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Galaxy S7 won't search for software updates
OBU
Enthusiast - Level 3

I have 2 identical S7 phones purchased at the same time (03/2016) from a Verizon store.  One for me and one for my girlfriend.  My phone works fine.  Her phone has never updated the OS since 6.0.1 nor has it received any security patches.  Auto update is switched on.  If I attempt to check for new updates, I receive a message stating: "This service is unavailable at this time".  Don't ask why it took so long for me to look into this.  Doesn't really matter.  Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

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OBU
Enthusiast - Level 3

Ok.  Problem solved!  Well, at least for now.  "SmartSwitch" is the cure.  I think I learned about it on a Samsung forum.  Bottom line is I connected the phone to a PC running SmartSwitch and in the center of the window, on the pc, where the phone information would normally show up was a message stating there was a system software update available with a button to click on to perform the update.  I clicked on the button and the update began to download.  It wasn't a seamless process partially due to me being unfamiliar with the procedures but the end result was Oreo installed and functioning.  Thank you to everyone who tried to help me out.  I may have given up without the options offered here and elsewhere.

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17 Replies
bearone21
Legend

updates depend on os version & you won't get latest updates on older versions.

what version on your s7??

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OBU
Enthusiast - Level 3

Mine is current at 8.0 (Oreo?)

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bearone21
Legend

that's why you're getting the updates & she isn't, her old os.

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OBU
Enthusiast - Level 3

So first I have to wonder why she never got the earlier update (Nougat)?  Do you know if there is a way to manually update it?  I'm not ready to give up this phone. 

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nel6733l
Newbie

I have the same problem

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gregl_vzw
Verizon Employee

Having the latest software on your device is very important, nel6733l, and I am happy to assist with looking into why your device is having difficulties updating its software. What happens when you go into your 'Settings' and choose Software Update'?

GregL_VZW

Follow us on TWITTER @VZWSupport

If my response answered your question please click the _Correct Answer_button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

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OBU
Enthusiast - Level 3

When I go to "Settings", "Software Updates" (or it might be Check for software updates) I instantly get a message stating "Service unavailable at this time". No other options offered.

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bearone21
Legend

did you read the 1st post..."This service is unavailable at this time".

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OBU
Enthusiast - Level 3

So, guy at the Verizon store, last night, says it's not a Verizon problem, it's a Samsung thing.  Tells her to go to a Samsung store for help.  I'll let you know how that works out but I am not very optimistic.

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bearone21
Legend

where's a samsung store, oh that's right they don't have any actual stores.

fwiw:

bestbuy has been able to manual updates in the past, not sure if they still can.

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OBU
Enthusiast - Level 3

Yup. The Verizon guy told her to go to Best Buy

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

OBU, I hope you're able to get some answers soon. If for any reason you're still not getting the answers that you're looking for, please let us know.

 

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melissap_vzw
Verizon Employee

Hello OBU, We understand how important it is to be able to stay on top of software up dates. You have come to the right place for assistance. While you and your girlfriend may have the same phone, how you utilize them is completely different. Can you tell me what kind of storage space she has available on her device? Has she had any issues with any other applications? Does she get the same issue is she tries to run the software update in Safe Mode?

Melissa_VZW

Follow us on TWITTER @VZWSupport

If my response answered your question please click the _Correct Answer_ button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

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OBU
Enthusiast - Level 3

Hi Melissap,

Plenty of storage space available on the device - around 6Gb and greater than 100 gigs on the installed microSD card. I don't think there are any other apps acting up except fast charging can be intermittent. We have not attempted Software Update in Safe Mode. How do I do that?

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Good morning, OBU. It's our goal to ensure that your phone issue is fully resolved. Did you have the opportunity to find more answers regarding the software update issue on your phone? We're here when you need us.

 

Tracy_VZW
Follow us on TWITTER @VZWSupport
If my response answered your question please click the _Correct Answer_ button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

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OBU
Enthusiast - Level 3

Hey, Everyone. I just wanted to thank everyone for trying to help. No resolution yet but still have a couple more things to try. I'll keep you posted.

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OBU
Enthusiast - Level 3

Ok.  Problem solved!  Well, at least for now.  "SmartSwitch" is the cure.  I think I learned about it on a Samsung forum.  Bottom line is I connected the phone to a PC running SmartSwitch and in the center of the window, on the pc, where the phone information would normally show up was a message stating there was a system software update available with a button to click on to perform the update.  I clicked on the button and the update began to download.  It wasn't a seamless process partially due to me being unfamiliar with the procedures but the end result was Oreo installed and functioning.  Thank you to everyone who tried to help me out.  I may have given up without the options offered here and elsewhere.