Galaxy S7 Guides

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

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

What is number badge in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This can be annoying.

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

Read on……

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

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

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

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

Step 1: Tap and hold the app icon

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

But you do not want to read them.

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

You now should get the context menu as shown below.

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

Step 2: Tap Clear badge as shown below.

… Read the rest

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Why you may want to disable Multi Window on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

Multi Window is actually one of the most useful features that Samsung introduced into Galaxy phones.

Initially, Multi Window was designed for Galaxy Note devices since Galaxy Note II with large screen so that owners can use two apps side by side.

You can also let one app (window is re-sizable) floating around and over another app. This is often referred as pop-up view.

So, Multi Window is a cool feature that Samsung phone users have enjoyed for years.  We have a detailed guide on how to use Multi Window on Galaxy devices.

FYI, Android will only start to offer similar multi window feature in the coming Android N (which is currently in Preview 2).

But for some owners, they may not use this feature. They want to disable Multi Window on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

Because it is so easy to enter Multi Window mode inadvertently.

It is a bit annoying when you enter Multi Window mode accidentally.

And to make it worse, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is very responsive: it responds so fast that you have no time to stop.

Sometimes,  Galaxy S7 responds to several accidental taps when you realized the error.

Tapping and holding left Recent button to enter Multi Window button is not the a good choice. Due to the tiny bezel, most Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 owners probably have entered Multi Window on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge inadvertently at least a few times.

It is hard to avoid it.

Another way to enter Multi Window on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is dragging down diagonally from either end of the top edge inside supported apps. This will convert the app to pop-up view (floating).

Some Galaxy S7 and S7 owners may also enter Multi Window mode accidentally through this method when they actually just want to scroll the page.

So, at least some Galaxy S7 and Galxy S7 edge owners are looking for settings to disable Multi Window on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

Unfortunately, since Galaxy S6, Samsung removed the settings entry to disable Multi Window on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge (and S6 as well).

Does it mean you cannot disable Multi Window on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

No, you can still still disable Multi Window on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge with an app.… 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

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This page is specially for official Samsung Galaxy S7 edge user manual in all languages.

If you are looking for user manuals for Galaxy S7, please check this page.

All of the Galaxy S7 edge user manuals in this page are in PDF format (You can get Adobe PDF Reader here). You can download it (choose save as) to your devices (PC, smartphone, tablet) to read it later or read it online in your browser now. You can even print them if you really need a hard copy.

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

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

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

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

1. Samsung Galaxy S7 edge User Manual in English language for International versions (Android Marshmallow 6.0, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia, SM-G935)

This English version of Galaxy S7 edge User Manual is for Samsung Galaxy S7 edge 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-G935, SM-G935F, SM-G935FD, SM-G935X, SM-G935C.

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

Download link (in PDF): Samsung Galaxy S7 edge User Manual in English language for International versions (Android Marshmallow 6.0, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia, SM-G935)

2. Samsung Galaxy S7 edge User Manual in German language (Deutsch) (Android Marshmallow 6.0, Germany)

This German language (Deutsch) version of Galaxy S7 edge User Manual is for Samsung Galaxy S7 edge sold in Germany with Android Marshmallow 6.0. The model number of the corresponding  Galaxy S7 edge is SM-G935F.

If your Galaxy S7 edge was not bought from Germany, this  German language (Deutsch) version of Galaxy S7 edge user manual  may be not for your phone. You may try the  English version.… Read the rest

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What is Galaxy S7 safe mode?

Galaxy S7 safe mode is a special Android environment without loading any user installed apps and widgets.

In other words, Galaxy S7 safe mode allows you to start Samsung Galaxy S7 (and S7 edge) with only the original software and apps that came with your S7 or S7 edge.

The main usage of Galaxy S7 safe mode is to find out whether some problems on Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, e.g.,  restarting itself, freezing, crashing, being slow, are caused by apps installed by you.

If such problems disappear in Galaxy S7 safe mode, then you can conclude that the problem is caused by one or more  third-party apps installed by you. You may try to uninstall third-party apps, then install one by one to find the culprits.

If such problems persist in Galaxy S7 safe mode, then you can conclude the problem is caused by the firmware bugs, hardware issues or a few pre-installed apps.  You probably have to backup Galaxy S7 and try a factory reset. If it is caused by hardware issues, you very likely have to visit local Samsung service center.

Actually, all Android phones and tablets have a safe mode. But on different devices (and in different versions of Android), the way to access Android safe mode may be different. In this page, Galaxy S7 will be used as an example. Identical procedure applies to all Samsung Galaxy devices with Android Lollipop.

How to reboot into Galaxy S7 safe mode?

As Galaxy S7 safe mode is a different environment, you need reboot the phone to enter this special mode.

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

Step 1: Power off Galaxy S7

In most regions, reboot into safe mode option was removed from power button options after Lollipop update.

So, to reboot Galaxy S7 into safe mode, you have to power off the Galaxy S7 first.

Hold power button for a few seconds, and you should get power button options as explained in this page.

Tap Power off, then confirm the action to power off Galaxy S7 as shown below.

Step 2: Hold power button for a few seconds

After Galaxy S7 is powered off completely,  you can then hold power button for a few seconds to power on the phone.

Step 3: Hold volume down buttons once you get the Samsung splash screen and release power button

After holding power button, your Galaxy S7 should be power on.… Read the rest

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What is tasks edge in edge screen of  Galaxy S7 edge?

Tasks edge in Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+ is similar to apps edge in the edge screen.

The major difference is that tasks edge is for shortcuts of individual tasks, not individual apps.

These tasks are similar to widgets: they are both special functions of some apps.  But tasks are only from apps developed by Samsung currently. In other words, you cannot simply add a widget to tasks edge currently.

Since Android Nougat 7.1, app shortcut was introduced in stock Android. Samsung supports app shortcuts on the home screen in their Android Oreo firmware. But the tasks edge does not support app shortcuts of third-party apps.

Tasks edge also supports file shortcuts. You can add a file to the home screen (pin a file to the home screen) as explained in this guide. Such file shortcuts will be available for tasks edge.

Please note, tasks edge in edge screen is identical among 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+. So, this guide applies to all of these devices.  In this guide, we use the screenshots from the Galaxy S7 edge for the illustration.

Two ways to access settings for tasks edge in edge screen of Galaxy S7 edge

You can access tasks edge settings in Galaxy S7 edge in two ways:

• from the edge panel.
• from edge screen settings page.

As shown below, you can launch edge panels, then navigate to tasks edge, which, by default, is the second panel, next to the apps edge.

In tasks edge panel, you can tap the + button to add more tasks to this edge panel. Tap settings icon to go to edge panel settings page.

You can also access edge panels settings in Settings — edge screen –edge panel.

As shown below, you can tap the check icon (marked as 1) to turn on or turn off tasks edge.

Tap pencil icon (marked as 2 in the screenshot below) to edit (manage) tasks edge.

So, these two ways to access tasks edge settings are interlinked.

To enable/disable tasks edge, you must go to edge screen settings (edge panels settings) as mentioned above.

How to add and remove tasks for tasks edge in edge screen of Galaxy S7 edge?

… Read the rest

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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

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

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

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

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

Google finally introduced multi window feature in Android Nougat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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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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What is Galaxy S7 application manager?

Galaxy S7 application manager is a special app that allows you to manage all apps installed on the phone. This includes both pre-installed apps and apps installed by you.

In all Android devices, application manager is an essential part. Some vendors may name it differently. For example, in stock Android, it is simply named as Apps under Settings.

Within Galaxy S7 application manager, you can:

• Check storage usage of all apps.
• Check data usage by all apps.
• Check and manage app permissions.
• Check and manage app notifications.
• Check battery usage of all apps.
• Check memory usage of all apps.
• Uninstall apps installed by you.
• Disable some pre-installed apps.
• Force stop most apps.
• Clear cache for apps.
• Clear data for apps (reset app).

As the name suggests, Galaxy S7 application manager allows you to manage all aspects of apps installed in your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.

How to access Galaxy S7 application manager?

You can access Galaxy S7 application manager from Galaxy S7 Settings.

As shown below, in Settings page for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, tap Applications

Then tap Application manager to access Galaxy S7 application manager as shown below.

How to list apps in Galaxy S7 application manager?

Now, in Galaxy S7 application manager page, you can see a list of apps installed on Galaxy S7 or S7 edge as shown below.

By default, all apps, including enabled and disabled, are listed.

You can tap All apps as shown below.

Then tap Disabled to list apps that are disabled as shown below.

This will list apps that were installed, but were disabled. Of course, you can also just list enabled apps similarly.

The list include bother pre-installed apps and apps installed by you. For pre-installed apps, as mentioned in Galaxy S7 Apps screen page,  you cannot uninstall them.

But you can disable them if you do not want to use these apps. Some of the pre-installed apps are actually bloatware.

How to use additional options in Galaxy S7 application manager?

You can tap MORE button in top right to find more options in Galaxy S7 application manager, as shown above.

The More button appears on all pages of Application manager.

These additional options typically include (as shown above):

• Show system apps. By default, the system apps are not listed. Tap this button to include system apps in the list.

… Read the rest

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What is factory reset Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

When you got the new phone before you do anything on it, you can call it in factory state.

Factory reset Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge means you wipe all your data, settings and apps from the phone. All your traces on the phone will be removed (with a few exceptions, read on).

After factory reset Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, you have to setup the phone just like a new phone before you can use it.

In all Android devices, there is an option for you to perform factory reset. Sometimes, factory reset is named as factory data reset because only user data are actually removed.

When you need factory reset Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

You need factory reset Galaxy S7 or S7 edge:

• if you want to give the phone to your friends or relatives.
• if you want to sell your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.
• if you get the phone from others.
• if your mess up phone settings and you cannot find a way to undo the wrong settings. You should try Settings— backup and reset — reset settings first.
• if the phone is too slow after a major update.  You should try to clear cache partition first.
• if the phone have so many problems.  You should try to clear cache partition first.
• if you want to refresh Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.
• if your phone is infected with virus or malware.
• if your phone cannot even boot into Galaxy S7 safe mode.

How to turn off factory data reset protection before factory reset Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

Since Android Lollipop 5.1, an anti-theft feature of factory data reset (FDR) protection has been introduced. After a factory reset, to re-activate the device, you have to provide a Google account that existed on the phone before it is reset.

Samsung fully implemented this device protection feature in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

This means that unless you turn off factory data reset protection before you factory reset Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, you will have to use the Google account that existed before you reset it to re-activate the phone.

This can be problematic if Galaxy S7 will change hands after factory reset.

So, in such cases, you should turn off factory data reset protection by:

• set the Galaxy S7 lock screen security as none; or
• remove all Google accounts on the phone.

… Read the rest

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Why take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

You may consider to take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge (print screen) when:

• you want to  share your achievements in a game/app;
• you need share a location in Google map;
• you want to share the content of a webpage, instead of the URL;
• you want to keep a record of online payments;
• …

Anyway, it is very easy to take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. You do not need any apps to print Galaxy S7 screen.

Actually, there are at least 3 different methods to take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge without using any apps.

This guide also show you how to use the new screen capture feature in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, scroll capture, which allows you to take screenshot on Galaxy S7 for long webpages or app pages that need more than one screen.

3 different methods to take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge

You can use any of the 3 methods to take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge:

1. Home button+ Power button method
2. Palm swipe method
3. Assistant menu method

Among the 3 methods for screen capture on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge:

• Assistant menu method is the simplest. Your grandma can do it with one hand.
• Home button+ Power button method is the quickest.

Method 1: use Home button + Power button

Like in all previous Galaxy S devices, you can take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and S7 edge by pressing and holding Home button and Power button simultaneously.  You may check this page on the button layout of Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

This actually is the quickest method to take screenshot on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge if you get used to it.

Some Galaxy S7 owners may fail to get the screenshot usually because of one of the following two reasons:

1. they press the two buttons, but not hold the buttons until screenshot is taken.
2. they fail to hold the two buttons simultaneously.

In reality, you always hold one button earlier. But if you hold the button too long without holing the other button, you will get unexpected behavior:

• If you hold home button too early, you will get Google Now on tap.
• If you hold power button too early, you will get power options.

… Read the rest

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Can you unlock Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, if you forget PIN, password, pattern and fingerprint is not recognized?

It is always frustrating when you are locked out of your own Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.

You may have 100 proofs that you are the owner. You are holding your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, with all legal documents.

But the guys in Samsung service center, or in your carrier’s service center will NOT help you unlock the phone.

They simply tell you to reset the phone.

For legal reasons, in most regions, no legit business will help you unlock Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.

Privacy in most regions is a serious legal issue because many personal data are stored on smartphones.

So, always remember your lock screen PIN/password/pattern. It is your responsibility to remember them.

If you forget the PIN, or password or lock pattern, and your fingerprint is not accepted (or when your fingerprint cannot be used after a reboot), the only official way to unlock Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge is Samsung’s Find My mobile service.

This guide will show you how to use Find My Mobile to unlock Galaxy S7 (and S7 edge) when you are locked out of your phone.

Why I cannot unlock Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge with Google account?

Prior to Android Lollipop, you have the option to reset lock screen pattern with your Google account if you forget the pattern and the backup password.

And for some Samsung devices, you can even unlock the device with Google account after a few tries. But this is NOT a formal Android feature.

In Samsung devices running Android Lollipop, unlock with Google account may be offered in special versions of devices. In most regions, it was removed.

For Samsung devices with Android Marshmallow, unlock with Google account is removed.

Why I cannot unlock Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge with Android device manager?

If you follow some old guides to unlock Galaxy S7 or to unlock Galaxy S7 edge, you may end up in Android device manager, which is available in web and as an Android app.

Unfortunately, unlock function has been removed from Android device manager since 2015, very likely for possible legal troubles Google may face.

As shown below, in addition to locating Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, Android device manager now only allows you to:

• Ring Galaxy S7 or S7 edge so that you can find it.

… Read the rest

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What is notification reminder in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

Notification reminder in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge reminds you until you check or read the notifications. This is important if you tend to ignore important notifications.

Samsung introduced this feature long time ago in their TouchWiz skin.

But in older versions of Galaxy phones prior to Galaxy S6, you can only turn on or turn off notification reminder for all apps.  In the refreshed TouchWiz since Galaxy S6, you now can select important apps to be used in notification reminder.

So, you may find notification reminder in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge is very useful now.

Please note, notification reminder in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge is not a standard Android feature.  It is a  feature added by Samsung. Other Android vendors may  or may not have similar features.

How to enable and configure notification reminder in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

By default, Galaxy S7 notification reminder is disabled.

To use this feature, you have to manually turn on/enable it.

You may follow these steps to enable and configure notification reminder in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

Step 1: Enter Galaxy S7 settings

You can enter Galaxy S7 settings in many different ways:

1. From Galaxy S7 notification panel, tap the gear icon.
2. From Galaxy S7 apps screen, tap Settings app icon.
3. From Galaxy S7 home screen, tap Settings app icon, if you added the app into home screen already.

The result is identical.

Step 2. Naviagte to Accessibility  settings

In Setting page, tap Accessibility.

I am not sure why Samsung branded notification reminder as an accessibility feature in the new TouchWiz.

Step 3: Enable notification reminder in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge

In Accessibility page, as shown below, you can find Notification reminder.

By default, this feature is turned off in Galaxy S7 ans S7 edge.

Tap Notification reminder as shown below.

Step 4: Configure notification reminder in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge

Now, in the Notification reminder page, you can enable or disable it.

To enable it, tap the switch (marked as 1 in the screenshot) as shown above.

You can also drag the switch to right side to enable it. In Galaxy S7 and S7 edge settings, dragging and tapping are identical for these switches.

After you enable notification reminder, you will have 4 more options to configure.

Vibrate (marked as 2 in the screenshot)

If enabled, in addition to normal notification tone, Galaxy S7 or S7 will also vibrate when the phone bugs you for unread notifications.… Read the rest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

… Read the rest

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What are widgets in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

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

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

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

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

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

How to add widgets in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

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

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

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

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

Step 1: Enter Galaxy S7 home screen edit mode

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

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

The result is identical.

Step 2: Find a widget

Once in edit mode, tap Widgets as shown below.

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

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

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

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

Some apps have only one widget.… Read the rest

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

What is Galaxy S7 SIM card size?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Difference between Samsung Galaxy S7 apps screen and home screen

Galaxy S7 apps screen, aka Galaxy S7 app drawer, is a special page that displays icons of all apps installed on your Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge.

Galaxy S7 home screen is the entrance for all phone features. Normally, selected apps and widgets are placed in home screen for quick access.

You can imagine the role of Galaxy S7 home screen and Galaxy S7 apps screen in this way: Galaxy S7 home screen is the storefront for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, and Samsung Galaxy S7 apps screen is the warehouse of apps you have on Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.

For new Android users, especially, iPhone users (because iPhone does not have apps screen), it can be very confusing: why do you need two places to hold apps?

If there is no Galaxy S7 apps screen, then you have to put all apps on the home screen. This may be inconvenient fro some owners:

• most users you actually want to put frequently used apps and widgets in the home screen.
• if all apps are placed in the home screen, you cannot remove it. Otherwise, it is hard to track all apps installed although you can manage them in the application manager.
• if all apps are placed in the home screen, you cannot have more than one copy of the app icons in the home screen. For example, you may want to put Gmail app in two or more different app folders.

Anyway, up to know, no Android vendors try to remove apps screen, simply because it exists for its reasons. It is also a symbolic feature of Android OS.

How to use Galaxy S7 apps screen?

You can access Galaxy S7 apps screen by tapping the apps icon (9 dots) in favorite tray in Galaxy S7 home screen.

Once in Galaxy S7 apps screen, you can find these items (as shown below) in the apps screen:

• icons for apps. These corresponds to individual apps installed. You can launch the app by tapping it just like in home screen. Tap and hold the app icon to add the app to the home screen.
• app folders.  You can group apps into app folders in Galaxy S7 app screen.
• search button (1). Tap Search button to search apps.
• sort button (2).  You can tap sort (A-Z) button to re-arrange apps in alphabetical order in the apps screen.  

… Read the rest

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With the release of Samsung Galaxy S7 Android Nougat update, new features and improvements were introduced in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge running Android Nougat 7.0.

Hence, you need these updated official user manual for Galaxy S7 with Android Nougat update.

The updated official user manuals in this page cover both Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge with Android Nougat update.

If your Galaxy S7 is still running Marshmallow, you should check these Galaxy S7 user manuals in your own languages.

If your Galaxy S7  edge is still running Marshmallow, you should check these Galaxy S7 edge user manuals in your own languages.

For detailed how to guides for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge with Android Nougat update, please check  Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update guides.

1. Samsung Galaxy S7 User Manual with Android Nougat update in English language for International versions (Android Nougat 7.0, 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 Nougat 7.0. 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 with Android Nougat udpate for your Galaxy S7, you can try  this user guide.

Download link (in PDF): Samsung Galaxy S7 User Manual  with Android Nougat update in English for International versions (Android Nougat 7.0, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia)

2. Samsung Galaxy S7 edge User Manual with Android Nougat update in English language for International versions (Android Nougat 7.0, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia, SM-G935)

This English version of Galaxy S7 edge User Manual is for Samsung Galaxy S7 edge sold in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia with Android Nougat 7.0.  The model number of the corresponding  Galaxy S7 includes SM-G935, SM-G935F, SM-G935FD, SM-G935X, SM-G935C.

If you cannot find the Galaxy S7  edge user manual with Android Nougat udpate for your Galaxy S7 edge, you can try  this user guide.

Download link (in PDF): Samsung Galaxy S7 edge User Manual with Android Nougat update in English language for International versions (Android Nougat 7.0, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia, SM-G935)

3. Samsung Galaxy S7 edge User Manual with Android Nougat update in Brazilian Portuguese (Português do Brasil) (Android Nougat 7.0, Brazil)

This Brazilian Portuguese (Português do Brasil) version of Galaxy S7 edge user manual is for Samsung Galaxy S7 edge sold in Brazil with Android Nougat 7.0.… Read the rest

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