Smartphone users are a fickle breed. For most of us, the moment we upgrade to a fancy new device with all the latest features, our old phone goes straight into the junk drawer, ending its days gathering dust. And that’s a shame, because even though older devices might not be as shiny or as fast as the latest model, they still have a lot to offer. Read on to learn about 10 creative uses for your old smartphone that will have you thinking twice before consigning it to a dusty fate.
Standalone camera
An old smartphone can have an extremely useful second life as a standalone camera, especially since even basic smartphones these days tend to have high-quality cameras. If you use your old device as a dedicated camera, you can max out storage space for photos (since you won’t be using any data to power apps or other features) and you don’t have to worry about being connected to a wireless network. Plus, this gives you the option of having a camera with you in situations where you want to take pictures but you’re concerned about losing or damaging your primary phone, like on a white-water rafting trip or a night of bar-hopping.
Universal remote control
There are numerous apps available via iTunes or Google Play that can transform your old smartphone into a universal remote control for the various elements of your home entertainment system, like your television or sound system. This is a great way to replace the many individual remote controls currently in your home with a single, easy-to-use touchscreen solution.
Digital photo frame
If your old smartphone’s display is still in good shape (i.e., no cracked or broken screen), it can be put to excellent use as a digital photo frame. Load your choice of photos on your phone, either directly or via a cloud-syncing solution, hang the phone on your wall or prop it on a shelf, and you’ll be able to enjoy a rotating slideshow of your favorite snaps. Apps available to facilitate this use include Slideshow Maker for Android and LiveFrame – Digital Photo Frame for iOS.
Video game console
Turn your old phone into an awesome mini-arcade by finding your favorite games on iTunes or Google Play and pairing them with a universal game controller for a console-level game-playing experience.
Kid-friendly device
If you don’t think your kid is ready for their own smartphone but you’re tired of them always wanting to use yours, dedicating your old smartphone as a kid-friendly device could be the perfect compromise. Simply wipe any content that you don’t want them accessing and load up the device with fun and educational apps, games, books, and videos. As a bonus, even smartphones that are not connected to active service are still capable of dialing 911, so your kid will always be able to call for help in an emergency.
Security camera
Do you want to be able to keep an eye on your business after you’ve shut up shop for the night? Or maybe you’d just like to see who’s on your front porch when the doorbell rings. In either case, your old smartphone can do double duty as a web-connected security camera. Apps like the free IP Webcam are easy to install on your device, and they allow you to see what its lens sees from any compatible computer browser.
Music player
If you don’t have a central sound system in your home or if you want to be able to play music in a room other than the one in which your stereo lives, your old smartphone is just as good as an mp3 player. Load it up with your favorite songs, plug it into a speaker, and groove away wherever you are. It’s especially fun for those who like having music in the bathroom while they’re showering and getting ready for work in the morning.
Recipe book
If you love to cook, consider turning your old smartphone into a dedicated virtual recipe book that lives in your kitchen. You can browse the web for new recipes if your phone is still network connected, or you can simply save PDFs or screenshots of recipes and instructions. Using a stand for your phone makes recipes even easier to read while you’re cooking. And the best part is that because you’re not using your primary phone in the kitchen, you’ll be less concerned about spills and splatters.
Alarm clock
Another basic but very practical use for your old smartphone is as an alarm clock. Some people don’t like to have their phone in their bedroom while they’re asleep, so using an old phone gives them the convenience of an alarm without the annoyance of being woken up in the middle of the night by a wrong number caller.
Travel phone
There’s no reason you can’t still use your old smartphone as a phone; older devices make great backup phones to take along on international trips. Buying a local SIM card for your phone helps avoid the roaming charges that might be connected with your primary phone, and since it’s a backup model, it’s less of an issue if your phone is lost or damaged on your travels.