Galaxy S7 Guides

Galaxy S7 Guides Community is a dedicated community for owners of Samsung Galaxy S7, which was  announced and released in 2016.

Mission

To help Galaxy S7 owners use the device effectively.

Logo

S7 indicates the community is for Galaxy S7. GGO indicates that we are part of the GadgetGuideOnline network.

Community

Galaxy S7 Guides community is totally free and open.  No registration is required. No personal information is required.

All contents (Galaxy S7 how-to guides, Galaxy S7 user manual, Galaxy S7 online manual)  are publicly accessible.

As Galaxy S7 Guides community is for Galaxy S7 owners to help Galaxy S7 owners, you are free to post your comments in relevant pages to ask questions, to answer questions, and to share your thoughts.

Content organization (navigation)

To make the navigation easier, contents in this site are organized in following sections:

• Official Galaxy S7 User Guide (PDF)

This section offers the official Galaxy S7 user guide (user manual) in different languages. All Galaxy S7 user manuals are in PDF format and are free to download and print.

• Galaxy S7 How-to guides

This section hosts many detailed how-to guides for Galaxy S7. These guides are suitable for all Galaxy S7 owners.

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

• Galaxy S7 online manual

Galaxy S7 online manual section hosts Galaxy S7 guides for new Galaxy S7 owners. These section covers commonly used Galaxy S7 features and show you how to use them

• 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. Some tips and tricks of Galaxy S7 camera are also covered.

• Galaxy S7 buyer guide

Is Samsung Galaxy S7 a right phone for you? Which sizeof Galaxy S7 is for you?  Do you need a Galaxy S7 case?

Galaxy S7 buyer guide will help you decide whether Galaxy S7 is a right phone for you. We also introduce you some affordable Samsung Galaxy S7 accessories in Galaxy S7 buyer guide.

• Galaxy S7 reviews and update

The reviews and update of Galaxy S7 will be posted on the website regularly to hep you better understand the pros and cons of Galaxy S7.

Reach Us

If you want to contact us for any Galaxy S7 questions, or want to advertise on this site, you can reach us through:

• Facebook page
• Google+ community
• Email (contact us form)
• follow Simon (the main contributor) on Google+

Enjoy yourself in  Galaxy S7 Guides Community.… Read the rest

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Official Samsung Galaxy S7 user manual is for all Galaxy S7 owners: new or experienced.

Samsung Galaxy S7 is the 7th generation of Samsung’s flagship smartphone.

Following the drastic changes in Galaxy S6, Samsung again made more dramatic changes and update in Galaxy S7. So, even for long-time Galaxy S phone owners, some sorts of learning and experimenting are needed to use the new and modified features effectively.

The official Samsung Galaxy S7 user manual shows you how to use some features in Samsung Galaxy S7.  It can save your time to visit the service center if you can follow this official Galaxy S7 user guide.

This page is dedicated to  official Samsung Galaxy S7 User Manual in all languages!  You can find the official Samsung Galaxy S7 user guide in your own language easily in this page.

All of the Galaxy S7 user manuals in this page are in PDF format (You can get Adobe PDF Reader here). You can download it (just choose save as) to your devices (PC, smartphone, tablet) to read it later or read it online in your browser now. It is up to you.

In different regions or countries, or even for different carriers in the same country, Galaxy S7 may offer slightly different features. Some carriers may bundle some special apps. So, please try to download and use the Galaxy S7 user manual for your region and for your Galaxy S7 model, if possible.

If you want to read the Galaxy S7 online user manual, please follow this page.

For more detailed guides for Samsung Galaxy S7,  please check our Galaxy S7 how-to guides page.

If you cannot find the user manual for your Galaxy S7 in your language, please let us know in the comment box below.

1. Samsung Galaxy S7 User Manual in English language for International versions (Android Marshmallow 6.0, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia, SM-G930)

This English version of Galaxy S7 User Manual is for Samsung Galaxy S7 sold in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia with Android Marshmallow 6.0. The model number of the corresponding  Galaxy S7 includes SM-G930, SM-G930F, SM-G930FD, SM-G930X.

If you cannot find the Galaxy S7 User Manual for your Galaxy S7, you can try  this user guide.

Download link (in PDF): Samsung Galaxy S7 User Manual in English for International versions (Android Marshmallow 6.0, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia)

2.

… Read the rest

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Why you may use Galaxy S7 camera modes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are pre-installed Galaxy S7 camera modes?

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

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

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

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

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

How to change and use Galaxy S7 camera modes?

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

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

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

Please note, camera mode selection is not consistent.

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

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

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About Samsung Galaxy S7 How-to guides

Samsung Galaxy S7 How-to Guides will help you to explore and better use some important Galaxy S7 features.

All these Galaxy S7 guides include very detailed step-by-step instructions. All Galaxy S7 owners can easily follow these Galaxy S7 how-to guides.

We release new Galaxy S7 how-to guides regularly. So, bookmark this page because this Galaxy S7 guides page will be updated regularly.

All Galaxy S7 how-to guides are tested vigorously before they are released. This makes sure these guides should work on most Galaxy S7 devices (Galaxy S7  and Galaxy S7 edge) in all regions .

You may also check Galaxy S7 online user manual page for using some common  features in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

If you want to download the official Galaxy S7 user guide (in PDF) in your own language, you may check this Galaxy S7 user manual page and Galaxy S7 edge user manual page.

If you cannot find the Galaxy S7 how-to guides you are looking for, please feel free to leave you questions or problems in the comment box below. The community will try to find a solution or an answer for you.

List of Samsung Galaxy S7 How-to guides

1. Meaning of Galaxy S7 notification icons and status icons?

2. Switch to Galaxy S7: how to transfer data from your previous device to Samsung Galaxy S7 with Smart Switch?

   It is very easy to switch to Galaxy S7 thanks to Smart Switch.  You can even migrate old phone data to Galaxy S7 without installing any apps. This Galaxy S7 how-to guide shows you how to use USB cable to connect your old phone (Android, iPhone or BlackBerry) to Galaxy S7, and migrate all your data and apps to Galaxy S7.  This is the easily one to migrate phone data to Galaxy S7. Read on….

3. How to use Galaxy S7 always-on display (AOD)?

   Galaxy S7 always on display (AOD) allows you to choose an image or a clock or other information to display instead of turning off the screen for your Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. Without waking up the phone, you can check time, notifications and calendar. This Galaxy S7 how-t0 guide shows you how to enable and customize Galaxy S7 always-on display (AOD). Read on.…

4. How to hide apps screen on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge and show all apps on Galaxy S7 home screen?

… Read the rest

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What are Galaxy S7 themes?

Galaxy S7 themes allow you to change the look and feel of the phone (mainly Galaxy S7 home screen and apps screen) in a systematic and consistent way.

Actually, this is not a new feature because Samsung introduced themes to Galaxy phones since Galaxy S6.

Although the implementation is similar, Galaxy S7 themes are NOT compatible with Galaxy S6 or Galaxy Note 7.

The compatibility is maintained only in the same generation of Galaxy S or Galaxy Note series. In other words, Galaxy S7 themes are compatible with Galaxy S7 edge only. And Galaxy S6 themes are compatible with Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+ only.  It is unclear why Samsung fails to maintain a “universal” theme for all Galaxy devices..

You can use Galaxy S7 themes to customize Galaxy S7 home screen in following aspects:

• Wallpapers for home screen and lock screen.
• App icons for native (and pre-installed) Samsung apps.
• Modifications to app icons of all other apps.
• Font size and color in Galaxy S7 home screen.
• Customization for the default (native Samsung) phone app, contacts app and message app.
• Always-on display (for some Galaxy S7 themes).

How to download and apply new Galaxy S7 themes?

You can download and apply new Galaxy S7 themes in your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge by following these steps.

Step 1: Enter Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode

If you want to customize Galaxy S7 home screen, you need to enter Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode (aka, access Galaxy S7 home screen options).

You can tap and hold (aka, log tap) any empty area in Galaxy S7 home screen (in any home screen panels), or pinch in any home screen panels, to enter Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode (or to access Galaxy S7 home screen options) as shown below.

Step 2: Enter Galaxy Theme store

In Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode, tap Themes as shown below.

In My themes page, all themes under your account are listed here.

Before you install any Galaxy S7 themes, only default theme is listed as shown below.

Step 3: Select and download new Galaxy S7 themes

Tap the More themes button in My themes page as shown above to enter the theme store.

In the Theme store, you can search and browse available themes for your Galaxy S7.

You can also search Galaxy S7 themes with always-on display (AOD) customization as shown below.… Read the rest

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Galaxy S7 Edge feeds display select information and notifications on the edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge and Galaxy S6 edge when the screen is turned off.

This guide applies to Galaxy S7 edge and Galaxy S6 edge (with Android Marshmallow update), although in the guide only Galaxy S7 edge is mentioned most of the time.

Please note edge feed was removed in Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9+, Note 8 and Note 9.  You can only use edge feed on Galaxy S6 edge, S6 Edge+ and S7 edge.

How to access edge feeds in edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge and Galaxy S6 edge?

To access edge feeds in Galaxy S7 edge and Galaxy S6 edge, when the screen is turned off, quickly swipe your finger along the Edge screen in one direction, and then back in the opposite direction as shown below. You can also swipe “V” in edge screen to access edge feeds when screen if off.

Edge feeds works nicely with Galaxy S7 always-on-display (AOD). So, when AOD is on, you can access edge feeds as if the screen is off.

Once edge feeds are accessed, you can swipe right and left as shown below to switch to different feeds.

How to turn on/off edge feeds in edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge?

By default, edge feeds in Galaxy S7 edge and S6 edge are turned on.

To turn on/off edge feeds in edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge, you can go to Galaxy S7 Settings, tap Edge screen as explained in this guide.

In Edge screen, tap Edge feeds as shown below.

In Edge feeds page, tap the switch (marked as 1 in the screenshot below) to turn on or off edge feeds for edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge.

How to set the timeout for edge feeds in edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge?

By default, the edge feeds timeout is set at 15 seconds.

You can tap Edge feed timeout (marked as 2 in the screenshot above).

Then you can set the timeout for edge feeds as shown below.

How to customize edge feeds in edge screen on Galaxy S7 edge?

You can select edge feeds to be active by tapping the selection button as illustrated as 3 in the screenshot above.

Only selected edge feeds will be available in edge screen when the screen is off.

In addition, you can customize the individual edge feed.… Read the rest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step 1: Return to home screen.

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

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

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

Step 2: Enter Galaxy S7 home screen Edit mode

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

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

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Update 2, added section: new features for Galaxy S7 always-on display. Recently updated Galaxy S7 always-on display now allows you to enable always on display on S View Window when a S View cover is snapped on Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge.  Clock face now is renamed as layout with more clock faces.

Update 1, added section:  Limitations of Galaxy S7 always-on display.

One of the best features in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is the always-on display.

This post tries to explain to you what Galaxy S7 always-on display (AOD) is  and how to configure and use Galaxy S7 always-on display in Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

Please note Galaxy S7  always-on display is available in both Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.  In the post, I will just refer them as Galaxy S7.

What is Galaxy S7 always-on display (AOD)?

Very often, we check our smartphones just for time or for notifications. In this situations, we may have no intention to unlock the phone and use it.

But to check time or notification on Galaxy S7 lock screen, we must wake up (turn on) the display by pressing power button or home button (see this page for Galaxy Sy7 layout of buttons).

Now, Galaxy S7 always-on display, if enabled, can display clock, notifications and a image all the time except when Galaxy S7 is in your pocket.

It is a cool feature for some Galaxy S7 owners.

The super AMOLED display in Galaxy S7 does not drain battery significantly if you choose black background.

The Galaxy S7 always-on display is different from Galaxy S7 lock screen.  Galaxy S7 always-on display will disappear automatically when you wake up the screen.

In other words, you get the lock screen when you wake up the phone.  Galaxy S7 always-on display is activated only after screen is timed out and phone is locked.

When will you need Galaxy S7 always-on display?

In many situations, you may find Galaxy S7 always-on display is useful, for example,

• During a meeting,  you can just glimpse on Galaxy S7 screen to know the time, the missed calls, the incoming messages…
• In your office or cubicle, you can easily check time and notifications when your hands are not free.
• In kitchen, your hands are busy with other things.
• In the bed, when you want to check time.

Anyway, although Galaxy S7 always-on display looks like another gimmick, it actually is very useful for some Galaxy S7  and Galaxy S7 edge owners.… Read the rest

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Update 1: Added “How to disable fast charging and fast wireless charging on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?” section. 

After getting your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, you need know how to charge Galaxy S7 battery properly.  This Galaxy S7 online user guide explains to you everything you need know on how to charge Galaxy S7 battery so that you can enjoy your Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

Remember Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge have non-removable battery. You cannot carry a spare battery for Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.

Although Galaxy S7 is mentioned in the page most of the time, this guide also applies to charging Galaxy S7 edge battery equally.

4 Different ways to charge Galaxy S7 battery

Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 have a battery with larger capacity (3000mAh and 3600mAh respectively)  than Galaxy S6 and S6 edge. So, it may take slightly longer time to charge Galaxy S7 battery and Galaxy S7 edge.

There are 4 different ways to charge Galaxy S7 battery depending on the charger type:

1. use a normal charger (wall charger like this one or car charger or even your PC) with  an USB cable.
2. use an adaptive charger (fast charger) with an USB cable.
3. use a wireless charger to charge Galaxy S7 battery without using any cables (to the phone).
4. use a fast wireless charger (e.g., this one).

So, there are at least 4 types of chargers can be used to charger Galaxy S7 battery (and Galaxy S7 edge battery as well):

1.  normal wall charger or car charger.  For example, you can still use Galaxy S5 charger for Galaxy S7. These chargers charge Galaxy S7 at constant voltage (5v). The maximum current is limited by the charger and regulated by the phone depending on battery status (e.g., temperature, battery capacity…). So, the charging time depends on the current output of the charger and phone conditions.
2. adaptive charger (fast charger). This is the charger included in the Galaxy S7 box.  Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge support Qualcomm fast charge 2.0 (but not the latest 3.0). So, in addition to Samsung’s adaptive charger, other vendors’ fast charger may also work with Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Fast charger can reduce the charging time significantly. When the battery capacity is less than about 60%, higher voltage (9V) will be applied and the charging power can be up to 15W.  You may feel the Galaxy S7 battery is quite hot.

… 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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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

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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

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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

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What is Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update?

Android Nougat is the latest version of Android released in August 22, 2016.  There are lots of new features and improvements in Android Nougat (both Android 7.0 and Android 7.1).

Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge was released with previous version of Android (Android Marshmallow). Samsung invited beta testers for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update in November 2016 to try the unofficial firmware in selected regions.

The beta program stopped by the end of 2016. Now, Samsung is ready to roll out the Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 globally.

Since January 2017, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge will start to receive the Android Nougat (Android 7.0) udpate gradually. It is expected that by the end of Q1 2017, majority of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge devices will get the Android Nougat update.

List of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update guides

Because Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update is a major software udpate, the change is significant.

New features in Android Nougat (Android 7.0) were introduced in the udpate. At the same time, Samsung also tweaked the UI for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. The new UI is similar to that of the recalled Galaxy Note 7.

Many owners of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge may find it is hard to use the phone after applying Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update.

Therefore, a series of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update guides has been prepared and released gradually.

• Official user guide for Galaxy S7 edge with Android Nougat udpate
• Official user guide for Galaxy S7  with Android Nougat udpate
• Top 7 new features in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update
• How to use the new multi window feature in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update?
• How to use the grouped notifications and quick reply in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update?
• How to use the new quick settings panel  and customize quick setting buttons in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update?
• How to use new camera app features in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update?
• How to use new features in Gallery app in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update?

… Read the rest

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What is Galaxy S7 camera burst mode?

Galaxy S7 camera burst mode (aka  continuous high speed mode) allows you to take quick succession of photos during important moments.

You can later use the photos taken in burst mode to create animations, or select the best one.

In Galaxy S7, the maximum number of photos you can take in burst mode is 100 in one shot.  In Galaxy S6, the maximum number is only 30.

After using Galaxy S7 camera burst mode, the Gallery app in Galaxy S7 can identify one of the best photo for you.

Also, Galaxy S7 camera burst mode works for both front and rear cameras.

How to access Galaxy S7 camera burst mode?

There are no settings for Galaxy S7 camera burst mode in Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.

In other words, burst mode is always enabled in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

To use or access burst mode in Galaxy S7, you simply press and hold (aka long tap) the camera button in preview screen (aka camera interface, which is detailed in this guide)

The camera will take photos continuously at the maximum speed, and all burst mode photos are saved in the internal storage even if you set SD card as storage location for photos.

You can release your finger from the camera button to stop shooting at any time before the number of photo taken is less than 100.

Or, Galaxy S7 camera burst mode will stop automatically after 100 photos were taken.

How to manage Galaxy S7 camera burst mode photos?

Photos taken with Galaxy S7 camera burst mode can be managed as a group in Gallery app in Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.

If the photos were taken in burst mode, a special icon (marked as 1 as shown below)will be shown in the center of the photo. The number of photos in this burst mode shot is shown below the icon.

For example, as shown below, there are 17 photos included.

Delete all burst mode photos

If you want to delete all of the 17 photos, you can tap anywhere (for example area marked as 2 in the screenshot below) except the burst mode icon.

Then tap Delete as shown below to delete all 17 photos included in this burst mode group.

Identify the best photo in bust mode photos

If you tap the burst mode icon (marked as 1 in the screenshot above), you can then manage individual photos taken in burst mode.… 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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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 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

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Update: it is official that Samsung will announce Galaxy S7 on February 21, 2016, through the event before MWC 2016.

The Galaxy S7  release date will very likely be in the second week of March.

The important dates before Galaxy S7 release date

We all know Samsung Galaxy S7 release date is near. Galaxy S7 will be one of the flagship Android phones in 2016, not only for Samsung but also for Android.

But when can you buy a Samsung Galaxy S7? When can you put your hands on Samsung Galaxy S7?

This is still a top secret of Samsung.

But before Galaxy S7 release date, Samsung must announce it first.

This is due to legal and logistic reasons.

All smartphones to be sold in a country must get the approval from the authority.  For example, in the US, FCC will approve all phones to be sold in the US.  Government agencies, unlike suppliers and distributors, are not bound by the non-disclosure requirements set by Samsung.

So, Samsung will surely announce (unveil) the details of Galaxy S7 before they send the device for regulatory approval.

This means it is NOT expected that Galaxy S7 will be suddenly available in all stores. For flagship phones, all vendors want to build hype before making it available in the market.

Due to logistic reasons, Galaxy S7 release date will be a few weeks after Galaxy S7 is announced.

So, before thinking about Galaxy S7 release date, you have to guess the possible Galaxy S7 announcement date.

What’s the difference between the announcement date and Galaxy S7 release date?

As mentioned, most flagship smartphones are announced before you can buy them.

In other words, you can buy Samsung Galaxy S7 on or after Galaxy S7 release date, which is later than the time when Galaxy S7 is announced (unveiled).

Let’s look back Samsung’s track record of Galaxy S series announced date and release date.

As a tradition, Galaxy S phones are always announced in the first half  (usually in Q1 except S3), and Galaxy Note series are announced in the second half (usually Q3). Keeping this release schedule makes it possible to release two flagship models each year.

Most other smartphone vendors can only release one flagship model each year normally. This contributes to Samsung’s success in crowded smartphone market significantly.

Due to lower-than-expected sales of Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S5, Samsung made some radical changes in Galaxy S6.… Read the rest

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Why micro SD card support is still relevant and important?

Most flagship smartphones like Samsung Galaxy S7 has quite large internal storage. Most 2015 flagship Android phones started with 32GB internal storage.  This trend will continue in 2016.

Android system and the essential apps take about 4-5GB storage. Vendors may pre-install their own apps and some bloatware. These apps usually consume about 1-4 GB storage.

So, among the 32GB storage, owners can use about 23-27 GB depending on your region and your carrier. This is actually sufficient for at least 80% smartphone users.

But consumers always want more.

This doe not necessarily means consumers actually need more internal storage.

It is more or less a psychological demand, not a real (physical) demand.

But do not overlook such a psychological need. This can be one of the decisive factors when purchasing smartphones.

Apple successfully exploits such psychological demands with iPhone 6 and 6s storage configurations. They managed to sell more 64GB iPhones to buyers who initially may only budget for a 16GB iPhone.

But for Samsung Galaxy S6, the 32GB model is still the most popular model. Actually, some distributors even do not renew the 64GB inventory at all because of the weak demands.

Samsung is not Apple.

If you are a iPhone user, you have no choice: get it or forget it.

However, for Samsung smrtphone users, if you want a SD card slot (although you may never use it), you have many other alternatives: LG, Motorola, Huaiwei and may other vendors are waving their Android phones with a micro SD card slot.

Why did Samsung remove micro SD card support in Galaxy S6?

Samsung does have a valid reason for removing micro SD card support in Galaxy S6 (and Galaxy Note 5):  performance.

When you transfer files or update Google apps, you will find out that Galaxy S6 is significantly faster than any other Android phones if your network connection is good.

For file transfer, Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5  are both significantly faster than any iPhones.

In addition, you may notice many new phones were fast when you bought them. But it becomes slower and slower gradually. This did NOT happen to Galaxy S6 or Galaxy Note 5.

Why?

Samsung is the first smartphone vendor  who adopted Universal Flash Storage (UFS 2.0) memory and ditched the old eMMC storage since Galaxy S6.

UFS 2.0 in Galaxy S6 is about 3 times faster than the latest eMMC 5.1 storage.  … Read the rest

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