Download and Install LineageOS 18.1 for Galaxy S7/S7 Edge (Exynos)

This guide shows you how to install LineageOS 18.1 on the Exynos Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge. LineageOS is a community-built, open-source ROM based on the Android Open Source Project, and the descendant of the old CyanogenMod. It does not pile on extras; it stays close to stock Android and focuses on stability.

Flashing it takes an unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery such as TWRP. Once those are in place, the install itself is a straightforward recovery flash. Here is everything you need.

LineageOS 18.1 and Android 11

LineageOS 18.1 is based on Android 11, so the S7 and S7 Edge get the Android 11 additions on top of Lineage’s own tweaks. That includes the grouped Conversations section in notifications, one-time permissions, Notification History, chat bubbles, a built-in screen recorder, and media controls moved into Quick Settings.

This build for the Exynos Galaxy S7 (codename herolte, SM-G930F) and S7 Edge (codename hero2lte, SM-G935F) is a stable, unofficial release. It ships with signature spoofing and microG support, so you can run the phone Google-free, and it supports OTA updates for later builds. For the current list of what works and any open bugs, check the XDA thread linked below before you flash, since the maintainer keeps that up to date.

How to install LineageOS 18.1 on the Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge

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

Prerequisites

• Create a complete device backup, since the data partition gets wiped during the install.
• Unlock the bootloader. If you have not done this yet, follow 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.
• Enable USB debugging so the PC can see the phone in ADB. Go to Settings > About phone > tap Build number seven times, then Settings > System > Advanced > Developer options > enable USB debugging.
  
• Download and install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC for ADB and Fastboot.
• Download and install the Samsung USB drivers on your PC.
• Download LineageOS 18.1 for your model:
  • Galaxy S7 (herolte): Download from XDA
  • Galaxy S7 Edge (hero2lte): Download from XDA
• If you want the Google apps, download the Android 11 GApps file. MindTheGapps is the variant LineageOS recommends for 18.1. Skip this if you plan to use microG instead.

Installation steps

1. Copy the LineageOS ZIP and the GApps file 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 on your PC, type CMD in the address bar, and press Enter to open a Command Prompt there.
   
4. Boot the phone into TWRP with this command:

   adb reboot recovery

   

5. In TWRP, go to Wipe and tap Advanced Wipe.
6. Select the System, Vendor, Data, and Cache partitions and swipe right to format them. If the phone is still encrypted, use Format Data (type yes) first so the ROM will boot.
   
7. Go to Install, select the LineageOS 18.1 ZIP, and swipe right to flash it.
8. When that finishes, go back to Install and flash the GApps package the same way (only if you want Google apps).
9. Wipe the cache partition, either with the Wipe Cache button shown after flashing or from the Wipe menu.
10. Reboot into the new system from Reboot > System. The first boot can take several minutes.
    

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this official LineageOS?

No. It is an unofficial community build maintained on XDA (by Ivan_Meler), but it is a stable release rather than an experimental one. The XDA thread is where the current build, changelog, and known issues are posted.

Will installing it erase my data?

Yes. Unlocking the bootloader and wiping the data partition both erase the phone, so back up anything you want to keep first.

Does flashing trip KNOX?

Yes, and it is permanent. Unlocking the bootloader and flashing a custom ROM trip the KNOX counter, which voids the warranty and disables KNOX-based features like Samsung Pay and Secure Folder.

Can I use it without Google apps?

Yes. This build has signature spoofing and microG support, so you can run it Google-free. If you prefer the normal Google setup, flash MindTheGapps for Android 11 during the install instead.

Which models does this work on?

The Exynos Galaxy S7 (SM-G930F, herolte) and S7 Edge (SM-G935F, hero2lte). It is not for the Snapdragon US and carrier models such as the G930U or G930A, which use different firmware and methods.

Will I get updates?

Yes. The ROM supports OTA updates, so later builds install from the Updater app instead of a full manual reflash.

Conclusion

LineageOS 18.1 is a clean, stable way to get Android 11 onto an aging Exynos Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge, with microG and OTA updates built in. As long as the bootloader is unlocked, TWRP is installed, and you have a backup, the flash is quick. Tell us in the comments how it runs on your phone, and flag any bug you hit for other readers.

Source: S7 (herolte) | S7 Edge (hero2lte). Credits to Ivan_Meler.