Download and Install AOSP Android 11 for Galaxy S7/S7 Edge

This guide shows you how to install AOSP Android 11 on the Exynos Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge (SM-G930F/G935F, codenames herolte/hero2lte). Android 11 brought notification history, chat bubbles, conversation notifications, a built-in screen recorder, new media controls, device controls, one-time permissions, a scheduled dark theme, and app suggestions, among other changes.

The build here is LineageOS 18.1, a stable community ROM with signature spoofing, microG support, and OTA updates.

How to install AOSP Android 11 on the Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge

Go through the requirements first, then follow the install steps.

Prerequisites

• This is for the Exynos Galaxy S7/S7 Edge (SM-G930F/G935F).
• Create a complete device backup, since the install wipes the phone.
• Enable USB debugging: Settings > About phone > tap Build number seven times, then Settings > System > Advanced > Developer options > enable USB debugging.
  
• Unlock the bootloader. If you have not, see our guide on how to unlock the bootloader on any Samsung device.
• Install TWRP recovery using our guide for the Galaxy S7 or the Galaxy S7 Edge.

Download AOSP Android 11

Only use a build made for your exact model. Grab the LineageOS 18.1 ZIP for your device, and the GApps package if you want the Google apps.

Install AOSP Android 11 on the Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge

1. Copy the ROM ZIP (and GApps ZIP, if used) to the phone’s internal storage.
2. Connect the phone to the PC with a USB cable, with USB debugging enabled.
3. Open the platform-tools folder, type CMD in the address bar, and press Enter to open a Command Prompt.
   
4. Boot the phone into TWRP:

   adb reboot recovery

   

5. In TWRP, go to Wipe > Advanced Wipe and format System, Data, and Cache. If the phone is encrypted or you are switching ROMs, use Format Data (type yes) so the ROM will boot.
6. Go to Install, select the LineageOS 18.1 ZIP, and swipe right to flash it.
7. If you want the Google apps, flash the GApps ZIP the same way, before the first boot.
8. Wipe the cache, then go to Reboot and select System.
   

The first boot can take several minutes, and you will set the phone up from scratch afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Galaxy S7 officially get Android 11?

No. Samsung stopped the S7 and S7 Edge at Android 8.0 Oreo. Android 11 only comes from community ROMs like LineageOS 18.1.

Will installing it erase my data?

Yes. Unlocking the bootloader and wiping/formatting data both erase the phone, so back up first.

Does flashing trip KNOX?

Yes, and it is permanent. It voids the warranty and disables KNOX features like Samsung Pay and Secure Folder.

Can I use it without Google apps?

Yes. LineageOS 18.1 supports signature spoofing and microG, so you can run it Google-free, or flash MindTheGapps for the normal Google setup.

Which models does this work on?

The Exynos Galaxy S7 (SM-G930F) and S7 Edge (SM-G935F). The Snapdragon US and carrier variants are not covered.

Conclusion

LineageOS 18.1 is a clean way to bring Android 11 to an Exynos Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge. Use a build for your exact model, back up first, and let the flash finish. If you want something newer, there is also our Android 16 guide for the S7. Share how it runs in the comments.