Today is Samsung Galaxy S7 day and the Samsung Galaxy Edge S7Today is the day that many users have achieved it. If you just got your Galaxy S7 or S7 EdgePerhaps some of you are still a little lost with your phone, or there might be some features you're unfamiliar with. In any case, here are the first 7 steps you should follow with your Samsung Galaxy S7 or Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, expanded with... initial configuration recommendationsCamera tricks, security and customization tips to get the most out of it from the very first minute.
Before you begin: Initial setup wizard
When you turn on the phone for the first time you will see the assistant that guides you to get it ready. Take a few minutes, because it's key for everything to work well and according to your preferences.
1) Choose the language and the region. This adjusts the date and time format and the keyboard. If needed, you can add other languages ​​later in Settings > General management > Language and input.
2) Connect to a Wi‑Fi network Reliable, or insert your SIM so the assistant can download updates and verify your account. If you don't have Wi-Fi available, you can skip this and come back later.
3) Accept the Terms and ConditionsCarefully read the consent screens from Samsung and Google; you can choose not to activate some services and enable them later.
4) Adjust the Date and Time (if they weren't automatically configured with the SIM). An incorrectly set watch can cause problems with services, notifications, and certificates.
5) Enter your name to personalize the device. It is useful for identifying the phone on networks, Bluetooth, or when using security features.
6) Configure a lock method (PIN, pattern, or password). You can tap Skip and do it later, although it's recommended to secure your phone from the start.
7) Register your fingerprint during the wizard or later. If you choose to skip this step, the system will show you warnings and the option to Skip Anyway. Below we explain how to fine-tune the reader for optimal performance.
8) Review the options of Google services (Backups, location, find my device). Turn off what you don't want and tap Next: you can change them at any time in Settings.
9) If you're coming from another smartphone, the assistant offers to copy your data with Smart SwitchYou can do it via OTG/USB cable, Wi-Fi, or from a previous backup; otherwise, press Later and you can do it later without any problem.
10) Choose between Standard mode o Easy modeEasy Mode enlarges icons and simplifies menus, ideal for beginners; you can change it later in Settings > Display > Easy Mode.
11) Optionally, download the components of Samsung Knox/Secure Folder To protect sensitive apps and files with a second layer of security. If you don't need it, tap Finish to complete the setup.
During this process you will also see notices of privacy and cookies in apps like your browser; accept or adjust your preferences to personalize your experience without compromising your security.
Learn about the buttons and connectors
Locating each key and connector will prevent confusion and help you to take advantage of physical shortcuts.
- On / off button: Turn on the screen, lock the phone and press and hold to open power/restart options.
- Home key: physical front button. A double press launches the camera (you can enable this in Camera Settings).
- Backspace key: Returns to the previous screen within apps or closes floating menus.
- Recent apps key: Opens the switch to switch between apps or activate split screen in compatible apps.
- Volume keysThey raise/lower the volume and can be configured as a camera trigger.
- Charging connectorMicro-USB port for charging and data transfer. Always use quality cables and chargers to keep the battery in good condition.
- Headphone jack: minijack port for wired audio; improves sound and reduces latency compared to Bluetooth.
- Rear cameraMain sensor with Dual Pixel focus; protect the lens with cases that don't protrude.
- Frontal cameraFor selfies and video calls; clean the glass with a cloth to avoid fogging.
1.- microSD card
One of the new features of the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge is the ability to install a microSD card to expand the smartphone's memory. The phone comes with 32GB of internal memory, and its 12-megapixel camera, capable of recording in 4K and shooting RAW photos, could quickly fill up, so install a microSD card This will be the first step for this smartphone. How much? That's entirely up to you. 64 GB would be good. With 32 GB you'll double the storage, which might be the most economical option. And those who use the camera a lot will probably try to buy a 128 GB card. Samsung's memory cards, the easily identifiable orange Samsung EVO cards, will be useful for your phone. Samsung's silver ones are even faster. We could talk about other brands, but it's very likely that if you search, you'll find that Samsung microSD cards have the best prices. And if your phone is a Samsung…
To avoid bottlenecks, look for cards with UHS-I/U3 or V30Ideal for 4K video and burst shooting. Go to Settings > Storage after inserting it: if prompted, format in exFAT From the phone itself to ensure compatibility and performance. The Galaxy S7 does not use the microSD card as internal fuse memory, so it is managed as external storage: perfect for photos, videos, music, documents, and backups of compatible apps.
Key tips: Don't move critical apps to the microSD card if you notice forced closures, avoid removing the card without first unmounting it in Settings > Storage, and if you're going to use it in the rain or near water, make sure the Ensure the SIM/microSD tray is properly closed. to maintain protection.
2.- Configure the camera to store in the microSD
Of course, if you have a microSD card, it's meant to be used, right? Once you've installed the microSD card, what you need to do is configure the camera To configure the camera to store photos and videos on the microSD card instead of the smartphone's internal memory, open the camera app and tap the Settings gear icon in the upper left corner. There you'll find the option to select where you want the camera to store photos and videos: internal memory or the microSD card. You should choose the latter.
Since you're already in the settings, take the opportunity to fine-tune: activate Auto HDR, the grid for better framing and Pro mode if you want to shoot in RAW (ideal for editing) and others Galaxy S7 featuresIn video, if you choose 4K, remember that the file size is large and there may be a limit per clip of around 4 GB; a fast microSD makes all the difference.
Explore features like Follow-up approachStabilization, Voice Shot, or Motion Photo. In night scenes, increase the exposure time in Pro mode and prop up the phone to avoid camera shake.
3.- Configure the camera to open it with double click
Having to turn on your Samsung Galaxy S7's screen, unlock it, go to the Apps menu, and find the Camera app isn't the simplest way to take a photo. In fact, there's a very simple option to do it on your Samsung Galaxy S7, which is... setting up the camera so it can be opened With a double press of the Home button. To do this, simply go to Settings within the camera app, as before, and enable the option that allows you to launch the camera by double-tapping this button. You can launch the camera from the Home menu, from an app, or even with the screen off, simply by double-tapping the Home button.
Additionally, you can assign the key to volume as a trigger (Photo or zoom) and activate the floating button for convenient one-handed shooting. These shortcuts save you valuable seconds when you want to capture a unique moment.
4.- Configure the fingerprint reader
If you pull down the notification shade to access quick settings, you'll see the fingerprint option. It's one of the most notable features of the Samsung Galaxy S7, and you should configure it to use it accurately. Ideally, you should register four fingerprints—both the index finger and thumb of both hands—so you can easily unlock the phone with the fingerprint reader whether it's in your left or right hand, or even if it's lying on a table and you want to unlock it with your index finger. You can also activate some options here, such as using the fingerprint reader for... log in to web pagesor to pay with the Samsung Pay payment platform.
Precision tips: Start recording with your most used finger, prop it sideways to cover edges, and repeat the process if you change cases. Adjust a PIN or pattern As a backup, activate Smart Lock if you want it to stay unlocked at home or with trusted devices, and consider using Secure Folder to isolate sensitive content with your fingerprint.
5.- Activate and configure Always-On
Another of the most notable features of the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is their screen and the Always On Display function, which keeps the screen illuminated even when it's theoretically "off." The screen displays information such as the time and date. This feature is useful because it eliminates the need to turn on the full screen every time you want to see just the time, which is very helpful considering it's a AMOLED screenTherefore, only the necessary LEDs are used, with almost no battery consumption for this function.
To activate this feature, go to Settings > Display > Always On. Here you have several configuration options, such as whether you want to show the clock or calendar, or the format in which the time and date should be displayed. You can also choose whether you want them to appear notification icons and schedule it (for example, turn it off at night). The impact on battery life is very low, but if you're looking for maximum savings, you can reduce the AoD's automatic brightness or turn it off when the battery drops below a threshold you choose.
Hide sensitive content In notifications, enable only icons to be displayed on the AoD. And if you use flip cases, enable compatibility so the watch fits the window.
6.- Eliminate bloatware
Remove most of the bloatware This is a good first step to free up space and resources on your Galaxy S7. You can delete all those apps you don't use to free up space on your 32GB of storage. To do this, simply go to the applications menu and select the Edit option in the upper right corner. A minus sign will appear next to almost all the apps, indicating that you can uninstall them. Just tap on it and confirm to uninstall the app.
If an app doesn't allow uninstallation, you'll see the option DeactivateThis way, it won't run or drain your battery, and it will disappear from the app drawer. Also, check for duplicate apps (for example, Samsung's browser and Chrome) and which store you're using (Galaxy Store or Play Store) to avoid Unnecessary updatesIn Settings > Device maintenance, you can free up space with the cleaner and manage storage with one tap.
7.- Configure your desktop
Finally, all that's left is to configure your home screen, add the widgets you want, create the pages you want, and give your phone the look you want. To do this, simply go to your phone's home screen by pressing the Home button and then pressing and holding anywhere empty on the interface. You'll see that the home screen fades into the background and some options appear at the bottom. You can scroll sideways to see other home screen pages, move them, delete them, or add new ones. You can also add widgets. And it's even possible change the entire theme from the mobile phone, thanks to the themes and Wallpapers These options are already available for the Samsung Galaxy S7 interface, completely changing the phone's style. Now it's just a matter of configuring the phone to your liking.
Go to Settings > Display > Home screen to adjust the grid (more or fewer icons per screen), and enable or disable the app drawerHide apps and adjust icon size. Add dynamic widgets (weather, calendar, tasks) and create folders for better organization.
If you have an S7 Edge, take advantage of the Edge panelsEdge apps for shortcuts to your favorite apps, People Edge for your contacts, and Tasks Edge for quick actions (create an event, selfie, note, etc.). Configure them in Settings > Edge display and choose the edge, handle size, and transparency. Turn on Edge lighting to have the edge light up with notifications when the screen is face down.
Do you find Easy Mode more convenient? Go to Settings > Display > Easy Mode to big icons, enlarged fonts and a simplified home screen. It's reversible at any time.
Extras that make a difference: backups, updates, and battery
Before you start installing apps, configure your backupIn Settings > Accounts and backup, turn on Google Backup (apps, call history, SMS, Wi-Fi) and Smart Switch to duplicate your data on a computer. This way, if you lose your phone or switch to a new one, you can restore everything in minutes.
Keep your system up to date by going to Settings > Software update. Security patches and stability improvements make your Galaxy S7 run more smoothly. fluid and safeIf you don't want surprises, schedule updates for the early morning hours and over Wi-Fi.
In Settings > Device maintenance, you'll find a panel showing battery health, storage, and performance. Use the Energy save mode When your battery is low, set limits on background apps to reduce power consumption. Charge with the original or certified charger and avoid letting the battery drop to 0% frequently.
Remember that the device has splash resistanceTo maintain this protection, check that the SIM/microSD tray is properly sealed, dry it carefully if it gets wet, and do not charge the phone if you detect moisture in the port.
Finally, if at any time you want to manage your privacy and ad or cookie preferences, go to Settings > Google and Settings > Privacy. You can also adjust the settings from the Samsung browser. tracking lock and delete browsing data.
With these steps and recommendations, your Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge is ready to accompany you every day: more storage with microSD, a fully functional camera and quick access, secure fingerprint unlock, an optimized Always On Display, less bloatware, and a home screen that adapts to you. Add backups, check for updates regularly, and take care of the battery to enjoy a stable performance and a well-rounded experience for a long time.
