Written by Bernie Carr
I recently switched to a new phone as the old one had a cracked lens. Everything else worked, but as a blogger, I needed a camera that can take decent photo. The store would not take the old phone as a trade-in so I am thinking of ways to repurpose it. If you have an old smartphone lying around, it’s tempting to throw it in a drawer or recycle it. However, old smartphones can still serve various practical, creative, and fun purposes even if they’re outdated for daily use. Here are some of the best ways to repurpose your old smartphone rather than letting it go to waste:
1. Turn It into a Security Camera
One of the most popular uses for an old smartphone is converting it into a home security camera. Several apps can turn your device into a surveillance camera that can monitor your home when you’re away.
- How to set it up: Install a security camera app like Alfred or Manything, which can stream video and send motion-detection alerts to your primary device.
- Best for: Monitoring pets, keeping an eye on deliveries, or serving as a baby monitor.
- Bonus tip: Place the phone in a corner with a wide view and plug it into a charger to avoid losing power.
2. Use It as a Dedicated Music Player
Old smartphones are still great for streaming music or playing locally stored files. By turning it into a dedicated music player, you can preserve your main phone’s battery for more important tasks.
- How to set it up: Delete unused apps and files to free up storage space, then install your preferred music apps like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music.
- Best for: Listening to music at home, the gym, or on the go without draining your primary phone’s battery.
3. Create a Portable Gaming Console
You can transform your old smartphone into a dedicated gaming device, perfect for mobile games or even emulating retro consoles.
- How to set it up: Download game emulators like RetroArch or install your favorite mobile games. Pair the phone with a Bluetooth controller for a more immersive gaming experience.
- Best for: Casual gaming, playing retro games, or using as an extra gaming device for kids.
4. Turn It into a Universal Remote Control
Many old smartphones are equipped with IR blasters (infrared transmitters) or can be used with apps that turn them into universal remotes for TVs, streaming devices, and smart home gadgets.
- How to set it up: Install apps like AnyMote or Unified Remote that can control various devices through infrared or Wi-Fi.
- Best for: Replacing lost or broken remote controls and managing smart home systems like lights or thermostats from a single device.
5. Make It a Digital Photo Frame
With a few tweaks, your old smartphone can double as a modern digital photo frame, constantly displaying a slideshow of your favorite photos.
- How to set it up: Use apps like Dayframe or even Google Photos’ slideshow feature to create a rotating gallery of images. Set the phone in a frame or stand to display on your desk or shelf.
- Best for: Displaying family photos, travel memories, or artwork at home or in the office.
6. Use It as an E-Reader or Audiobook Device
Your old smartphone can serve as an e-reader or dedicated audiobook device, saving your primary phone’s battery and storage space. This is one of my favorite uses for the old phone.
- How to set it up: Download the Kindle app or Google Play Books for e-reading, or use apps like Audible or Libby for audiobooks.
- Best for: Reading books or listening to audiobooks while commuting, exercising, or relaxing.
7. Repurpose It as a Backup Phone
Having a backup phone is always a good idea in case your main phone is lost, broken, or stolen. You can still use Wi-Fi to access essential apps and keep it as an emergency device. Just make sure you keep it charged.
- How to set it up: Remove non-essential apps, keep it charged, and set up essential apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to stay connected if your main phone fails.
- Best for: Keeping in the car or a go-bag as an emergency backup or for international travel when you need a secondary device.
8. Use It as a Travel-Friendly GPS Navigator
An old smartphone can be an excellent backup GPS device for travel, especially if you want to save your primary phone’s battery or need offline maps.
- How to set it up: Download offline maps from Google Maps or apps like Maps.me or Here WeGo to navigate without needing an internet connection.
- Best for: Road trips, hiking, or international travel when Wi-Fi and data might be limited.
9. Turn It into a Baby Monitor or Pet Cam
Your old phone can easily be repurposed as a baby monitor or pet camera, letting you keep an eye on your loved ones while you’re busy.
- How to set it up: Install apps like Cloud Baby Monitor or PetCam, which offer live streaming and alerts. Place the phone in your baby’s room or wherever your pets spend time.
- Best for: Monitoring babies or pets without buying additional equipment.
10. Make It a Dedicated Fitness Tracker
Your old smartphone can serve as a dedicated fitness tracker, allowing you to download apps and store fitness data without using up the battery life of your primary phone.
- How to set it up: Install apps like MyFitnessPal, Google Fit, or Fitbit (if you have a Fitbit device), and use it for tracking workouts, meals, and progress.
- Best for: Tracking runs, hikes, or gym sessions without worrying about notifications and distractions from your primary device.
11. Turn It into a Dash Cam for Your Car
Old smartphones make excellent dash cams for recording your trips, which can be helpful for insurance claims or capturing unexpected moments on the road.
- How to set it up: Use apps like AutoBoy Dash Cam or DailyRoads Voyager that can record video in the background while you drive. Mount the phone on your dashboard and keep it plugged into a charger.
- Best for: Road trips or using as a safety feature to document accidents or traffic incidents.
12. Create a Dedicated Smart Home Controller
Your old smartphone can serve as a dedicated controller for your smart home devices, allowing you to manage lights, thermostats, locks, and more.
- How to set it up: Download apps like Google Home, Alexa, or SmartThings, and set up all your smart home devices for easy access from a single device.
- Best for: Controlling smart lights, thermostats, and other devices without using your main phone.
13. Use It as a Portable Media Device for Kids
An old smartphone can be a great entertainment device for kids, providing access to age-appropriate games, videos, and educational content without risking your main device.
- How to set it up: Install parental control apps like YouTube Kids or Google Family Link, and download games, apps, and videos for offline use.
- Best for: Road trips, plane rides, or keeping kids entertained in waiting rooms.
14. Donate It to Charity
If you don’t have a personal use for your old smartphone, consider donating it to a charity that repurposes devices for those in need. Several organizations refurbish phones for use by people in underprivileged communities or victims of domestic abuse.
- Where to donate: Look into organizations like Cell Phones for Soldiers, Women’s Shelters, or The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Conclusion
Old smartphones don’t need to end up in a drawer gathering dust. Whether you use it as a home security camera, fitness tracker, or gaming console, there are countless ways to repurpose an old device. For my purposes, I am currently using my old smartphone as a music player. I uninstalled the apps I no longer use and kept the music player app. By being creative and resourceful, you can extend the life of your smartphone while saving money and reducing waste.
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About the author
Bernie Carr is the founder of Apartment Prepper. She has written several books including the best-selling Prepper’s Pocket Guide, Jake and Miller’s Big Adventure, The Penny-Pinching Prepper and How to Prepare for Most Emergencies on a $50 a Month Budget. Bernie’s latest e-book, FRUGAL DIY has just been released on Amazon. Her work appears in sites such as the Allstate Blog and Clark.com, as well as print magazines such as Backwoods Survival Guide and Prepper Survival Guide. She has been featured in national publications such as Fox Business and Popular Mechanics. Learn more about Bernie here.
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