Galaxy S7 Guides

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.

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

The post Use Galaxy S7 wallpapers to customize Galaxy S7 and S7 edge appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

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

The post Contact Us appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

When you may consider to set Galaxy S7 camera picture size and video size?

Most Galaxy S7 owners and Galaxy S7 edge owners may just use the default settings for picture size (resolution) and video size.

But you may consider to set Galaxy S7 camera picture size and video size:

• when the storage is a consideration.
• when you need specific aspect ratio for the photo or videos.

Both Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge support micro SD card up to 200GB.  It seems this gives you “enough” storage for your photos and videos.

But for dual SIM versions of Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, if you use two SIM cards, there will be no slot for micro SD card as explained in this page.  This means you only have 32GB storage (actually less than 25GB are usable) if you use the dual SIM feature. You probably have to be mindful on the storage and consider to reduce Galaxy S7 camera picture size and video size whenever possible.

In some cases, you may want photo or video with 16:9 or 1:1 aspect ratio, not the default 4:3.

So, in these scenarios,  the default settings can not meed your needs and you have to set Galaxy S7 camera picture size and video size.

But before we jump to set Galaxy S7 camera picture size and video size, we should know what are the “good enough” size for photos and videos based on your needs.

What are the “good enough” Galaxy S7 camera picture size and video size?

For Galaxy S7 camera picture size and video size, you need consider two parameters:

• Aspect ratio. Galaxy S7 camera offers 3 aspect ratio: 4:3 (default), 16:9 and 1:1 for both photos and videos.
• Resolution. The resolution depends on whether front camera or rear camera is used.

For aspect ratio, you may consider:

• 16:9 if the photo or video are mainly viewed in PCs and TVs, or shared through online services like YouTube.
• 4:3 if you may print photos on standardized photo papers.
• 4:3 if the video will be mainly viewed in very old TVs, or shared through MMS or email.
• 1:1 if you will use it for design.

For the resolution of photo, you may consider

• 12M (4032*3024, 4:3) if you plan to print the photo in 8R or larger photo papers,
• 6.2M (2880*2160, 4:3) if you plan to print the photo in a 4R or smaller photo paper
• 9.1M

… Read the rest

The post How to set Galaxy S7 camera picture size and video size on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge have the best camera you can find in smartphones in 2016 according to DxOMark. Period.

Although using Galaxy S7 camera is not complicated for most Galaxy S7 owners, some owners who do not use smartphone camera frequently may get confused on the camera features offered in Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

To help all owners of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge use the camera effectively, a series of Galaxy S7 camera guides are prepared.

This is a live page. New Samsung Galaxy S7 camera guides will be released once they are tested.

So, do check this page periodically if you want to read more Samsung Galaxy S7 camera guides.

If you have any questions on using Samsung Galaxy S7 camera, you can post your questions in comment section in this page or other relevant pages.

Here is the list of Samsung Galaxy S7 camera guides

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

   You can launch Galaxy S7 camera app in several different ways. This Galaxy S7 camera guide shows you the following 5 methods: use Galaxy S7 camera quick launch; 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 and launch Galaxy S7 camera app from other apps. This Galaxy S7 camera guide also shows you hot to enable or disable Galaxy S7 camera quick launch.  Read on.…

2. Use Galaxy S7 camera preview screen

   This Galaxy S7 camera guide explains the functions of all buttons and icons in Galaxy S7 camera preview screen (Galaxy S7 camera app interface), and touch screen gestures that can be used in Galaxy S7 camera preview screen. Read on…

3. Samsung Galaxy S7 camera settings

   If the default settings for Galaxy S7 camera are not sufficient for you, you can change and tweak some Galaxy S7 camera settings on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. This Galaxy S7 camera guide gives you detailed explanations of all entries of Samsung Galaxy S7 camera settings for both rear (main) camera and front-facing camera. Read on.….

4. How to set Galaxy S7 camera picture size and video size on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

   Do you know how to decide what are the “good enough” Galaxy S7 camera picture size and video size for your needs?

… Read the rest

The post Samsung Galaxy S7 camera guide appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

As shown in the post of Galaxy S7 specs and Galaxy S7 edge specs, Galaxy S7 is not a revolutionary product. Rather, it offers incremental updates for Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5.

But this doesn’t mean Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are not exciting smartphones in 2016. Actually, they are.

There are no perfect phone, but there are several exciting new features in Galaxy S7 you may enjoy.

This post tries to explain the top 7 new features in Galaxy S7 to help you have a better understanding of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

1. Micro SD card support

For Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note 5 owners, micro SD card support is one of the most exciting new features in Galaxy S7, although some users do not care about it at all.

As explained in this post, SD card support still matters:

• It is a psychological demand for many users. They actually do not need extra storage.  Some may never put SD card inside. But “the feature” can be an important factor when choosing phones.
• Some on-the-move users may need some media files to enjoy. 32 GB may be too limited for them. 64GB model usually is overpriced (to promote 32GB model). In many regions, only 32GB model of Galaxy S7 will be available.
• Some advanced users may like to backup and damp app data to SD card.
• Android Marshmallow has better SD card support. But please note adoptable storage option is not available in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. In other words, Samsung disabled the option to use SD card to expand internal storage in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

Even for owners who do not care about storage, this new feature in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge does not hurt.  It does not affect your other features.

For buyers who want a Galaxy S7 dual SIM model,  SD card support will use one SIM card slot. This means  if you use two SIM cards, there will be no space for micro SD card.

2. Water and dust resistant

From Galaxy S to Galaxy S6, only Galaxy S5 offered dust and water resistant (IP67). When Galaxy S6 was released, Samsung cited new design as the cause of removing that feature.

Now, Galaxy S7 and S7 edge offer even better water protection. Both phones are rated as IP68.… Read the rest

The post Top 7 new features in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

What is Galaxy S7 camera voice control?

Galaxy S7 camera voice control allows you to use your voice to take photos, instead of tapping the camera shutter button.

You can speak to your Galaxy S7 (or S7 edge) to take photos when your hands are not free for the on-screen butotn.

As explained in this guide,  for the front camera in Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge,  you can have at least 5 different shooting methods, including using your voice.

But some methods, e.g., heart rate sensor, tap to take pic or gesture) do not work for the rear camera in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

So, for the rear (main) camera in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, you can have at least 3 shooting methods:

• using the camera shutter button;
• using Galaxy S7 camera voice control;
• using the volume button.

Please note, although Galaxy S7 camera voice control works identically for the rear and front camera, the settings are independent.

This means you need to set up Galaxy S7 camera voice control for the front and rear cameras individually.

Also, you should not confuse Galaxy S7 camera voice control with Google Now voice control or S Voice.  Galaxy S7 camera voice control only works when camera app is active; while Google Now and S Voice can only open camera app.

How to enable Galaxy S7 camera voice control for the main (rear) camera?

To enable Galaxy S7 camera voice control for the main (rear) camera, you need launch camera app first.

In camera preview screen, you need to switch to rear camera if front camera is currently active. You can tap the camera switch button (illustrated in the green box in the screenshot shown below).

After switching to the rear camera (main camera), tap the settings button (gear icon as shown below).

In Camera settings page, tap Shooting methods (rear) as shown below.

If you can see Shooting methods (front) , it means you need to switch to rear camera.

In shooting methods (rear) page as shown above, you can find voice control option.

By default, voice control is not enabled for cameras in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

You can tap the switch button as shown above to turn it on.

How to use Galaxy S7 camera voice control?

After enabling Galaxy S7 camera voice control, you can use your voice to control Galaxy S7 camera.… Read the rest

The post How to use Galaxy S7 camera voice control? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

Galaxy S7 home screen is an essential part for using Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge. Nobody can skip home screen to use an Android phone.

But different Android vendors may customize the Android home screen in own ways. Samsung is not an exception: it is TouchWiz skin and launcher actually give you quite unique experience,

In this guide, you will get to know Galaxy S7 home screen, how to use app folders on Galaxy S7 home screen, how to remove apps/widgets/app folders from Galaxy S7 home screen, and how to customize Galaxy S7 home screen.

The home screen for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is identical except the edge screen handle (see below). So, this guide applies to both Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge home screen although Galaxy S7 is used in  the text.

Get to know Galaxy S7 home screen

A typical layout of Galaxy S7 home screen is shown below.

There are 8 fundamental components on Galaxy S7 home screen:

• apps

You can put any apps installed on the phone to Galaxy S7 home screen.  You can tap the icon to start the corresponding app.

Android allows you to add one app multiple times in Galaxy S7 home screen.

By default, all installed apps are listed in Galaxy S7 apps screen.

• app folders

It is impractical to keep 200 apps in the home screen individually. Galaxy S7 allows you to organize these apps in folders.

You can put similar apps into one app folder in Galaxy S7 home screen.

So, app folders give you a cleaner galaxy S7 home screen.

You can also add app folders from Galaxy S7 apps screen directly to home screen, just like adding an app to home screen.

• widget

Widget allows you to check specific info through the app without opening the app. For example, nobody wants to open weather app to check weather. You want weather info, not app icon, to be displayed.

Some widgets allow you to re-size them. So, you can easy fit them in Galaxy S7 home screen. Of course, it is up to individual app developer to decide whether the widget is realizable..

Please refer to this guide on how to add, use and manage widgets in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

• screen indicator

When your Galaxy S7 have multiple home screen panels (aka home screen pages),  home screen indicators (corresponding to each Galaxy S7  home screen page/panel) are very helpful for you to know where you are.… Read the rest

The post Galaxy S7 home screen appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

Galaxy S7 Settings is a special app for you to adjust system settings for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. This is similar to other Android phones.

So, it is almost certain tghat you will access and use Galaxy S7 Settings sooner or later.

This page shows you how to access Galaxy S7 Settings, how to use search feature in Galaxy S7 Settings and how to customize quick settings in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

This guide applies to both Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, although in the  text, only Galaxy S7 Settings (not Galaxy S7 edge Settings) is used.

How to access Galaxy S7 Settings?

You can access Galaxy S7 Settings in two different methods.  The outcome is identical.

Method 1: access Galaxy S7 Settings from notification panel

You can access Galaxy S7 notification panel by swiping downwards from top of the screen (status bar)  with one finger.

In the Galaxy S7 notification panel, you can then tap the Gear icon as shown below to access Galaxy S7 Settings.

This method is usually faster than the second method mentioned below.

Method 2: access Galaxy S7 Settings from Apps screen

You can also access Galaxy S7 Settings from Galaxy S7 Apps screen.

In Galaxy S7 apps screen, tap the Settings icon as shown below to access Galaxy S7 settings.

If you hide Galaxy S7 Apps screen, all apps will be placed in Galaxy S7 Home screen. You can then find the Settings icon in Galaxy S7 home screen.

Tap the icon similarly as shown below to launch the Settings app.

How to use Galaxy S7 Settings?

All user-accessible system settings can be accessed from Galaxy S7 Settings as shown below.

On the top right of Galaxy S7 Settings page, you can find Search button as shown below.

You can tap the Search button to search items among Galaxy S7 Settings. The search is limited to settings entries.

The first part in the page is quick settings section. You can put frequently used settings items  (up to 9) here so that you can access them without scrolling down. Please refer to next section on how to customize quick settings section.

Below quick settings, you can find all Settings entries for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

Samsung tried to categorize the settings entries into 5 groups:

• Connections related settings.  All icons in this group are in light blue.

… Read the rest

The post Use Galaxy S7 Settings 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.

Samsung started to release the Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. There are some new features and improvements in this Android Nougat update.

This post will explain to you the top 7 new features in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. You may check Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update guide for detailed guides on how to use the new features in Android Nougat update.

For the updated user guide in your own languages, you may check official user manual for Galaxy S7 with Android Nougat update page.

If you have a non-Samsung phone with Android Nougat, some of the features discussed below may be not available in your device. You may check Android Nougat guides.

Grouped notifications and quick action

In Android Nougat, multiple notifications from the same app are now grouped.

And you can also take a quick action in the notification panel directly. The quick actions supported are offered by individual app developers. In other words, quick actions you can use are limited by individual apps.

Actually, in the recalled Galaxy Note 7 (with Android Marshmallow),  Samsung already implemented the bundled notification through the new UI.

Now, in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, grouped notification and quick action is natively supported.  This means more apps will support direct action in the notification panel.

Launcher shortcut support

Another new feature in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is shortcut (quick action) support in launcher.

In Marshmallow, by default, in Galaxy S7 home screen,  when you tap and hold an app icon, you have the option to remove it from the home screen. In addition, you can move it to other home screen panels. These options are universal: for all apps.

In the Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, you now have some app specific options. For example, if you tap and hold Google Play store app, in addition to the two universal options, you have an app specific option: my apps. In other words,  you can enter My Apps page in Google Play app directly from Galaxy S7 home screen. Google Keep app has even more options.

Such options is similar to widgets.  Of course, only app developer can add such options. Android Nougat and the the launcher simply support it.

Launcher shortcut support works in Galaxy S7 apps screen as well.… Read the rest

The post Top 7 new features in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

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

The post How to use micro SD card in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

Why (and when) you want to wipe cache partition on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

Cache partition is a special and separated region in the storage where Android saves frequently accessed data and app (including system apps) components in a special format.

The main purpose of cache partition in Android is to make the system “faster” by serving data and files in a special format from a specific location.

But occasionally,  cache partition may becomes a problem in performance or system stability  and you may want to wipe cache partition on Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.

For example, you may consider to wipe cache partition on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge:

• after a major system update. Although the update agent will wipe cache partition on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge during the update and rebuild the partition, some problems may occur when migrating data and apps thereafter.
• when Galaxy S7 and S7 edge suddenly becomes very slow.  If the internal storage is sufficient and reboot the phone does not solve the issue, often, it is time to clear cache partition.
• when random apps crash frequently.  You may try to reboot the phone first to see whether the problem persists because sometimes the problem is caused by non-responsive system services. If this is the case, a reboot should solve the issue. But if the reboot does not solve the issue, you may consider to wipe cache partition on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.
• when battery life is consistently poor. If you find battery life (usually screen-on time) is consistently poor (less than 3 hours, for example) without obvious abnormalities, you may try to wipe Galaxy S7 cache partition to see whether it helps.

Although it is simple to wipe cache partition on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, you may seek assistance in Samsung service center if you are not comfortable to do it by yourself.

Is it safe to wipe cache partition on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

As cache partition is separated from your data and files in the storage, it is safe for your data and settings when you wipe cache partition on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

In other words, your files, settings, apps will NOT be affected when clearing cache partition.

Will wiping cache partition on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge free up my internal storage?

… Read the rest

The post How to wipe cache partition on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

Number badge is part of Samsung TouchWiz launcher.  You can find it in almost all Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets. But it is not easy to clear number badge prior to Android Nougat update,

In Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, you can now quickly clear number badge without opening the app.

What is number badge in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

Number badge is a small number shown next to app icons in Galaxy S7 home screen and apps screen, as shown below.

The number in the number badge indicates total number of unread messages inside the app.

In Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, only pre-installed apps and Samsung apps may have the number badge.

The number can remind you on any  unread messages. It is a useful feature.

But to clear number badge, it is not easy prior to Android Nougat update.

You have to open the app and read all messages to clear the number.

Sometimes, the number is not cleared properly if the messages is stored in remote locations (servers) due to syncing frequency and caching.

For example, your voicemail messages are stored in your carrier’s server. You may find the number is not cleared even after you read all messages. It may have a few hours delay in updating.

This can be annoying.

Now, in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, you can easily clear number badge from Galaxy S7 home screen without opening the app, and without reading the messages.

Read on……

How to clear number badge in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge with Android Nougat update?

As mentioned, the “old” method to clear the number badge is to read the messages!

Once you finish reading all unread messages, the number will disappear.

In Android Nougat udpate, Samsung allows you to clear number badge from Galaxy S7 home screen directly without reading them.

Step 1: Tap and hold the app icon

In this example, you want to clear the badge for Facebook, which has 25 notifications.

But you do not want to read them.

You can tap and hold (aka long tap) Facebook app icon as shown below.

You now should get the context menu as shown below.

Of course, you can remove this app from home screen or move it to other home screen panels as explained in the linked guides.

Step 2: Tap Clear badge as shown below.

… Read the rest

The post How to clear number badge in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge with Android Nougat update? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

What are direct dial, direct message and contact shortcuts in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

Normally, when you want to call someone from your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, you have to start the phone app or contacts app, find the contact, then dial.

Similarly, when you want to text someone, you have to start the messaging app, find the contact, compose the message, then send it from your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.

But you may not know, you can use direct dial, direct message and contact shortcuts in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge to speed up the process.

Direct dial allows you to dial someone by tapping one icon on the Galaxy S7 home screen. It is not necessary to start the dialer app, or to find the contact.

Direct message allows you to direct text someone without fiddling around the messaging apps or finding the contact.

Contact shortcuts allow you to open the contact from Galaxy S7 home screen. You can then choose to text, dial, or other actions from the home screen.

Anyway,  direct dial, direct message and contact shortcuts  can save you tremendous time if you need call some contacts or text some contacts frequently.

Please note,  although this guide shows you how to use direct dial, direct message and contact shortcuts in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, these features are available in all Android devices. It is a native feature of Android (of all versions).

The only difference among different Android vendors, and different versions of Android,  is the way to add widgets for direct dial, direct message and contact shortcuts  to home screen.

How to add direct dial, direct message and contact shortcuts to Galaxy S7 home screen?

As mentioned, direct dial, direct message and contact shortcuts are all widgets of the Contacts app in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

So,  to add direct dial, direct message and contact shortcuts to Galaxy S7 home screen, you can just add them as normal widgets as explained in this guide.

Step 1: Switch to edit mode of Galxy S7 home screen

You can switch to edit mode of Galaxy S7 home screen with one of the following two methods:

1. Pinch (to zoom in) in Galaxy S7 home screen (any home screen panels).
2. Tap and hold (aka long tap) any blank area in Galaxy S7 home screen (any panels).

Once in edit mode as shown below, tap Widgets.… Read the rest

The post How to use direct dial, direct message and contact shortcuts in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

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.

What is Samsung Galaxy S7 recovery mode?

Like all other Android phones, Galaxy S7 also has its own Galaxy S7 recovery mode. When you boot your Galaxy S7, there are at least 3 possible boot up options:

• boot into normal Android system.
• boot into bootloader. For Samsung Galaxy S7, it is download mode. For most other Android phones or tablets, it is fastboot mode.
• boot into Galaxy S7 recovery.

By default, Galaxy S7 boots into Android system and you can use the device. Other modes require special button combinations when booting up.

Recovery mode is for Android device owners to reset the device, to apply updates from zip file or through ADB, to wipe cache partitions, to reboot into boot loader, or to mount file systems.

Each Android vendor may put slightly different features in recovery mode. There are also some third-party recoveries for Galaxy S7, for example, TWRP.

This guide is written for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. But it also applies to other Samsung devices with Android Lollipop or later.

How to reboot into Galaxy S7 recovery mode?

By default, after you hold power button for a few seconds, Galaxy S7 should reboot normally into lock screen.

To reboot into Galaxy S7 recovery mode, you may follow these steps:

Step 1: Power off Galaxy S7

You need power off Galaxy S7 if you want to enter Samsung Galaxy S7 recovery mode.

To power off Galaxy S7, you can use power button options.

As shown below, when Galaxy S7 is on, hold power button for 1-3 seconds to get power button options.

Tap Power off, then confirm the action by tapping Power off again to power off Galaxy S7.

Step 2: Hold volume up button, Home button, then power button together

When Galaxy S7 is powered off

1. hold volume up button;
2. without releasing volume up button, hold Home button. Now you should hold two buttons.
3. without releasing the two buttons, hold Power button. Now you should hold three buttons.

It should take less than 3 seconds for the screen to light up.

Step 3: Release all buttons

After the screen lights up, you may hold the three buttons for another 2-3 seconds. Then release all three buttons.

Before you reach the Galaxy S7 recovery menu, the phone screen may shows “applying updates….” and a splash of a dead Android.

You just wait a few seconds, and eventually, the phone will reboot into Galaxy S7 recovery mode with the following recovery menu screen.… Read the rest

The post Samsung Galaxy S7 recovery mode appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

Galaxy S7  camera (and Galaxy S7 edge camera) is good for taking selfies. And Samsung allows you to use your voice, gesture, or heart rate monitor to take selfie in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

This Galaxy S7 camera guide will show you how to use 5 different shooting methods to take selfie.

How to switch to front camera to take selfie in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

When you start camera app, by default, the rear camera is active.

Although you can take selfie with rear camera, most Galaxy S7 owners prefer front camera for selfies because you can preview the selfie when using front camera.

To switch to front camera, as explained in Galaxy S7 camera preview screen page, you can tap the switch button as shown below (marked as 1).

If front camera is active, you can use the same button to switch to rear camera.

By default, selfie mode is active after switching to front camera. You can find the selfie mode icon as shown in the screenshot below (marked as 2). You can change the settings for selfie mode by tapping this icon.

To take selfie, you can just tap the camera shutter button.

But it is usually inconvenient to tap the camera button when taking selfies. So, you may want to use other shooting methods to take selfie.

To manage different shooting methods to take selfie in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, tap the settings button as shown below (marked as 3).

How to enable and manage different shooting methods to  take selfie on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

In camera settings page as shown above, tap Shooting methods (front) to manage shooting methods for the front camera.

If you have the option of Shooting methods (rear), it means the rear camera is active. You need to switch to front camera.

As shown in the screenshot below,  in addition to tapping the shutter button, there are 4 additional shooting methods to take selfie on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

You can turn on or turn off them individually by tapping the corresponding switch as shown below.

How to use 5 different shooting methods to take selfie on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

In total, there are 5 shooting methods for the front camera in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

1. Tap the shutter button to take selfie

Shutter button (camera icon) is always visible in the Galaxy S7 camera preview screen.… Read the rest

The post 5 different shooting methods to take selfie on Galaxy S7 and 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.

Why Galaxy S7 buyer guide?

The problem of getting a new smartphone today is not lack of choices.

There are so many choices! Android, iOS, Windows.. Samsung, Huawei, LG, Motorola…..

Samsung Galaxy S7 is only one of the options. You need know whether Galaxy S7 is the right phone for you.

Galaxy S7 buyer guide is here to help you to make the decisions wisely.

We will compare Samsung Galaxy S7 against  Samsung ‘s previous generation phones, for example, Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note 5, and against many other popular 2016 smartphones (LG G5, HTC One M10. iPhone 7….) in this Galaxy S7 buyer guide.

These comparisons and reviews of Galaxy S7 will give you better idea whether you should get Galaxy S7 or other smartphones.

Another common problems for many smartphone owners is getting quality and affordable accessories.

Galaxy S7 buyer guide will introduce you some high quality and yet affordable Galaxy S7 accessories to match your expectations.

You will find out that you can get decent and affordable Galaxy S7 accessories (e.g., Galaxy S7 case, Galaxy S7 screen protector, Galaxy S7 wireless charger, Galaxy S7 fast charger, OTG devices for Galaxy S7, fast wireless charger for Galaxy S7,….)

You should always understand your budget and your needs when buying a phone or buying accessories for Galaxy S7. This Galaxy S7 buyer guide will try to cover as broad range of products as possible so that you can find the a solution suitable for you.

Galaxy S7 accessories guide

1. Galaxy S7 case guide

   Do you need a case for Galaxy S7? How to find the right Galaxy S7 case to meet your needs?

2. Galaxy S7 screen protector guide

   Is Galaxy S7 screen protector a necessity? Does screen protector affect screen performance? Is tempered glass screen protector  always better for your Galaxy S7?

3. Galaxy S7 Wireless charger guide

   How does Galaxy S7 wireless charger work? What are the differences between wireless charging and fast wireless charging for Galaxy S7? How to get a correct backup Galaxy S7 charger?

4. USB OTG storage guide for Galaxy S7

   How to expand Galaxy S7 storage  with USB OTG drive?

5. …

Galaxy S7 buyer guide: is Samsung Galaxy S7 the “right”  phone for you in 2016?

1. Galaxy S7 vs Galaxy S6: what are the new features and improvements?

2. Galaxy S7 vs LG G5

3. Galaxy S7 vs iPhone 6S

4. Galaxy S7 vs HTC M10

5. Galaxy S7 vs Moto X 2015 Pure edition (Moto X 3nd Gen)

This Galaxy S7 buyer guide page is a live page.… Read the rest

The post Galaxy S7 buyer guide appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.