The software comes with Now on Tap, which allows you to have useful information even faster than before. Think of it like a built-in, specialized Google for the specific app you are looking at or whatever is on your screen. Marshmallow makes searching for apps more convenient, too, with a new search button on the home screen. Also, you finally you get more say in what your apps have access to. Rather than your options being limited to give the owners of the app whatever information they want—whether they need it or not—or forfeiting the installation of the app altogether, you will have some say with Marshmallow. These features are only the slightly crisp, slightly gooey edge of Marshmallow. You are about to find out about other features for yourself.
Method 1: Update Over-the-Air
This option is so user-friendly that your phone will most likely bring the update to your attention and then guide you through it. It comes with no risk of warranty loss. All of the major carriers have already released a Marshmallow update(s). So what’s the downside? It can be the waiting. You don’t get to choose when you receive the update.
1. Stabilize the Internet
Ensure that you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.If your Wi-Fi connection is unreliable, it might be best to use Methods 2 or 3 instead.
They contain ways to update Samsung Galaxy S7 without Wi-Fi. Using Wi-Fi guarantees, there won’t be any carrier data fee. Here’s how you can Fix a Wi-Fi Connection Problem on Android if you are having troubles.
2. Fully Charge
Fully charge your phone.It’s never a bad idea to back up your Samsung S7 before any major change.Ensure that your phone has at least 50% capacity.You will also want to be certain there’s enough space. From Settings, select Storage. More than 1GB is mandatory. 3-6+ GB is ideal.
Note: You shouldn’t try to use your phone during an update. Take care of any mandatory phone tasks beforehand.
3. Check Notifications
Sometimes updates will show up on your phone like magic. If so, lucky you!Drag downward on the Notification bar to see if there’s an update alert.If you see the alert in your Notification bar, tap on Install Now and confirm that you want to download the update. Don’t be alarmed if your phone reboots. If that notification isn’t available, proceed to Step 4.
4. Visit Settings
From your S7’s Menu, tap on Settings.Note: Don’t shut off your phone during an update.
5. Select About Device
6. Tap System Updates
7. Check for Updates
Find the current system version, and tap Check for Updates. You will probably see a box asking you to confirm that you really want to look for an update. Press OK. A status message will then display letting you know that the phone is checking for the update.
8. Download Now
If an update is available, your phone will now let you know. It may also offer to connect to a Wi-Fi network for you. Select Download Now. Keep in mind, some updates/carriers require you to have to have Wi-Fi during the entire update, and the next message will probably remind you of that as well.
9. Update
Tap Install Now to start the update. You will see several reminders and status alerts throughout the process. If the phone doesn’t automatically reboot when the update is complete, you will need to, but most likely it will take care of it and all you need to do is press OK afterward.
Method 2: Update Using Smart Switch
Although you may know this app for its abilities to transfer data between phones, Smart Switch is also capable of helping you update. Even if you decided to root your S7, you can still update your phone using Smart Switch. There is a good chance, however, that you will lose root during the process. Samsung Kies doesn’t work for the S7. Smart Switch is its replacement.
1. Fully Charge
Fully charge your phone.It’s never a bad idea to backup your Samsung Galaxy before any major change.Ensure that your S7 has at least 50% capacity.You will also want to be certain there’s enough space. From Settings, select Storage. More than 1GB is mandatory. 3-6+ GB is ideal.Note: You shouldn’t try to use your phone during an update. Take care of any mandatory phone tasks beforehand.
2. Download Smart Switch
Go to Samsung’s website to find the download for Smart Switch.Make your Smart Switch selection according to whether you will be using a PC or Mac.You will be installing to your computer. There is a mobile app but it’s not intended to be used for updates.
Smart Switch
3. Connect Phone
Connect your S7 to your computer via the USB cable that came with your phone.
4. Launch Smart Switch
Take advantage of the Setup Wizard to finish installation.Smart Switch should detect and recognize your S7 and install drivers automatically.You can use Smart Switch to create a convenient backup and restore option.Simply click the Backup button near the bottom of your screen.
5. Update
Smart Switch will display a message indicating that a new update is available if that is the case.Click on Update.
6. Confirm
Confirm the update by pressing the Update button again.Then chooseWait until all the new files are finished downloading.When the update is done you will be notified via confirmation message.
7. Disconnect Phone
Disconnect the USB cable.
8. Reconnect Phone
Reconnect the USB cable.If you Samsung doesn’t automatically reboot, do so manually.It will probably take longer than usual.
9. Disconnect Phone to Enjoy!
Method 3: Update with Odin
This method allows you to skip any wait! The Odin method can also be crucial for rooted devices that can’t be updated OTA. It is, however, riskier than the previous methods. Worst case scenario—you could brick your phone. However, it is also a method that can restore order to your phone by returning it to official firmware. Odin can also be used to downgrade OS manually.
1. Download Drivers
Make sure the proper USB drivers are installed before using Odin.Usually this automatic installation takes place when you plug the USB cable into the PC.You should also be able to find the appropriate driver for your cable by searching the Internet or we have a download link below for you to use.
Samsung USB Driver
2. Download Odin
Extract or unzip the contents to your computer.
3. Enter Download Mode
With the device turned off, hold the Power, Volume Down, and Home buttons simultaneously.When a warning message pops up, release all of the buttons.Immediately press Volume Up
4. Connect Phone
Connect your S7 to your computer via USB cable.
5. Download Update
Updates can be found on Samsung’s website. It contains the latest update Samsung software. Download S7 Update
Choose Cell Phones under the MobileUsing the drop down menu, click on your carrier.Select your specific model for the Samsung S7.Be sure that you are using firmware that matches your model, or you could risk your phone being bricked.
6. Run Odin
Right-click and run as administrator.The ID:COM section should now turn blue and an Added message should display.If your phone is not recognized, ensure you have installed the proper drivers.
7. Press AP
The button could also say PDA if you are using Odin 3.07.
8. Choose Update
Select the file you downloaded earlier to use for your update.Browse your computer for the firmware .tar.md5 update and load it to Odin.
9. Click Start
Wait until the file is done loading.It’s usually unnecessary to make any other changes because the options that are ticked by default are best.Do not select Re-Partition.There is no need for there to be anything present in the PIT section.
10. Be Patient
When you are done a Pass message will display.You will also get a green light from the ID:COM section, meaning you are ready to go.Don’t remove the USB cable until it finishes.Your S7 should reboot automatically.
Method 4: Install a Custom ROM (Rooted Phones)
If you can’t stand the suspense, installing a custom ROM is one way that you can get an update ahead of the rest. Keep in mind, however, you will be taking on the risk of installing a custom ROM, which can void the warranty or at worst, brick your phone. You could also encounter some bugs. Enough about the bad stuff though. You already took a risk when you rooted. Custom ROMs are the perfect way to optimize performance, customize, and personalize your phone to your liking. In fact, this may be the best way to realize your S7’s true potential.
1. Download ROM
Download the latest version of custom ROM available to your phone’s internal storage or to your computer. If you download to your computer, you will have to transfer the file via USB. Some examples of ROMs are provided in the link to the XDA website below. Custom ROMs for the S7
2. Complete Backup
Complete a backup of your S7.This should include your messages, contacts, photos, and anything else you wish to save.You will also want to ensure that your phone has at least 50% charge.
3. Update Recovery
Ensure you are running the latest version of a recovery program. If you are using TWRP, make sure that it is v2.8 or greater. Older versions will most likely fail. If you need an update for TWRP, use the link below. Select your device. Recent TWRP
4. Enable Debugging
Enable USB Debugging in Developer Options.Also select OEM Unlocking Options.
5. Download GApps
Download Google Apps (GApps zip file) to your internal storage.Ensure that the proper USB drivers are installed first.
GApps
6. Power Down
Turn off the power to your S7.Hold down the Power button.
7. Access Recovery Mode
Boot into Recovery Mode by pressing Volume Up, Power, and the Home key simultaneously.
8. Clear Data/Cache
These options are available in the Recovery menu.
9. Install ROM
Select the ROM file from storage.
10. Install GApps
Follow the screen prompts.
11. Reboot
Wait until installation is finished, though.
Conclusion
OTA updates are truly going to be the easiest option, but they do require Wi-Fi. You can check to see what updates are available on a PC without the Wi-Fi, and use a USB connection to install via Smart Switch or Odin. Odin is your best bet for a rooted phone, especially if you rooted using a custom recovery. Tell us how you like your new update in the comments section below. If you are still having difficulty installing the update, tell us about your troubles.
