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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Update 1: if your Galaxy S7 edge has been updated to Android Nougat, you will not be able to choose the different colours for each contact in People edge. Samsung removed the colour option in People edge in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 edge.

What is People edge in edge screen of Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+?

People edge is a special edge panel in the edge screen. It allows you to assign up to 5 favourite contacts to the edge panel so that you can contact them quickly from the edge screen.

You can also immediately know who is calling or texting you by checking the colour of edge lighting.

So, People edge is somehow similar to contact shortcut widget in the home screen. Both allow you to quickly contact these contacts without starting the phone or messaging apps.

But People edge has more advanced features, for example:

• You can assign different colours to different contacts so that you can know who is contacting you based on edge lighting colours.
• You can quickly check missed calls and notifications from the 5 contacts from edge screen and take quick actions. Of course, you can still check such notifications from the notification panel.
• You can use OnCircle in People edge to share multimedia contents.

In all Galaxy devices that support edge screen feature, namely, Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9 and S9+, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S8 and S8+, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+,  People edge is almost identical.

So, this guide applies to all of these devices although the screenshots in this guide are mainly taken from Galaxy S7 edge.

How to enable and manage People edge in Galaxy S7 edge?

People edge is one of the Edge panels.

To enable or disable People edge, you need to go to Settings— edge screen — Edge panels. In Galaxy Note 7, the path is Settings– Display– edge screen–edge panels.

In edge panels page as shown below, tap the checkbox in the top (marked as 1) to enable or disable People edge.

Tap the Pencil icon (marked as 2) to edit and configure People edge.

In People edge page, you can enable OnCircle as shown below.

To manage contacts for People edge, tap My people as shown below.… Read the rest

The post How to use People edge in edge screen of Galaxy S7 edge (and Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+) appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

What is Galaxy S7 S View cover?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is number badge in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This can be annoying.

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

Read on……

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

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

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

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

Step 1: Tap and hold the app icon

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

But you do not want to read them.

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

You now should get the context menu as shown below.

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

Step 2: Tap Clear badge as shown below.

… Read the rest

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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

The post Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update guide appeared first on 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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Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge have the best camera you can find in smartphones in 2016 according to DxOMark. Period.

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

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

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

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

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

Here is the list of Samsung Galaxy S7 camera guides

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

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

2. Use Galaxy S7 camera preview screen

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

3. Samsung Galaxy S7 camera settings

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

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

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

… Read the rest

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

As mentioned in this guide, you can launch Galaxy S7 camera app in different ways, including quick launch.  But the Galaxy S7 camera preview screen you get is identical.

Understanding Galaxy S7 camera app interface (preview screen) can help you use the camera properly and effectively.

As shown in the screenshot below, in Galaxy S7 camera preview screen, there are several items.

Updated: Galaxy S7 camera app was updated in Android Nougat for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. The camera preview screen is different from the screenshot below. Please check Use Galaxy S7 camera app with Android Nougat update in S7 and S7 edge if your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge is running Android Nougat.

1. Camera settings icon

Tap this icon in Galaxy S7 camera preview screen to enter camera settings page.

Please note, Galaxy S7 camera settings page for front camera and for rear camera are different.

If you need change settings for front camera, you need switch to front camera first, then tap camera settings icon.

2. Photo size

You can set photo size in the preview screen without entering  Galaxy S7 camera settings page.

Actually, this is the only place to set photo size in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. Samsung removed photo seize settings from Galaxy S7 camera settings page.

Tap the icon to set picture size.

3. Flash on/off

You can tap the icon to turn on or off the LED flash for the rear camera.

For front camera on Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, you can also turn on flash. If the flash is turned on for Galaxy S7 front camera, the screen will light up when tapping shutter button.

4. Timer

You can turn on/off timer for Galaxy S7 camera (both rear and front).

You can set the timer as 2 or 5 or 10 seconds.

If the timer is on, you then have the option to take 3 photos instead of 1.

5. HDR

Tap this icon to turn on or turn off HDR (high-dynamic-range) for Galaxy S7 camera.

6. Camera effects (filter)

You can apply camera effects while taking photos.

The photos shown in the Galaxy S7 camera preview screen will be the final photo (with camera effects applied).

You can tap this icon to select, download and manage Galaxy S7 camera effects.

Please check this guide on using Galaxy S7 camera effects.

7. Hide or show icons from Galaxy S7 camera preview screen

Tap this icon to hide ions in left side as shown below.… Read the rest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Tap the shutter button to take selfie

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

The post 5 different shooting methods to take selfie on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

… Read the rest

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

What is Galaxy S7 lock screen?

Galaxy S7 lock screen is the door between the phone and outside world.

To avoid unauthorized access to your private data saved on Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, you should consider to lock the door (set lock screen security).

Essentially, Galaxy S7 lock screen is a security feature that:

• blocks unauthorized access to the phone.
• avoids inadvertent tapping the phone.

Together with Galaxy S7 Home screen, Apps screen, Galaxy S7 lock screen is one of the most essential components of using Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge.

As shown below,  in Galaxy S7 lock screen, by default, there are at least 5 components:

1. Clock.
2. Notifications. You can choose whether notifications are shown on the lock screen, and how they are shown.  Please read on for how to customize notifications in Galaxy S7 lock screen.
3. App shortcut in bottom left. The app shortcut can be customized: you can turn it off or choose your own apps instead of the default phone app. Please read on for how to customize app shortcuts in Galaxy S7 lock screen.
4. App shortcut in bottom right. You can also fully customize this app shortcut.
5. Help message telling you how to unlock the lock screen. If you swipe in any direction, you can then unlock Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge (if lock screen security is set as swipe) or enter password/PIN/pattern depending on your lock screen security settings (read on).

How to lock and unlock Galaxy S7 lock screen

You can lock the screen in different ways:

• When screen is on, press power button once. This will turn off the Galaxy S7 screen and lock it.
• When screen is off (for example, display timeouts because of inactivity), screen will be locked automatically.

To unlock Galaxy S7 lock screen, you need:

1. Turn on the Galaxy S7  screen.  You can press Power button or Home button to turn on Galaxy S7 screen.
2. Swipe your finger across the Galaxy S7 lock screen to unlock it.
3. If you have set up a Galaxy S7 screen lock, you will be prompted to draw the pattern, enter the password or PIN, or scan your fingerprint

Some apps can also turn on the screen.

You can also use smart lock to keep phone unlocked when Galaxy S7 or S7 edge is connected to certain accessories, or in certain locations.

How to set Galaxy S7 lock screen security?

… Read the rest

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What are Galaxy S7 developer options?

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

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

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

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

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

Do you need Galaxy S7 developer options?

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

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

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

You may need Galaxy S7 developer options if

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

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

How to enable Galaxy S7 developer options?

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

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

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

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

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What is Samsung Galaxy S7 camera settings page?

Samsung tried hard to make sure that Galaxy S7 camera is simple to use.  You can launch the camera app quickly thorough quick launch.  You also get a very clean Galaxy S7 camera app interface (preview screen).

For most Galaxy S7 or S7 edge owners, what you need do is to point and tap the shutter button.

But some times, some settings cannot be done in the Galaxy S7 camera preview screen. It is simply impossible to squeeze all settings into the preview screen.

So, for some settings, you have to set them in Samsung Galaxy S7 camera settings page.

Samsung Galaxy S7 camera settings for rear camera  are slightly different from those for front camera. This guide will try to cover both rear (main) camera settings and front (front-facing, secondary) camera settings.

Samsung Galaxy S7 camera settings for rear camera

You can access Samsung Galaxy S7 camera settings for rear camera by:

1. Launch camera app in Galaxy S7 or S7 edge. You have at least 4 different ways (including quick launch) to launch Galaxy S7 camera app as shown in this page.
2. In Galaxy S7 camera preview screen, make sure rear camera is using. If front camera is active, tap the switch button to switch to rear camera.
3. Tap Settings icon in Galaxy S7 camera preview screen.

You will get Samsung Galaxy S7 camera settings for rear camera as shown below.

Among these settings, if there is a switch in the right side, you can turn on or turn off the feature. For those without a switch, you can tap it to set it accordingly in a pop out window.

As shown above, you can find the following entries in Samsung Galaxy S7 camera settings for rear camera.

1. Video size (rear)

You set the resolution and frame rate of the videos to be taken. High resolution or high frame rate will make your video look better, but they require more storage.

You need set this before recording the video.

Please read this guide on recommendations to set video size and photo size for Galaxy S7 camera in different scenarios

2. Motion photo

Motion photo is a new feature in Galaxy S7. Before pressing shutter button, Galaxy S7 camera can record a short (a few seconds) video clip thanks to the fast focus in Galaxy S7 camera sensor.… Read the rest

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

… Read the rest

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

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

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

New Galaxy S7 status icons: Data saver icon

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

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

Data saver is a new feature in Android Nougat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Galaxy S7 status icons: Performance mode icon

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

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

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

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

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

The post New Galaxy S7 status icons in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Nougat update appeared first on Galaxy S7 Guides.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

… Read the rest

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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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