Galaxy S7 Guides

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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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.

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

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Why you may want to hide apps screen on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge

As you may know, iOS does not have an apps screen (aka app drawer). All apps are put in the home  screen. Owners has no control on this.

Android gives more options. All Android phones come with home screen and apps screen (aka app drawer). You can only put frequently used apps  and widgets (btw, iOS does not have widgets) to home screen. In Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge, you can tap the apps icon (9 dots) to navigate to apps screen. Tapping home button (see Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge layout page) to navigate back to home screen.

Some Android phone owners often laugh at iOS users for lacking such flexibility.

But some Android users may feel it is confusing when you have two locations to hold your apps.

Especially for new Android users, they may try to launch all apps from  apps screen. This means it requires at least one more tap.

Now, Samsung offers a new feature that allows you to hide apps screen on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge through Galaxy Labs. All apps will be placed in Galaxy S7 home screen.

Please note, this feature of hiding apps screen on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge may be not available in some regions/carriers.

How to hide apps screen on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

To hide apps screen on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, please follow these steps.

Step 1: Go to Settings

You can enter Galaxy S7 Settings using one of the following two methods:

• Tap Settings app icon in Apps screen or home screen (if you put the app in Galaxy S7 home screen).
• Swipe down from top of the screen (status bar), then tap the Gear icon.

Step 2:  Enter Advanced features.

In the Settings page, you can find Advanced features entry as shown below.

Tap Advanced features.

Step 3: Enter Galaxy labs

As shown below, under Advanced features, you can find Galaxy Labs.

Tap Galaxy Labs to try some new (and maybe experimental) features.

If you cannot find Galaxy Labs in Advanced features page, it means your carrier chose to disable this feature. You cannot use hide apps screen on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

Step 4: Start Galaxy Labs.

Tap Start button as shown above to check available features in Galaxy Labs for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.… Read the rest

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The screen resolution of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 is WQHD (2560*1440). But this does not mean the phone always works on this resolution after you applied the Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

The new default screen resolution in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is FHD 1080p

After you got the long-awaited Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, you may not notice the default screen resolution is actually Full HD 1080p (1920*1080).

Does it mean Android Nougat cannot handle WQHD?

Of course, not. Samsung scaled down the screen resolution of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge in Android Nougat update to full HD because most users do not need WQHD for most apps and tasks.

In Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, you can actually set the screen resolution to HD 720p, or 1080p (full HD), or 1440p (WQHD).

Some performance modes can also adjust screen resolution of Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge automatically.

But the default screen resolution of 1080p probably is a good start point for most users.

Why Samsung scaled down the screen resolution in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

The purpose of scaling down the screen resolution to full HD 1080p in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is to save battery.

When you have more pixels (i.e., higher resolution) to light up, you need to use more power.

For full HD, it requires about 2 million pixels. For WQHD (1440*2560), it requires about 3.7 million pixels.

So a rough estimation shows scaling back to full HD can save about 45% battery from the screen.

Is full HD resolution enough for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

You may wonder whether this affects the “performance” of the screen.

The short answer is that for most owners, they cannot see any difference when the screen resolution was scaled down to full HD.

Human eyes always have a hard limit. Usually, when you hold your device 5 to 10 inches away from your eyes, human eyes cannot differentiate pixel density difference if the pixel density is higher than 300-400 ppi.

For Galaxy S7, the pixel density based on hardware specs, is about 577ppi. Galaxy S7 edge has a pixel density of about 534ppi.

If the screen resolution is scaled down to 1080p,  even Galaxy S7 edge still has a pixel density of about 400ppi.… Read the rest

The post How to change screen resolution of Galaxy S7 and S7 after Android Nougat update? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

Android Nougat udpate for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge allows you to adjust the screen zoom levels so that you can adjust size of both icons and text.

What is screen zoom in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

In Android Nougat, Google introduced a feature named display size (aka display scaling).

Prior to Android Nougat, you can only set font size to adjust the size of text. You cannot adjust the size of icons.

Also the size of some texts, for example, lock screen keypad/keyboard, notification messages, and menu items in some apps, is fixed.

In other words, changing font size will not change these text.

This is the reason why Android Nougat brought this new setting so that you can further customize the interface of Android.

Luckily, Samsung did not remove this feature in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

But Samsung, as usual, wants to confuse other non-Samsung users with a new name: screen zoom.

So, screen zoom in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge equals to display size (or display scaling) in other Android Nougat devices.

The difference between font size and screen zoom in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

As mentioned above, screen zoom is different from font size. Actually, it solves the problem that font size cannot handle.

Font size only can affect the size of “adjustable” text.

But unfortunately, size of some texts in Android is not adjustable through font size, including, notifications, lock screen text.

For example, a lot of users complained about the size of the keypad in the lock screen, or the size of notification text.

In addition, some apps may also do not allow you to use font size settings to overwrite its default settings.

Screen zoom works with all text and icons. It works just like you zoom in  to the screen.

So, the major different between screen zoom and font sizer in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge include:

• Screen zoom works with all text. You can adjust the size of notification text and lock screen keypad.
• Screen zoom can adjust the icon size of the quick setting buttons.
• Screen zoom works with all apps.

You can use screen zoom together to get desired display.

If you need further customization, in addition to font size and screen zoom, you may try Galaxy S7 themes.… Read the rest

The post How to use screen zoom to adjust the size of icons, notifications, and lock screen keypads in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Game mode

Game mode is optimized for gaming experiences.

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

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

2. Entertainment mode

Entertainment mode is optimized for watching videos and listening music.

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

The post Galaxy S7 performance mode in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

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

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

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

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

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

How to silence ringtone in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post How to silence Galaxy S7 and S7 edge? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

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

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

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

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

Some Google settings can also be accessed from individual apps.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is not in Galaxy S7 Apps screen.

It is not in Galaxy S7 Home screen.

It is not in any app folders.

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

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

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

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

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

Of course, not.

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

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

The post How to access Google Settings on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy 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.

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

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

How to access Samsung Galaxy S7 notification panel?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

… Read the rest

The post Samsung Galaxy S7 notification panel appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

What is edge lighting on Galaxy S7 edge?

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

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

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

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

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

How to enable edge lighting on Galaxy S7 edge?

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

Then tap the switch to activate it as shown below.

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

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

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

Tap the switch near top right to enable quick reply.

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

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

FAQs on edge lighting on Galaxy S7 edge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Purpose of Galaxy S7 Guides community

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

Will Galaxy S7 be the best Android phone in 2016?

Will Galaxy S7 save Samsung in 2016?

Is Galaxy S7 the right smartphone for you?

How to use the new features in Galaxy S7?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What will be offered in Galaxy S7 Guides community

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

• Official Samsung Galaxy S7 User Guide (PDF)

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

• Galaxy S7 How-to guides

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

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

• Galaxy S7 online manual

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

• Galaxy S7 camera guide

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

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

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.

Why you should back up Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge regularly?

Samsung Galaxy S7 (or S7 edge) is an electronic device. This means it may fail at any time!

Even if your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge is still under warranty, or if you bought extended warranty for your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, only the “phone” is insured.

Your data are NOT protected. You can get a replacement of Galaxy S7 (or S7 edge). But your data may be not recovered/restored.

Actually, there are no warranty plans for your data on Galaxy S7 or S7 edge currently.

This is why you should back up Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge regularly.

It is your responsibility to back up Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge so that you can restore them in case the phone is lost, or is reset, or replaced.

Anyway, backup is about your data.

Luckily, most of your data in Galaxy S7 (and S7 edge) can be automatically backed up to the cloud.

Of course, you should always keep a local copy of your Galaxy S7 backup data.

What cannot be backed up in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

Before I show you how to back up Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge manually or automatically, you should know some items generally cannot be backed up including:

• Account password. When you back up Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, account (e.g., Google account, Samsung account, Facebook account…) passwords cannot be backed up.
• Lock screen security and smart lock settings. When you restore a phone from a backup, it should NOT modify your lock screen security settings. And in Galaxy S7 backup, lock screen security and smart lock settings are NOT included.
• Some app data. Not all app data can be backed up. This is app-dependent. Some apps can be fully backed up, a few may not.

How to manually back up Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

The best way to manually back up Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is using Samsung’s Smart Switch on your PC.

As discussed in this guide, you can use Smart Switch to transfer data from old phone to Galaxy S7 or S7 with or without a PC.

But to manually back up Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge with Smart Switch, you need a PC.

Actually, if the data in your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge are important for you, you should regularly back up Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge and keep at one copy locally.… Read the rest

The post How to back up Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

Update: Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge will prevent you from powering the phone before you unlock the phone. You can bypass this restriction by power off Galaxy S7 and S7 edge without unlocking the phone.

Who doesn’t know how to turn on or turn off Galaxy S7?

When you get a new phone, the first thing you will do is probably power it on (i.e. turn on).

Galaxy S7 (or Galaxy S7 edge) is not an exception. In most regions, Samsung does not offer 1-to-1 exchange. You have to check the phone before leaving the counter; otherwise, any problems will probably be handled through service centers.

Any kids can turn on Galaxy S7 or turn off Galaxy S7 because the power button is there.

But if Galaxy S7 does not respond to holding power button, or any buttons in Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, what can you do?

Remember, the battery in Galaxy S7 (and S7 edge) is non-removable for users. You cannot pull out the battery and insert it again.

This guide will try to show you how to turn on Galaxy S7 and turn off Galaxy S7 in all situations, including when the phone does not respond to any buttons.

How to reboot or turn off Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge if phone is not responding to power button?

When Samsung first changed design slimmed down TouchWiz for Galaxy S6 (and Galaxy S6), there are some reports that the phone is not responsive for no reason. You may read comments in this page to get a better idea on the issue in Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge.

Through incremental improvements in Galaxy Note 5, the reported cases of non-responsive Galaxy S7 have significantly decreased.

But occasionally, some Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge owners still encountered the similar issue: Galaxy S7 is not responsive to touch screen gestures and pressing of any buttons.

The issue can be caused by some apps you installed. But most of the time, it is caused by bugs in firmware bugs or TouchWiz.

Anyway, finding out the cause of the problem is out of the scope of this post.

When Galaxy S7 is not responsive to any touchscreen gesture or any buttons (i.e, Galaxy S7 hangs), the first thing you can try is to hold power button for more than 7 seconds. In most cases, your Galaxy S7 should reboot (i.e.,… Read the rest

The post How to turn on and turn off Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge when phone hangs? appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

Why is it important to know Galaxy S7 layout and Galaxy S7 edge layout?

When you get your new Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge, you may want to try the new and cool features as much as you can. You may forget to check Galaxy S7 layout or Galaxy S7 edge layout

This is nothing wrong.

But after initial testing, it is important to spend some time to familiarize yourself with the layout of Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge. This is extremely important if you are a new owner of a Samsung smartphone.

Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge are both designed elegantly with high build quality. The location of ports, buttons and components are arranged with careful consideration based on Samsung’s knowledge of smartphone usage habits of their customers.

Galaxy S7 layout and Galaxy S7 edge layout page will explain to you the functions of all buttons, ports and some components.

Please note, as explained in this post, the major difference between Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is the screen size (5.1″ vs 5.5″), battery capacity (3000mAh vs 3600mAh) and the curved screen.

The difference in Galaxy S7 layout and Galaxy S7 edge layout is only on edge screen. All other parts in layout are similar.

Front view of Galaxy S7 layout and Galaxy S7 edge layout

The front view of Galaxy S7 layout and Galaxy S7 edge layout is shown below.

in the front of Galaxy S7, you can find

• LED indicator. When you charge your phone, the LED will turns red. When there are any notifications, the LED will flash in green.
• Proximity/light sensor. You should never block the proximity/light sensor if you use a screen protector.  The light sensor provides info to the system to adjust brightness and other display settings.  When you are in a call, and when you move the phone close to your ear, the proximity sensor can detect it and turns off the screen to avoid inadvertent touch.
• Receiver.
• Front camera. It is NOT recommended to use screen protector for the camera. If the screen protector has no cutout for front camera, you probably should not buy it.
• Touch screen.
• Home key with fingerprint sensor. Tap home key (button) to wake up the screen if the screen is currently off. If you are using any apps, tapping home key once will bring you to the home screen.

… Read the rest

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