The phone that caused this panic stopped functioning completely and she could neither receive nor respond to calls. You might not be surprised if the phone had low battery, or the phone had lived well past its glory days. That was not the case though—this was a brand new and well-charged phone. Even brand new phones like the S7 can act up, and it’s rarely convenient (sometimes near heart-attack inducing). There are some steps that you can take, though, and we can show you how.
Problem 1: Lifeless, Frozen, Unresponsive S7
This problem is pretty self-explanatory. If your S7 isn’t playing nice and won’t do anything you are trying to do and is just plain being stubborn.
Solutions
Force Reboot
Press the Power and Volume Down buttons and hold for about 5-15 seconds. This yields the same result as removing the battery.You should feel the S7 vibrate and reboot.If the phone enters Safe Mode, use the volume keys to navigate to Reboot and the Power key to select it.
Your S7 may be trying to tell you something, like the app you thought might be sketchy, was. Safe Mode is a great way to use the process of elimination to figure out what is causing problems.
Check Charger.
If your S7 will charge (i.e. you see the charging icon and/or other hopeful signs of life), let it do so for at least 10-30 minutes.The charger that came with your S7 should work, at least initially. If you think that charger may be the problem, try a different one.If your S7 is still under warranty and your charger is faulty, have the company send you a new one while you can.Charging requires a good connection, so you will need to ensure that the plug on the end of the charger fits properly.Sometimes jiggling the plug within its jack may enable a connection, but not if the problem is located more internally. Additionally, jarring this area of your S7 could potentially cause even more damage.If your phone will charge via a USB connection to your computer, the problem is probably your wall or car charger. If nothing delivers a charge to your phone, it could be the port or the phone itself. One way to check this is by trying a wireless charger.If a wireless charger fails, it’s most likely a hardware issue. Use that warranty if you can.
Boot into Recovery Mode
If your phone isn’t in the mood for Safe Mode, see if it will boot into Recovery.Hold the Power, Volume Up, and Home buttons down together.Release the Power key when the S7 logo displays, and the other two buttons when the Android logo appears.When you can see the S7, release the Power key and immediately hold the Volume Down button.It’s a good idea to go ahead and Wipe Cache. Use the volume buttons to navigate to it and Power to select.Now highlight Reboot System Now and press Power.
Uninstall Apps
Rule out any problem apps, especially one you might have installed recently. See if you experience the same problem while in Safe Mode. If not, you will need to uninstall the app you think is the culprit.To uninstall an app, tap and hold the app.Drag it to the Uninstall button and release.Confirm the uninstall.
Minimize Screen Contact
Try a different case if your current one is causing you to touch the screen inadvertently.Watch how you are gripping the S7. It’s easy to accidentally touch the screen with a different part of your hand, and when you do, it may seem as though the screen is freezing.
Hard Reset
Go to Backup and reset from Settings and tap on Factory data reset.Instruct the S7 to Reset the Device.This wipes data so you might want to backup what you wish to save!
Problem 2: Phone Lockdown
Even though your phone seems highly functional, it isn’t where you are concerned. You are locked out of your phone because you forgot the pin. And you forgot your pin because you just got this phone and can’t possibly remember everything. What are your options?
Solution
Samsung Find My Mobile
In order to use this, you must have registered a Samsung account on your S7 prior to being locked out. The Remote Control option must be enabled.Login to the Samsung Find My Mobile site.Select your S7.Choose the Unlock My Screen feature.
This feature should allow you to temporarily reset the password.
Bypass the lock screen with the temporary password.Create a memorable yet secure password.
Android Device Manager
Android Device Manager can also be used to find a lost phone.This method will work only if you registered your S7 with Android Device Manager before you locked yourself out. Device Manager must also be enabled on your S7.Pay a visit to the Android Device Manager’s website. You can get there through your Google accountor via the Android Device Manager app.If there are multiple devices, click next to your S7.Enable the Lock feature.Enter a temporary password.Select Lock again.Type the temporary password into your S7.Go to the Lock Screen and Security setting and disable the temporary password.
Android Device Manager App
Master Reset
Go to Backup and reset from Settings and tap on Factory data reset.Instruct the S7 to Reset the Device.This wipes data so you might want to backup what you wish to save!
Problem 3: Issues Sending or Receiving Calls, Texts, or Videos
Solutions
Turn on Mobile Data
Picture and video files can get quite hefty, and often require the use of mobile data.
Combat Coverage Issues
Check the signal bars to assess whether the S7 is receiving proper coverage.
○ If you see few or no bars, try moving to a more open space.○ If you see most or all bars, check your phone’s settings. Go to More>Settings.
Contact Carrier
Especially if your issue arises after making a switch in providers, contact your carrier to ensure the proper configuration for these services.For instance, if you switch from Verizon to AT&T and suddenly you experience problems sending SMS using the network, contact AT&T.Your account must be in good standing.
Wipe Cache
Especially if this is occurring after an update, wiping the cache partition can help.Boot into Recovery Mode by holding the Power, Volume Up, and Home buttons together.Release the Power key when the S7 logo displays, and the other two buttons when the Android logo appears.When you can see the S7 logo, release the Power key and immediately hold the Volume Down button.Use the volume buttons to highlight the Wipe Cache Partition and Power to select it.Now highlight Reboot System Now and press Power.
Clear App Data
If the problem seems to be with one application and that application alone, try clearing the cache and app data of that app first.For instance, if you can hear your S7 ringing, but the call screen isn’t showing itself, try addressing the issue with the Dialer app first.From Settings, go to Device.Tap on Applications, then find App Manager.Swipe to find ALL, then select the app.It may be necessary to tap Force Close. Regardless, tap on Storage.Tap Clear Cache and Clear Data.
Problem 4: Over Sensitive Screen or Buttons
Do you find yourself accidentally opening apps or making selections when you are simply holding your phone? If so, this is for you.
Solutions
New or No Case
If you notice an improvement in screen or button behavior when you remove the case, you could leave it off altogether.The case does protect your S7 though, so it’s best to try out a different case.
Screen Protector
Use a screen protector.
Check for Updates
The screen a reported problem that Samsung will probably eventually have to address.
Button App
Some users have reported improvement after downloading the Galaxy Button Lights app.
Galaxy Button Lights
Problem 5: Wonky Wi-Fi
Solutions
Soft Reset
Power your S7 off, then on again.Do the same thing with your router. Leave it off for about 10 seconds.
Forget Network
Tell your S7 to forget the existing network.Go to Settings, then Wi-Fi, then select the network with a long-press.Choose Forget Network, but remember your password, because you are going to need it.Start fresh.
Come Close
If the signal seems weak, it could be due to other items blocking it or distance.Move your S7 closer to the router.It’s possible for other devices can also create interference. Move home appliances away.
No Power Saving
Ensure that Power Saving is turned off.Get there through Settings, then the battery icon.
No Sleeping on the Job
Power on Wi-Fi during sleep.Just in case your Wi-Fi is too busy dreaming to stay connected, visit Settings>Wi-Fi>More, and select Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep.Choose Always.
Turn off Bluetooth
So Wi-Fi and Bluetooth don’t play nice together on this phone? Some people seem to think so.
Problem 6: “Warning: Camera Failed” Error
Your picture isn’t going to happen because this error pops up as soon as the Camera app opens. This can also plague you when you switch camera views from front to back or vice versa. It’s annoying, but something can be done.
Solutions
Restart
Restart the app.If necessary, restart your phone.
Clear App Cache
From Settings, go to Device.Tap on Applications, then find App Manager.Swipe to find ALL, then select the app.Tap Force Close, then Storage.Tap Clear Cache and Clear Data.
Clear System Cache
Hold the Power, Volume Up, and Home buttons down together.Release the Power key when the S7 logo displays, and the other two buttons when the Android logo appears.When you can see the S7, release the Power key and immediately hold the Volume Down button.It’s a good idea to go ahead and Wipe Cache. Use the volume buttons to navigate to it and Power to select.Now highlight Reboot System Now and press Power.
Disable Smart Stay
From the Home screen, select Apps.Go to Settings, then Display.Choose Smart Stay, then toggle it off.Reboot.
Problem 7: Bluetooth Blues
Glitches have already become evident. Bluetooth Low Energy stays on perpetually even when Bluetooth connectivity is turned off, using battery. Other users can’t connect. But we shall overcome.
Solutions
Start Again
If your Bluetooth is acting out, remove the paired devices and start over.
Control Scanning
Once your S7 has found the intended nearby device, set a limit or turn off scanning altogether.
○ Go to Settings, then Wireless and Networks.○ Choose More, then Nearby Device Scanning.
Never scan on a loop. Your S7 can spend a lot of energy looking for a device that isn’t there, and will never be there because it moved.
Clear App Cache
From Settings, go to Device.Tap on Applications, then find App Manager.Go to More, then Show System Apps.Select Bluetooth Share and tap Force Close.Tap Clear Cache and Clear Data.
Wipe System Cache
Hold the Power, Volume Up, and Home buttons down together.Release the Power key when the S7 logo displays, and the other two buttons when the Android logo appears.When you can see the S7, release the Power key and immediately hold the Volume Down button.It’s a good idea to go ahead and Wipe Cache. Use the volume buttons to navigate to it and Power to select.Now highlight Reboot System Now and press Power.
Problem 8: Mobile HotSpot Headache
Can’t connect or can’t browse? Try these tips.
Solutions
Substantiate Setup
Verify you’ve enabled and set up Mobile HotSpot.If not, tap on Apps.Tap on Settings, then Tethering and Mobile Hotspot.Specify Mobile Hotspot and adjust the slider.
Factory Reset
Go to Backup and reset from Settings and tap on Factory data reset.Instruct the S7 to Reset the Device.This wipes data so you might want to backup what you wish to save!
Problem 9: Overheating
Avoid Usage
Don’t use your phone while it’s charging.
Disable Fast Cable Charging
Go to Settings and then Battery.Toggle Fast Cable Charging to an OFF position.
Optimize Battery
Visit Settings, Battery.Pick Battery Usage, then More.Elect Optimize Battery Usage, and tap All Apps. Basically this just prevents apps from running in the background unnecessarily.
Factory Reset
Go to Backup and reset from Settings and tap on Factory data reset.Instruct the S7 to Reset the Device.This wipes data so you might want to backup what you wish to save!
Conclusion
Despite what you have been going through, many people are finding the S7 to be a first-rate phone. Hopefully what you are experiencing is now a thing of the past. If not, please post a comment and we will help you. We also have articles for troubleshooting Lollipop and Marshmallow if your problem is OS-related. If you have a serious problem, especially involving hardware, the best solution might be to contact a Samsung Service Center or your service provider. Featured Image Credit
