Updating Android on a Samsung Galaxy S7: all the methods and nuances

The smartphone Samsung Galaxy S7, released in 2016, still remains a popular device among users who value reliability and functionality. However, with the release of new versions Android owners are faced with the question: how to update the firmware to the latest one if official support from the manufacturer has already been completed? In this article we will analyze all available update methods - from standard OTA to manual firmware via Odin, and also tell you how to prepare the device to avoid errors.

It is important to understand that Galaxy S7 (models SM-G930F i SM-G935F) has officially received the latest update to Android 9.0 Pie with shell One UI 1.0. However, enthusiasts and third-party developers offer unofficial firmware based on Android 10/11 through custom recovery. We'll look at both official and alternative options, but let's start with the basic steps.

Before you start updating, make sure your Galaxy S7 is charged at least 50% and important data is backed up. Below is a detailed guide on each method.

1. Checking the current version of Android and available updates

Before updating the firmware, you need to find out which version Android is installed on your Samsung Galaxy S7. This will help determine which updates are officially available and where manual installation will be required.

To check the software version:

1. Open the menu Settings on your phone.
2. Scroll down and select About device (or Phone information).
3. Find lines Android version and Number assembly.

If your version is lower Android 9.0 Pie, the official update can be available via OTA (by air). To do this:

• 🔄 Go to Settings → Software update → Download and install.
• 📶 Make sure that the phone is connected to Wi-Fi (updates weigh from 1 to 3 GB).
• 🔋 The battery charge must be at least 50%.

⚠️ Attention: If the device does not find updates, this means that Samsung has stopped releasing them for your model. In this case, you will have to use alternative methods.

It is also worth considering that some telecom operators (for example, MTS, Beeline) may block or delay OTA updates. In this case, manual installation via Smart Switch or Odin.

2. Update via Samsung Smart Switch (official method)

Samsung Smart Switch is a proprietary utility for backing up and updating firmware via a computer. This method is suitable if OTA update is not available, but Samsung still supports yours. model.

To update via Smart Switch:

1. Download and install Samsung Smart Switch on a PC (Windows or macOS).
2. Connect Galaxy S7 to the computer via the original USB cable.
3. Run the app and wait until it recognizes the device.
4. If an update is available, a notification will appear asking you to install it.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔒 Security: official software without risk "Originalization".
• 📥 Automatic download of the latest firmware for your model.
• 🔄 Possibility of rolling back if the update causes problems.

⚠️ Attention: If Smart Switch does not find updates, this means that for your Galaxy S7 (for example, models SM-G930FD for dual-SIM) official support has ended. In this case, proceed to manual methods.

Also note that Smart Switch can only offer an update up to Android 9.0, even if there are newer unofficial firmwares. To install them you will need Odin or custom recovery.

3. Manual update via Odin (for experienced users)

If official methods do not work, you can install the firmware manually through the app. Odin. This method is suitable for experienced users, since incorrect actions can lead to brik (inoperability) of the device.

To update via Odin you will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows (Odin does not support macOS/Linux).
• 🔌 Original USB cable (poor quality cables may interrupt the process).
• 📁 Firmware in format .tar.md5 for your model (download only from trusted sources, for example SamMobile or Sammobile Firmware).
• 🛠 app Odin3 (version 3.14.4 or later).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download and extract Odin to a folder on your desktop.
2. Download the firmware for your model (for example, SM-G930F for Galaxy S7 or SM-G935F for S7 Edge).
3. Turn off the phone and move it to download mode (Download Mode: hold Volume down + Home + Power, then confirm by pressing Volume up.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and run OdinA message should appear in the app Added! v. log.
5. In Odin click AP (or PDA in older versions) and select the firmware file.
6. Make sure that the checkboxes are only opposite Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time.
7. Click Start and wait for the process to complete (usually 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Never disconnect the USB cable or turn off the computer while flashing. to irreversible damage to the system.

After successful installation, the phone will reboot. The first startup may take up to 15 minutes - this is normal. If the device is stuck on the logo Samsung, try resetting the settings via Recovery Mode (Volume up + Home + Power).

What to do, if Odin gives a FAIL error?

The FAIL error in Odin is usually associated with incompatible firmware, a damaged file or problems with the USB connection. Try:

- Download the firmware again (the file may be damaged).

- Use a different USB cable or port.

- Disable the antivirus on the PC (it can block Odin).

- Check that the firmware model matches the phone model (for example, G930F vs G930FD).

4. Installing custom firmware (LineageOS and others)

If you want to update to Android 10/11 or later, you will have to use custom firmware, such as LineageOS, Resurrection Remix or Pixel ExperienceThis method requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recovery (TWRP).

Advantages). custom firmware:

• 🆙 Updating to new versions of Android (for example, Android 11 instead of the official one Android 9).
• ⚡ Improved performance and optimization.
• 🔧 More options for customizing the interface.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of official warranty (if it is still valid).
• 🔒 Risk of unstable operation (bugs with camera, sensors, etc.).
• 📵 Possible problems with Samsung Pay, Knox and other proprietary functions.

To install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times to activate developer mode), then in Settings → Developer options enable OEM Unlock.
2. Install TWRP Recovery via Odin (file in the format .tar).
3. Download the firmware (for example, LineageOS) and GApps (Google service package).
4. Reboot into TWRP (Volume up + Home + Powerand run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. Install the firmware and GApps via Install in TWRP.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. It can also trigger Knoxwhich will block some functions (for example, Secure Folder).

After installing custom firmware, it is recommended to check the operation of the main functions: calls, mobile data, Wi-Fi, camera and sensors. If something does not work, look for solutions on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

When updating Samsung Galaxy S7 users often encounter typical problems and ways to resolve them.

Error	Possible reason	Solution
Error "No Command" in Recovery	Damaged recovery or unsuccessful update	Reflash stock recovery via Odin or install TWRP
Phone stuck on logo Samsung	Firmware conflict or incomplete installation	Run Wipe Cache in Recovery Mode or reflash again
Odin gives FAIL (Auth)	Incompatible firmware or locked bootloader	Check the firmware model and unlock OEM Unlock
Mobile network does not work after update	IMEI is missing or the modem is damaged	Reflash the modem via Odin (file CP)
Smart Switch does not see the device	Problems with drivers or cable	Install Samsung USB Drivers, try a different cable

If after the update the phone becomes slower or warms up, try:

• 🧹 Clear cache via Recovery Mode (Wipe Cache Partition).
• 🔄 Reset settings to factory settings (Settings → General management → Reset).
• 📉 Disable animation in Developer settings (reduces CPU load).

If the problem is not solved, perhaps the firmware contains errors. In this case, you should roll back to the previous version or try a different build.

6. How to roll back the update if. something went wrong

If after the update Galaxy S7 it becomes unstable (for example, it discharges quickly, overheats or applications crash), you can return the previous version of the firmware. To do this you will need:

1. Download stock firmware for your model. (for example, Android 8.0 Oreoif you updated to 9.0 Pie).
2. Install it via Odin (the process is similar to updating).
3. Reset the settings after rollback.

It is important to consider:

• 🔙 Rolling back to an older version of Android may result in data loss.
• 🔒 Some applications (for example, banking) may stop working due to an outdated OS version.
• ⚠️ If after a rollback the phone does not turn on, you will need firmware via Download Mode with a full reset (Re-Partition v Odin).

If you installed custom firmware and want to return to the official one:

1. Download 4-file firmware (AP, BL, CP, CSC) for your model.
2. In Odin upload all files into the appropriate fields.
3. Select CSC (not HOME_CSC) to perform a full reset.
4. Click Start and wait for completion.

⚠️ Attention: After returning to the official firmware, you may need to re-activate the device via Samsung Account, especially if it was previously used FRP Lock.

If the rollback did not help and the device still does not work correctly, there may be a hardware problem (for example, a worn out battery or a damaged motherboard). In this case, it is recommended to contact a service center.

7. Alternative ways to improve the performance of the old Galaxy S7

If the firmware update does not give the expected performance increase, you can optimize the performance Galaxy S7 in other ways:

Software optimization:

• 🗑 Clear the cache and unnecessary files via Settings → Device care → Memory.
• 🚫 Disable or delete unused applications (especially those running in the background).
• 🔄 Enable Performance mode in Settings → Device maintenance → Battery.

Hardware improvements:

• 🔋 Replace the battery (capacity of the original battery Galaxy S7 decreases over time).
• 💾 Install microSD card class A1 or A2 to transfer applications.
• 🛡 Use a cooling case if the phone overheats under load.

Custom kernels and mods:

Custom kernels are available for advanced users (for example, Perseus Kernel), which improve performance and battery life. They are installed via TWRP similar to firmware.

You can also consider installing lightweight launchers (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair), which reduce the load on the system compared to standard One UI.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to update Samsung Galaxy S7 before Android 12?

Officially - no, since Samsung stopped support for this model after Android 9.0 Pie. However, there are unofficial firmware based on Android 11/12 (for example, LineageOS 18.1), but they are may have bugs with the camera, sensors or mobile network. It is recommended to install them only for experienced users.

Why does Smart Switch not find updates for my Galaxy S7?

This means that for your model (and region) Samsung no longer releases official updates.

• Check for updates manually via SamMobile (perhaps there is newer firmware for your region).
• Use Odin for manual installation.
• Reflash the device to the firmware of another region (but this may lead to problems with the mobile network).

What to do if after updating via Odin the phone does not turn on?

First try:

1. Hold Volume down + Home + Power for 10 seconds to force a reboot.
2. If this does not help, go to Recovery Mode (Volume up + Home + Power) and run Wipe Cache Partition.
3. If the phone still does not turn on, repeat the firmware with the correct software version.

If nothing helps, the firmware may be incompatible with your model, or an error occurred during recording. In this case, contact the service center.

How can I find out which firmware is suitable for my Galaxy S7?

The firmware must exactly match the model of your device:

• IN Settings → About phone → Model (for example, SM-G930F).
• On the sticker under the battery (if you removed the back cover).

Download firmware only from trusted sources (SamMobile, Sammobile Firmware) and check the region (for example, SER for Russia, XXV for Europe). Installing firmware from a different region may lead to problems with mobile communications.

Is it possible to update the Galaxy S7 without a computer?

Yes, but only if available OTA update (via Settings → Software update). If there are no official updates, then a computer is required for manual firmware via Odin or installation of custom recovery (TWRP). An alternative is to use applications like FlashFire, but they require root access and do not guarantee stability.