factory data reset?

The No. 1 concern for smartphone owners whose phones were stolen or lost is usually private data saved on the phone.  If the data went to hands of bad guys, the loss may be far more significant than monetary value of the phone.

So, a lot of Android security features were introduced since Android Lollipop. For example, you can encrypt the whole phone to protect your data. Of course, factory data reset (FDR) protection may also deter phone thieves.

On top of the standard Android security measures, since Android Marshmallow, Samsung also added Galaxy S7 auto factory data reset to further protect private data for phone owners.

If someone tries to unlock your phone for more than 15 times, your Galaxy S7 can then destroy all data and reset the phone if Galaxy S7 auto factory data reset is enabled.

Please note Galaxy S7 auto factory data reset is a security feature for your private data. If you forget your lock screen PIN/password/pattern, the measure applies to you as well.

If you want to manually factory reset Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge, please follow this guide.

How to enable and disable Galaxy S7 auto factory data reset?

By default,  Galaxy S7 auto factory data reset is disabled.

To enable Galaxy S7 auto factory data reset, you can go to Galaxy S7 Settings.

Tap lock screen and security in Galaxy S7 Settings page.

In Lock screen and security page, tap Secure lock  settings as shown below.

Tap (or drag) the switch for Auto factory reset as shown below to enable or disable Galaxy S7 auto factory data reset on your S7 or S7 edge.

What are the waiting time for wrong input on Galaxy S7 lock screen?

If auto factory reset is turned on Galaxy S7 or S7 edge,  Galaxy S7 will wiped the phone automatically after 15 failed attempts.

Since Android Marshmallow, Samsung introduced a new waiting time scheme for wrong input on Galaxy S7 edge lock screen.  In other words, if you offer wrong PIN/password/pattern/fingerprint, you may have to wait up to 60 minutes (1 hour) to try again. This is also a security feature to deter brute force attack in case you lose your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.

Please note, the result of Galaxy S7 auto factory data reset is identical to that of factory data reset done manually.… Read the rest

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Purpose of Galaxy S7 Guides community

It is time to talk about Samsung Galaxy S7, which will be announced just in a few weeks in early 2016.

Will Galaxy S7 be the best Android phone in 2016?

Will Galaxy S7 save Samsung in 2016?

Is Galaxy S7 the right smartphone for you?

How to use the new features in Galaxy S7?

All these will be answered in this Galaxy S7 Guides community. At least, we will try to answer all of them.

If you are familiar with us, you probably already know that we have created many high-quality guides for Samsung smartphone and tablet in following sites already:

• Galaxy S4 (for Samsung Galaxy S4 owners)
• Galaxy S5 (for Samsung Galaxy S5 owners)
• Galaxy S6 (for Samsung Galaxy S6 owners)
• Galaxy Note series devices (for Samsung Galaxy  Note devices owners, including Galaxy note, Note II, Note 3, Note 4, Note 5, Note 10.1, Note 8.0, Note Pro)

So, this Galaxy S7 Guides community  is a natural expansion of our efforts of offering best quality guides for Galaxy S7 owners.

It is a community for Galaxy S7 owners to help Galaxy S7 owners.

Please note, this site/blog/community is NOT affiliated to Samsung. Please contact Samsung for any warranty issues or for requesting official technical support of Galaxy S7.

What will be offered in Galaxy S7 Guides community

As a blog dedicated offering detailed Galaxy S7 guides for all Galaxy S7 owners, the following contents are offered in  Galaxy S7 Guides community:

• Official Samsung Galaxy S7 User Guide (PDF)

You can find the official Galaxy S7 user guide (user manual) in your own languages. All these official Galaxy S7 user manuals are in PDF format and are free to download and print.

• Galaxy S7 How-to guides

High-quality Galaxy S7 how-to guides are the core of the community.

The detailed step-by-step Galaxy S7 guides will show you how to use some important features of Galaxy S7, or to change/customize certain settings on your Galaxy S7.

• Galaxy S7 online manual

You can find the HTML (and extended) version of Galaxy S7 user manual (Galaxy S7 user guide) for all Galaxy S7 owners. Most commonly used Galaxy S7 features are explained, and the usage are shown in detail.

• Galaxy S7 camera guide

Galaxy S7 has the best smartphone camera you can get in 2016.  Samsung Galaxy S7 camera guide will show you how to use the Galaxy S7 camera.… Read the rest

The post Galaxy S7 Guides community appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

Multi window feature was greatly improved in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note 5.

This page explains how to use Galaxy S7 multi window new features in Android Nougat udpate. If your phone is still running Android Marshmallow (Android 6.0), please check this guide.

Although Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge are mentioned in the page, this guide applies to all other Samsung phones with Android Nougat update including Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy Note 5.

What are Galaxy S7 multi window new features in Android Nougat udpate for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

Google finally introduced multi window feature in Android Nougat.

Up to Android Nougat 7.1, only split-screen type multi window feature is available. There is no pop-up view yet.

But for many Samsung Galaxy phone users, multi window has been available since Galaxy Note II in 2012.

In the Android Nougat udpate, Samsung continued to improve this useful feature. The major Galaxy S7 multi window new features in Android Nougat udpate for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge include:

• You can use more than 2 apps concurrently. You can run as many apps concurrently in pop-up view as you want.
• Split-screen view action was added to convert current app into split view multi window mode.
• You can launch pop up view directly from Recent tab. In addition to using the pop-up view gesture to convert app to pop-up view mode, you can launch an app in pop-up view directly from Recent tab.
• You can share contents directly between 2 windows (2 apps).
• Status icon for multi window mode is added when you minimize the multi window apps.

For some basic and old features of multi window, you may check this guide.

How to enable Galaxy S7 multi window pop-up view gesture and split screen view action gesture?

As mentioned in this guide, Galaxy S7 multi window has two modes: split screen view (2 apps running side by side) and pop-up view (apps running in front of other apps).

In previous versions, you can use pop-up view gesture to convert an app in normal mode to pop-up view multi window mode.

In Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, a new split screen view action gesture was added to allow you to convert an app in normal mode to split screen view multi window mode.… Read the rest

The post How to use Galaxy S7 multi window new features in Android Nougat udpate for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.