Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge problems and solutions
The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are two major 2016 smartphones stars. These devices have solved some issues by returning some lost features from the Galaxy S5, such as the microSD card and water resistance. But they also have managed to maintain the spectacular Galaxy S6 design (sans the protruding rear camera). But even with these great features, there are still some issue with these devices. Here are the main problems and their solutions.
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- Display problems
- MicroSD issues
- Camera failure
- Buttons not responding
- Distorted audio and humidity warning
- Connectivity problems
Display problems
One of the problems reported by owners of these two devices pertains to the automatic activation of the screen without any user interaction and without receiving any notification.
This can happen for several reasons that have to do with display settings as someone or something approaches the device.
Solution
To end the inadvertent activation of the screen, you can disable this feature as a preventive remedy until the sensitivity is improved in future updates. You can also modify your application notifications if you think they wake up the screen too often.
MicroSD issues
The S7 has revamped one of the features that owners sorely missed with the Galaxy S6. Despite having Android Marshmallow right out of the box, it does not support the native use of a microSD card as system memory; it only supports it as removable memory.
Some users report receiving some notifications with warnings of problems when microSD cards are first introduced.
Solution
If you have problems with notifications from microSD cards it is best to ensure all data contained on the card was formatted on a PC or Mac with the program recommended by the SD Association: SD Formatter. If, after formatting, you still have problems with the card, it's better to get a new card before losing some unrecoverable data.
Camera failure
Some users have reported errors when using the camera of the Galaxy S7. It appears that when you click on the camera icon to activate the screen it goes blank and a warning message pops up that says the camera has failed. It seems that the Galaxy S7 suffers from this ailment more often than the Edge.
Solution
This problem seems to be caused by the interaction of Smart Stay. This feature uses the front camera to see where you pay attention to the smartphone screen. Apparently, this creates an incompatibility issue when you want to use the rear camera. This feature can be disabled in the settings, but a permanent solution can only be actuated with a software update.
Capacitive buttons not responding
There are reports of owners having a malfunction in the capacitive buttons and physical home button. Apparently, the phone that suffers the most from this problem is the Galaxy S7 Edge.
Solution
Most of these problems could be the result of malfunction in an application. To verify that an application is causing the error, it is best to enter safe mode. To do this, turn off the device and turn it on while holding the button until the Samsung logo appears. Then release it and press the volume button down. In this mode, you can check if an application is the issue.
Distorted audio and humidity warning
Another function that Samsung has revived from the Galaxy S5 is the certificate of resistance to water and dust. In this case, in both S7 devices (and in the Note 7), we can enjoy the security of IP68 certification. In the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge you cannot remove the rear, so at least we spared the problem facing the S5 cover.
But in some smartphones we have encountered problems and warnings about moisture as well as distorted audio because of a headphone jack.
Solution
It is best to always keep the device dry. That is pretty obvious, but with the water resistance certification, there is a tendency to play fast and loose with this normal caution. Humidity problems are often the result of water accumulated in both the micro USB port and headphone jack. If the Galaxy S7 has had contact with liquids you should dry it well, especially on the connections, before connecting anything. If problems persist put the device in rice or check out some of our other solutions.
Problems with connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Many users report problems related Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth connections. The problems are mainly not being able to connect or lose the signal especially with Wi-Fi networks. While it seems the latest updates have improved the problem, there are still reports of issues.
Solution
Upgrade your device to the latest version of Android. Also, update apps because you may have some problems with them and it might appear as if it's due to the connection. The Wi-Fi antenna for the S7 supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz. Select the default setting as the 2.4 GHz band although it's slower it's more stable.
Are you having any other Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge problems that weren't addressed here? Please let us know in the comments.
recently my screen took on a bright pink vertical line from the top of the screen all the way to the bottom of the screen on my galaxy s7 edge. I have heard there is a large problem with this. Is there any repair or recall for this problem?
Went to refresh after download lagging by during off phone and restart. Now it stuck in a loop of "Unlocking. This happened once before and I had to wait until the battery completely died. Then recharge and it came back on. I hope that happens again. Very fustrating.
This is my 4 month old Samsung S7
Found a complete display related solution here.
Works like a charm.
wp.me/p8uGsf-4
This morning while getting out of my car I dropped my new S7 onto tar seal from about knee height. I've thought "oh well, first time..." and picked it up but was horrified when I saw the front glass having cracks all over. My old/cheap Sony dropped many many times from a greater height and the glass is still fine (apart from a few scratches).
This S7 glass is either not Gorilla glass or too thin or I don't know what's wrong.
It appears to me that Samsung S7 phones are more fragile then raw eggs. I certainly feel cheated by Samsung.
My recommendation. Either skip this S7 generation or change to another manufacturer.
Martin
Cory, On the recent apps screen, it doesn't change after any amount of time. If I leave it open it stays on that message.
I have a problem with my 2month old S7edge, accidently got knocked off chair-back shattered! When i got phone, Verizon store talked me into front&back protecter for $30.00-which they put on. Took phone into verizon store, they said my insurance was $250.00 deductible, and anyway its not covered. They said they see this quite a bit since both sides are glass, and to " just live with it since theres no damage to camera lens " Also said there was a lifetime warrenty on the protectors I had on phone and it should hold everything together! Im sorry, but something aint right here! I bought a $750.00 phone and have insurance, accidents happen-thats why you have insurance!!!! I left in shock! Called a couple repair shops- $350.00.... so... do i just 'live with it"????
I too have S7 edge. bought protection and insurance BS !! got with Asurion 200 deductible Fkn BS Verizon commercial false advertisement it says shatter proof lol and water resist Lies insurance doesn't do much in this case why have the insurance when it doesn't even cover those incidents don't even get the insurance because u still end up paying for replacement and asurion warranty only covers if phone programs not workin hint hint ..buy a new phone don't bother with the insurance
I have an issue where once in a while, when I press the recent apps button, it will say "no recent apps found" no matter what apps are open. The apps remain open, but I can't access them through that means. The only way to fix it is to restart the phone, though that is only temporary.
Hi Ian, how long do you wait until you hit back?
The only problem I have is when I reboot it tells me I have to put in my mobile operator details again, which I don't have to as all I do is press no and about 15 secs latter it is fine when the screen has finished loading (running GO-Launcher so I think that is the problem).
Have continual Bluetooth issues. Will work for a couple of minutes then turn off on it's own
ha ha! thats why i dont use samshit.
My S7 has developed three grey bands on the screen. It's still under warranty so going to repair depot today. Not impressed for a phone that's only three months old.
I have the same thing. Seemed to happen after a software update. More prominent when battery is low and the display is dimmed. Did you get a solution
Picked up a real ugly. S7 and s7 edge. Text yourself a link to Google or any other link. Then click on the link. The web view the opens with a blank page. That's it. Rotate phone 90 degrees and presto Google appears. Close and do again. Sort of aim where the search button should be. Press blank screen. Rotate phone again and search results appear.... I am stumped.... really need a fix for this..... any helpers?
Using Sprint network the S7 cannot do.data and voice simultaneously. I believe this is a huge lost in functionality to the owner. I purchase and S7 Edge to upgrade my Note 3 and I took for granted that I was able to do voice and data. I returned my S7 when back to the NOTE 3
PS: No one has warned the consumer about this huge lost in functionality
I upgraded a couple months ago from an AT&T S5 to a Sprint S7, having the same problem. Spoke a couple days ago to a Sprint rep who told me this was not a carrier issue, but a device issue - that the S7 is a "tri-band" or "tri-mode" device, while the S5 is a "quad-mode" device, and it is the absence of the 4th mode that is causing this. However, phonescoop.com shows that the S7 has more bands than S5 (CDMA or GSM models) on LTE, WCDMA, CDMA modes, and same number of GSM bands. Will return to Sprint this afternoon with my findings.
Hi tungsten. You're right, in this case the carrier has taken away functionality of the phone and they should be upfront with this information.
I visited Sprint store where I purchased my S7, confirmed that this is indeed a carrier issue. Cory S, it's not so much that the carrier has taken away this function... seems they never had it to begin with. I was told, however, that Sprint is "listening to their customers" and is supposed to be working on implementing this functionality. And you're absolutely right... carrier should be upfront with this significant change. I gave the local store manager a list of 5 or 6 other device changes that they need to tell potential customers... including issues regarding transfer of data from old phone to new phone... not as complete as they would have you to believe.
Stand by...