Switch from iPhone to Razr

A note from the author: I’ve been an iPhone user since the original 2G model in 2007, and recently switched from iPhone 13 Pro Max to the Razr 60 Ultra. This guide combines practical steps with my personal experience. Some sections are works in progress as I continue to discover new things!

Before you switch

What changes

  • iMessage becomes SMS/RCS - Blue bubbles turn green, but RCS works great with both Android users and iOS users (since iOS 18). Third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber, and Telegram work exactly the same on both platforms
  • Some Apple services work on Android, but you might prefer alternatives:
    • Apple Music → Works on Android, or try Spotify, YouTube Music
    • Apple Fitness → Google Fit, Samsung Health, or other fitness apps
    • iCloud Photos → Google Photos (15GB free, then paid storage)
    • iCloud Drive → Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox
    • Apple Pay → Google Pay (works the same way)
    • Find My → Google Find My Device
  • FaceTime is iOS-only - No native support on Android. You’ll need to use alternatives like Google Meet, WhatsApp video calls, or Zoom for video calls with iPhone users
  • Software updates - Razr typically gets 3 major Android updates + 4 years security updates (vs iPhone’s 5-7 years)

What you gain with Razr

  • Flip to compact - Full 6.9” or 7.0” screen folds to pocket size
  • External display - Fully usable 3.6” to 4.0” cover screen with full apps support (unlike Samsung Flip phones with limited external display functionality)
  • Flex View mode - Prop the Razr at angles for hands-free video calls and photos
  • Flexible design - The hinge allows you to use your phone at various angles, making it versatile for different scenarios
  • Premium materials and colors - Available in distinctive colors and premium materials including real wood finishes
  • Motorola gestures - Twist for camera, chop for flashlight, and more
  • Ready For - Connect Razr to any screen wirelessly or via USB-C
  • USB-C charging - Universal standard (if coming from iPhone 14 or earlier)
  • More customization - Widgets, launchers, default apps - make Android truly yours
  • File system access - Download files, manage storage like a computer
  • Novelty factor - Phones can be fun and different again. The Razr turns heads and sparks conversations

What stays the same

  • Your phone number - Keep your existing number
  • Most apps - Gmail, Instagram, Spotify, etc. work identically
  • Your contacts - Transfer easily during setup
  • Your data - Photos, videos, and documents all migrate

Data migration

IMPORTANT: Before you start, make sure your iPhone is backed up to iCloud and the backup is recent (ideally from today). I learned this the hard way - my last backup was a few days old and I lost some photos and messages. Nothing critical, but still annoying!

What you’ll need: A USB-C to USB-C cable (if coming from iPhone 15 or newer) or Lightning to USB-C cable (for older iPhones). Best to use the original cable that came with your phone for reliable data transfer.

eSIM users: If you’re using an eSIM, you’ll need to transfer it separately. Contact your carrier - some providers like T-Mobile let you transfer eSIMs directly through their app. Do this before or after data migration, depending on when you want to switch your active line.

Step 1: During Razr setup

  1. When setting up your new Razr, tap “Copy apps & data”
  2. Select “iPhone” as your old phone
  3. Connect both phones using your cable (USB-C to Lightning or USB-C to USB-C)

Step 2: Transfer process

  1. Follow the on-screen instructions on both devices
  2. Select what to transfer:
    • Contacts
    • Calendar events
    • Photos and videos
    • Text messages (SMS only, not iMessage)
  3. Wait for the transfer to complete (keep both phones nearby and connected)

Step 3: What transfers automatically

Transfers:

  • Contacts
  • Calendar events
  • Photos and videos
  • SMS messages
  • Some apps (if available on Android)

Doesn’t transfer:

  • iMessage history (only SMS)
  • App data from most apps
  • Apple-specific data (Apple Health, etc.)
  • Music from Apple Music (use streaming instead)

Step 4: Manual migration

For photos (alternative):

  • Upload iPhone photos to Google Photos
  • Install Google Photos on Razr
  • Everything syncs automatically

For music:

  • Subscribe to Spotify, YouTube Music, or continue Apple Music on Android
  • Or transfer music files via cable

For files:

  • Upload to iCloud Drive, then download on Razr
  • Or use Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.

iMessage and FaceTime deactivation

CRITICAL: You must deactivate both iMessage and FaceTime before removing your SIM card from iPhone, or you’ll miss text messages!

Option 1: If you still have your iPhone

Deactivate iMessage:

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone
  2. Tap Messages
  3. Turn off iMessage toggle
  4. Wait for confirmation (may take a few minutes)

Deactivate FaceTime:

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone
  2. Tap FaceTime
  3. Turn off FaceTime toggle

Option 2: If you already switched

If you already moved your SIM card and can’t access your iPhone:

  1. Go to Apple’s deregister page: selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage
  2. Enter your phone number
  3. Apple will send you a confirmation code via SMS
  4. Enter the code to deregister

Note: It can take up to 24 hours for full deactivation. During this time, you might miss messages from iPhone users.

Verify it worked

Ask an iPhone user friend to send you a text:

  • Green bubble = Success, you’re deregistered
  • Blue bubble = Still registered, wait longer, repeat steps, or ask them to start a new thread

What stops working

  • Apple Watch stops working - Razr works with Wear OS watches and fitness trackers instead
  • AirTag tracking limited - AirTags will play sound when nearby, but no precision tracking on Android
  • AirDrop is gone - Razr has Motorola’s Ready For for wireless connectivity, plus Nearby Share

First week checklist

Essential setup (do immediately)

  • Set up Google Photos - Should be preinstalled; enable automatic photo backup
  • Set up Google Pay - Add your cards for contactless payments
  • Download your apps - Most iOS apps have Android versions
  • Sign into accounts - Gmail, social media, streaming services
  • Enable RCS messaging - Go to Messages settings → Enable chat features

Explore Razr features (first few days)

  • Learn the external display - Customize widgets, reply to messages without opening
  • Try Motorola gestures:
    • Chop twice for flashlight
    • Twist for camera
    • Three-finger screenshot
  • Test Flex View - Fold phone halfway for hands-free video calls
  • Customize home screen - Try widgets, different launchers if you want
  • Set up biometrics - Fingerprint sensor (side button) and face unlock

Apps to consider (personal recommendations)

Replacements for Apple apps:

  • Files → Already built in (Google Files)
  • Notes → Google Keep, Microsoft OneNote, Notion
  • Reminders → Google Tasks, Microsoft To Do

Keyboard:

  • Microsoft SwiftKey - I’m using this and it’s great - excellent predictions, swipe typing, and customization options
  • Gboard - Google’s keyboard if you prefer (also supports swipe typing)

Browser:

I was a Safari user on iPhone, but I’m now trying Firefox and Brave on my Razr. I prefer them over Chrome because I want to use ad-blocking extensions (which I also use on my laptop). Both work well and have good mobile experiences.

Week 1 tips (from my experience)

Note: I’m documenting these as I discover them myself! Check back for updates.

  • Give it time - muscle memory from iPhone takes a few days to unlearn
  • The external display is more useful than you’d think - customize it!
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with settings
  • Join Razr/Motorola communities for tips

Having issues? Most Android/Razr communities are helpful - r/razr on Reddit or XDA Developers are good resources.