Don't Recycle It, Reuse It: 10 Clever Uses for Your Old Smartphone

Every day, we walk around with a supercomputer in our pockets. It checks the weather, searches the internet, plays games, streams media, takes pictures, and analyzes data. Smartphones are great, except for the fact that newer, better versions are always on the horizon. Most of us can probably use the same phone for years, but the upgrade cycle means it's always tempting to splurge on a shinier model.

So what happens to your old phone? If you don't trade it in, you can sell your used iPhone or Android phone to make some of that money back. However, chances are you'll end up with an extra, aging smartphone hanging around. Instead of throwing the device away or letting it collect dust in a drawer, reuse it! If it connects to Wi-Fi, it can still be a handy addition to the household. Here are a few cool things you can do with your old smartphone. 

1. DIY Security Camera

If you have an old phone that's no longer in use, turn it into a home security camera. Download a security camera app like AlfredCamera on your old and new device, then mount the old phone where you need it; just make sure the device has access to power. You can use something as simple as a suction cup mount for a car. Then use your current smartphone to log in and view the feed from your old device.

2. Give It to the Kids

If you're not yet ready to buy your kid their own phone, repurpose your old device for them. You don't need cellular connectivity for the camera to work. Once the phone is secure, connect it to Wi-Fi and your kids can send pics, search the internet, download apps, make calls over Wi-Fi, and play games. Just make sure you have a case and screen protector.

3. Mobile Gaming System

If you have an extra smartphone lying around, make it a dedicated gaming system. Without having to worry about storage space, there are a ton of different mobile games for iPhone, Android, Apple Arcade, and even Netflix Games to download. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection. Even if storage is tight, there is plenty more you can do with game streaming. Xbox Cloud Gaming lets you stream Xbox Game Pass games to your phone. PC gamers can use the Steam Link app to play Steam games over Wi-Fi. Console gamers can use the Remote Play feature on PS5 or Xbox Series X/S to play games on a mobile device.

4. Video Chat Device

If you communicate a lot via Zoom, FaceTime, or any other video chat platform these days, your old smartphone can serve as a dedicated interface for video chats, as long as you have decent Wi-Fi coverage. The kids no longer have to borrow your phone to call their friends and you can hold a virtual movie night without sacrificing the use of your phone, which will remain open for incoming calls and other alerts.

5. Wireless Webcam

If you don't have a webcam for your desktop computer, or your laptop is on the fritz, you can turn to an old smartphone. Free software like DroidCam and EpocCam let you turn a phone into a webcam that can be used with your computer. All you need to do is download the app on your phone and computer, then link the two.

6. Cheap Alarm Clock

Smart displays like the Echo Show can help you manage the time, but not everyone wants a microphone in their bedroom. Instead, turn that old smartphone's big display into an alarm clock that (hopefully) won't spy on you. All you have to do is set an alarm in the Clock app on your iPhone or Android device or download an alarm clock app via Wi-Fi. From there, place your phone on a stand, hook it up to power, and you are good to go. If your iPhone supports iOS 17, StandBy Mode will also turn your Apple smartphone into a bedside clock display (though only the iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max have the always-on display).

A plus for using an old phone? You can keep your real phone away from the bedside table so you can reduce screen time before bed. Also, if you tend to hit snooze in the morning, it's easy to grab the device off the stand and keep it with you as you catch some more sleep.

7. Backup TV Remote

Your media streaming device comes with its own remote control, but it tends to be small and easy to lose. Whether you own an Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Roku, chances are you will (or already have) misplaced its remote. Instead of buying a new one, use your phone.

Each device has its own mobile app; download it on your old device, link your account, and you have a working remote control again. This can also come in handy when your Apple TV remote stops working and for live TV streaming services, like YouTube TV.

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8. Alternative E-Book Reader

If you love books and comics, but don't want to purchase an ebook reader, use your phone instead. Download the Amazon Kindle app or your ebook reader app of choice, and sync up your purchases, free e-books, and titles borrowed from the library. Comics fans can buy digital comics from Amazon, Marvel, and DC, or tap into monthly subscription services like Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe Infinite. For something different, try the digital-first, vertical scrolling Webtoon app.

9. Dedicated Media Player

Turn an old mobile device into a dedicated video streamer. Even better, use it to listen to books, music, and podcasts on your favorite music streaming services and podcast apps. Set it up on a charging stand and connect it to a Bluetooth speaker or pop in some wireless earbuds while cleaning the house or working out at home. You can also download movies or music from Spotify before you leave the house for on-the-go entertainment that won't burn through your data plan or battery. It will be just like having an iPod again.

10. Emergency 911 Phone

US law requires that all phones be able to call 911, even without a SIM card or connected data plan. That means older phones can still connect with emergency services, as long as it has power. Even in conditions where there would normally be limited service, the call should be able to go through. However, keep in mind that this must be a 4G phone, since phones affected by the 3G shutdown in 2022 will no longer connect.

While you probably have your phone on you at all times, it can't hurt to have a backup device just in case. For instance, you could keep an inactive phone in the car in case there's an emergency. You can also give the decommissioned device to an older relative who might not have a mobile device but could use an easy way to contact emergency services just in case.