Creative Uses for Old Smartphones: 20 ideas to repurpose your mobile phone
Technology moves fast, and smartphones are often left behind when we upgrade to newer models. Instead of letting your old devices gather dust in a drawer, why not repurpose them? Here are some creative and practical ways to give your old smartphones a second life.
20 Ideas To Repurpose Your Mobile Phone
1. Dedicated Music Player
Transform your old smartphone into a dedicated music player. Load it with your favorite playlists or connect it to a music streaming app. This can be particularly useful for workouts, commutes, or parties, where you don’t want to risk damaging your primary device.
2. Home Security Camera
With apps like Alfred or Manything, your old smartphone can become a cost-effective home security camera. Mount it in a strategic location, and you can monitor your home remotely using your current phone. You can find the steps to use your smartphone as a home security camera in our 10 Easy DIY Tech Projects for Beginners.
3. Universal Remote Control
Turn your old smartphone into a universal remote for your home entertainment system. Many smart TVs and streaming devices have apps that allow your phone to control them. For example LG Web OS on LG televisions has a companion app that even lets you stream from your phone on top of using the remote control function. iPhones have built-in remote control app for Apple TVs streaming boxes. Some smartphones even come with built-in IR blasters, making them compatible with a wide range of devices.
4. Digital Photo Frame
Repurpose your old smartphone as a digital photo frame. Upload your favourite pictures, set them to cycle through as a slideshow using the Photo app already on the phone and place the phone in a stylish stand or frame. It’s a great way to keep cherished memories on display. You can even take it a step further using the right video adapter cable. Hook the phone up to a projector or monitor and enjoy a bigger slideshow of your photos.
5. E-Reader
Download e-book and audiobook apps like Kindle, Audible, or Libby, and transform your old phone into a lightweight e-reader. It’s perfect for reading or listening to books without draining your main device’s battery.
6. Kids’ Entertainment Device or Video Tutor
An old smartphone can be a great way to entertain children without risking your primary phone. Load it with educational apps, games, and videos. Just make sure to add parental controls for safety. They can also use it to follow online video tutorials.
7. Backup Phone
Keep your old smartphone as a backup in case your primary phone gets lost, damaged, or stolen. Having a ready-to-go replacement can be a lifesaver in emergencies.
8. Fitness Tracker
Pair your old phone with a fitness band or use built-in apps to track your workouts. Mount it on your bike, use it as a GPS tracker during runs, or connect it to your gym equipment for added functionality. Keep
9. Portable Gaming Console
Install your favorite mobile games and use your old smartphone as a dedicated gaming device. With the addition of a Bluetooth controller, you can even elevate the gaming experience. Some old flagship and even mid-range smartphones are still powerful enough to most games.
10. DIY Smart Home Hub
Set up your old smartphone as a smart home control center. Install apps for your smart lights, thermostat and security system, and dedicate the device to managing your connected home. If you devices work off a hub like Apple Speaker, Apple TV or Amazon Echo speakers, use their respective app e.g. Amazon Alexa app on the phone and control all the different smart devices in one place.
11. Experiment with Development
If you’re a tech enthusiast or an aspiring developer, use your old smartphone to experiment with app development, rooting, or custom ROMs. It’s a risk-free way to learn and innovate.
12. Travel Companion
Load your old phone with offline maps, travel guides, and translation apps. It can serve as a dedicated travel companion, reducing the risk of losing or damaging your primary phone while exploring new destinations. If you are going abroad, you can get a new SIM from the country you are visiting for the phone. You can then tether your primary phone to it for data to avoid exorbitant data or call charges using your local phone abroad.
13. Car Dashboard Assistant (SatNav, Music Player or Dashcam)
Mount your old smartphone in your car to use as a dedicated GPS navigator, music player, or dashcam. Apps like Google Maps, Waze, and DashCam allow you to make the most of your device while driving.
14. Scientific Tool
Use your old phone for scientific exploration. Apps like Science Journal or Phyphox allow you to utilize the phone’s sensors for experiments, measurements, and data collection.
15. Charitable Donation
If you don’t have a need for your old smartphone, consider donating it to a charitable organization. Many groups refurbish old devices and provide them to those in need, helping bridge the digital divide.
16. Pet Monitor
Keep an eye on your pets while you’re away by turning your old smartphone into a pet monitor. Set it up in the area your pets frequent and use apps to stream live footage to your current phone. Load a security camera app like Alfred or Manything, configure the app, mount the phone on a stand or phone mount and you are all set.
17. Portable Media Server
Convert your old smartphone into a portable media server. Load it with movies, TV shows, or music, and connect it to your home network to stream content to other devices. This is a slightly more convoluted process but not impossible. You can use apps like Plex or Kodi to turn your phone into a media server. Other devices can then stream the content stored on the old phone. We have written up a version of this for repurposing old laptops turning it into a Media Server but this one is portable.
18. Emergency Alert Device
Use your old smartphone as an emergency alert device for elderly family members. With apps like Life360 or FallSafety, it can notify caregivers in case of an emergency. These apps offer all manner of alerts like fall detection, collision detection, place alert, landing notification, location history and more.
19. Language Learning Tool
Install language learning apps like Duolingo, Rosetta Stone or Babbel to use your old phone as a dedicated language practice device. This can help you stay focused without the distractions of your main phone.
20. Virtual Reality Device
If your old smartphone is compatible, pair it with a VR headset to explore virtual reality games and experiences. Many affordable headsets are designed for smartphones, making this a fun and inexpensive way to try VR.
21. Weather Station
Transform your old smartphone into a mini weather station. Pair it with weather apps or external sensors to monitor indoor and outdoor conditions, like temperature, humidity, and air quality.
22. Learning Tool for Coding
Use your old device as a platform to learn coding. Install apps like SoloLearn, Google Courses, or Programming Hub to practice and build programming skills without impacting your primary device.
23. Virtual Aquarium or Pet Simulator
Turn your phone into a calming virtual aquarium or pet simulator. Apps like My Tamagotchi Forever or Pocket Aquarium can offer entertainment and relaxation.
24. Dedicated Podcast Player
If you love podcasts, use your old smartphone as a dedicated podcast player. Download apps like Spotify, Pocket Casts, or Apple Podcasts and enjoy an uninterrupted listening experience.
25. DIY Microscope
Combine your smartphone camera with a clip-on macro or microscope lens to create a DIY microscope. It’s perfect for hobbyists, students, or anyone curious about magnified details in nature.
Tips for Repurposing Your Old Smartphone
- Factory Reset: Before repurposing or donating your old phone, perform a factory reset to remove all personal data.
- Update Software: Ensure the phone’s software is up-to-date for better performance and security.
- Invest in Accessories: Depending on the new purpose, you may need a stand, case, or other accessories to optimize functionality.
Conclusion
Old smartphones don’t have to be relegated to the junk drawer. With a little creativity, they can serve a variety of new purposes, saving you money and reducing e-waste. So, dig out those old devices and give them a new lease on life!
