How to fix microSD card and memory issues with Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge & other problems

Since the #Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge (#S7Edge) has a #microSD card slot, we started receiving memory and storage related issues from our readers. We miss these problems when Samsung decided not to give S6 variants a slot for expandable storage last year.

Among the most common storage-related issues include the phone not being able to detect or read from the SD card, unknown storage partition appear, phone is running out of storage space, etc. Let’s try to look a little closer into these problems just in case more of you may encounter them.

The problems I cited here are just some of the actual messages we received from our readers who are seeking assistance with their problems. Continue reading to understand them and learn how to fix them. It’s better that you know how to deal with this issues now as you may encounter them sooner or later.

For our readers who have other issues, make sure you visit our S7 Edge troubleshooting page as we’ve already solved a lot of problems with this phone since its release. Odds are that there are already solutions that exist on our page and all you gotta do is find them.

Now, if you need further assistance, you can always contact us so we can get back to you as soon as we can find a solution to your problem. Just fill up our Android issues questionnaire accurately so we can give you accurate solutions and/or troubleshooting guides.

Galaxy S7 Edge cannot detect or read new 32GB microSD card

Problem: Hi, I recently got my Samsung S7 Edge and I set up my phone. I then purchased a Samsung 32gb sd card. I placed it in my phone but I has not detected the SD card I’ve tried to reset the phone and all of the other basic troubleshooting however it is still not reading that there is a brand new sd card in it. Thank you!

Answer: First off, make sure the microSD card is mounted properly to rule out the possibility that it’s just a contact issue because if the interface of the SD card is loosely connected to the phone’s receptors, it might not be able to detect or read from it.

Once you’ve made sure the card is properly mounted, try to reboot your phone while it’s inside. There are actually times when the device just can’t read the card and reboot is required. I’ve encountered it a few times and it might just the issue with your device right now.

The next thing you should do in case your phone still won’t read from the card is to let your computer read it. Computers read removable devices better than phones and in so doing, you can actually determine whether the card is defective or not.

If the computer detects it and you can actually browse through the card or copy files into it, it might just be an issue with the file system. Therefore, you need to reformat the SD card and use FAT32 format. However, if the phone detects it and prompts you to format it, it’s either corrupt or damaged. So, try to format it, still using FAT32, and see if it can read it after. If still not, then it’s safe to assume the problem is with the SD card.

As to your phone, I don’t think we have to do something in it as it’s clear the issue is exclusive the SD card.

Galaxy S7 Edge has “Other” storage that takes up 13GB of space

Problem: The problem is “Other” storage. I notice that 13GB being used by “other.” I tried to clear all cache, delete game apps, restart and reset. It doesn’t work. Anyone has same problem with me? I need help please how to clean this “other” storage.

Answer: When you say “reset” I assume you did factory or master reset, which will delete all files, data, etc. that have been accumulated after the setup. So, if this “Other” storage is a partition in your phone’s internal storage, then it should have been deleted. Therefore, I think, you have a microSD card and this “Other” storage is found in it. I suggest you unmount the SD card and check if it’s still there. If so, then you need to reset your phone again and this time, follow these steps:

Turn off your Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge.
Press and then hold the Home and Volume UP keys, then press and hold the Power key. NOTE: It doesn’t matter how long you press and hold the Home and Volume Up keys, it won’t affect the phone but by the time you press and hold the Power key, that’s when the phone starts to respond.
When the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge shows on the screen, release the Power key but continue holding the Home and Volume Up keys.
When the Android logo shows, you may release both keys and leave the phone be for about 30 to 60 seconds. NOTE: The “Installing system update” message may show on the screen for several seconds before displaying the Android system recovery menu. This is just the first phase of the entire process.
Using the Volume Down key, navigate through the options and highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset.’
Once highlighted, you may press the Power key to select it.
Now highlight the option ‘Yes — delete all user data’ using the Volume Down key and press the Power button to select it.
Wait until your phone is finished doing the Master Reset. Once completed, highlight ‘Reboot system now’ and press the Power key.
The phone will now reboot longer than usual.

On the other hand, if the “Other” storage disappeared after unmounting the SD card, then backup your files and reformat the card, mount it back on and should do it.

Galaxy S7 Edge internal storage is running out

Problem: I bought it at new. It has 4GB of internal memory. when it reaches 321 MB of use, it says that “the internal storage is running out…” It refuse to install the applications on the SD card, although the SD card is good and can store downloads and photos and music.

Answer: Okay, let me just make things a little bit clearer here. When you say “Internal Memory” you’re actually referring to the Random Access Memory or RAM, which works hand in hand with the CPU to make the phone works fast and smooth to say the least.

The prompt you’re getting, however, is talking about the internal storage and there are two variants of S7 Edge; 32GB and 64GB. Don’t worry about the RAM because the phone manages its memory really well that even if it comes close to 4GB, it can terminate other services to give way to more important ones.

Your problem is that your device has almost used up all its storage. I understand you have a microSD card but your problem is that apps can’t be installed in it, right? That’s not a problem because apps have to be installed in the internal storage but some can be “moved” to the SD card, at least, their data and other files. And I think that’s all you need to do; just move some apps over the SD card to free up some space in your phone’s internal storage.

With a microSD card installed, launch the Settings app.
Find and select Storage from the list of options.
Tap on Internal storage.
Select Apps.
Locate the app you’d like to move, and tap on it.
Under the “Storage Used” section, tap on the Change button and select SD Card.

Moreover, you may also want to move your files, pictures, videos, etc. to your laptop or computer. If you have a bunch of those, then doing so will surely free up some generous space on your phone’s internal storage and the problem will surely be fixed.

Gallery no longer shows picture taken by the camera

Problem: Hi. I have a problem with my phone. I take a lot of pictures everyday so I bought a high-capacity SD card. For weeks I enjoyed using the without experiencing any problem but right after the an update, the Gallery no longer displays the pictures I’ve taken with the camera. I tried connecting the phone to my laptop and I can no longer copy pictures from my phone to the computer. What gives? Please help me. What must I do to recover those photos? Thanks.

Answer: It actually does sound like it’s a microSD card problem that coincides with the update that’s why you’re thinking the recent update messed up your phone. But let’s try to look into it a little closer.

Your phone can no longer display or find pictures saved in the SD card because maybe it got unmounted. So, go to Settings > Storage and then verify if the SD card is mounted or not and make appropriate changes. If it’s already mounted, however, then you should try to let your computer or laptop read it. Should the computer be able to read it, use that opportunity to backup your files, pictures and videos or whatever is saved in the card that you don’t want to lose. Then, format the card using FAT32 file system, clean it’s interface and mount it back on your phone. After that, try to take pictures and see if the they’re saved in the SD card and try to see if the Gallery can detect them now.

If the Gallery can’t still find the pictures taken by the camera, try to clear its cache and data.

From the Home screen, tap the Apps icon.
Find and tap on Settings.
Touch Applications and then Application manager.
Swipe to ALL tab.
Find and touch Gallery.
Tap Storage.
Tap Clear cache and then Clear data, Delete.

If the problem persists after this, try wiping the cache partition.

Press and then hold the Home and Volume UP keys, then press and hold the Power key.
When the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge shows on the screen, release the Power key but continue holding the Home and Volume Up keys.
When the Android logo shows, you may release both keys and leave the phone be for about 30 to 60 seconds.
Using the Volume Down key, navigate through the options and highlight ‘wipe cache partition.’
Once highlighted, you may press the Power key to select it.
Now highlight the option ‘Yes’ using the Volume Down key and press the Power button to select it.
Wait until your phone is finished wiping the cache partition. Once completed, highlight ‘Reboot system now’ and press the Power key.
The phone will now reboot longer than usual.

After all this and the problem isn’t fixed, you should bring the phone to the store and have it checked.

Galaxy S7 Edge isn’t picking up good signal

Problem: I recently switched from a Galaxy S5 to the S7 Edge. Without changing locations,it seems that my reception quality has gone down significantly. The edge does not pick up the tower signal as well as the S5 and, it seems that it is actually significantly worse than other phones I have had. Is there a way to improve reception quality on this unit?

Answer: Some units might be damaged out of factory so it’s inevitable that some owners may encounter issues the moment they use the phone. In your case, however, it shows that the S5 picks up signal better than the new device and you’re not the only one having this issue. I think the best way to know if it’s just an issue with the reception or not is to go to an area that you know have excellent signal and if the S7 Edge fails to meet your expectations, then it’s time you contacted your provider and probably negotiate a replacement. However, I suggest you try to reset your phone first to rule out the possibility of a firmware issue as well as make sure your personal information is deleted from your phone just before you let a technician check it for you.

Turn off your Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge.
Press and then hold the Home and Volume UP keys, then press and hold the Power key. NOTE: It doesn’t matter how long you press and hold the Home and Volume Up keys, it won’t affect the phone but by the time you press and hold the Power key, that’s when the phone starts to respond.
When the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge shows on the screen, release the Power key but continue holding the Home and Volume Up keys.
When the Android logo shows, you may release both keys and leave the phone be for about 30 to 60 seconds. NOTE: The “Installing system update” message may show on the screen for several seconds before displaying the Android system recovery menu. This is just the first phase of the entire process.
Using the Volume Down key, navigate through the options and highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset.’
Once highlighted, you may press the Power key to select it.
Now highlight the option ‘Yes — delete all user data’ using the Volume Down key and press the Power button to select it.
Wait until your phone is finished doing the Master Reset. Once completed, highlight ‘Reboot system now’ and press the Power key.
The phone will now reboot longer than usual.

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