The number of smartphone users is constantly increasing. In fact, several people or entrepreneurs have two to three phones for work and personal use, making smartphones a common device. They are amazing but every year or two, a new version comes out and you discard your old one adding to the several million tons of electronic waste that is impossible to recycle or reduce. Of course, you can save on your new phone by exchanging your older model, but there are times when you have an extra or old smartphone lying around.
How can you ensure that doesn’t go to waste and comes handy? Let’s find 12 interesting uses for your old smartphone.
- Kids Camera- Do you have an inquisitive child who wants to try new things? With Pixlplay Camera, you can turn any smartphone into a digital camera. Your child can take, edit, and see photos on the smartphone. You don’t need a sim card or data for it work, you can just transfer the images using WiFi. This external device fits most standard size smartphones and can be used by kids of various ages. It protects your phone from damage, increases durability, and improves the quality of images available. It comes in fun designs and colors which will please your child.
- Video Calling- With the pandemic forcing everybody to work from home and stay away from family and friends, video calling has become a great way to stay connected. Instead of draining the battery on your regular phone or keeping it busy, use your old smartphone to make and receive video calls. You can even have the entire family use it so if your kids need to call their friends or your parents need to talk to your siblings, they can use your old smartphone. All you need is a stable WiFi network.
- Alarm Clock- Many alarm clock apps have loud music, displays, and noises that can feel loud if it’s on your regular phone or under your pillow. Instead, use your old smartphone and keep it on the nightstand or table away from you. You can download an alarm clock on your old smartphone using WiFi.
- TV Remote- It can be annoying to have multiple remotes for the television, the streaming devices, and the speaker system or surround sound. You can download the streaming apps on your old smartphone, link it to your account, and use your phone as a remote. There are also universal remote apps available that can turn any smartphone into a remote.
- Ebook Reader- For voracious readers, reading on their regular phones can mean draining their battery and losing storage space. If you have an old smartphone, sync your Amazon Prime or Kindle apps to it and find books available for reading and purchase. You can even find free e-books available for Amazon Prime members. iOS users can read and store their books on Apple Books.
- Music Player- Music is one of the biggest items that need storage space on your phone. With music streaming apps and iPods, now you don’t have to worry about wasting data space. But if you feel you lose battery due to listening to music on your commute or regularly then use your old smartphone as a music player. Save curated playlists, songs, and albums that you like and listen to.
- Donate It- You can donate your phone to any non-profit organization or scientific institution that works on harnessing computing power. Government institutions, charities, and environment-friendly companies have been collecting old and used devices such as smartphones for recycling or reusing their parts. In some countries, old smartphones are donated to impoverished regions and slums where children or people in need can access information or have it for personal and professional use.
- Emergency Phone- Your regular phone may lose battery or not be charged daily but you can always keep a completely charged old smartphone with you. Smartphones are equipped to call emergency services even without a sim card so they can come in handy in times of urgent need. Or if you have been out the whole day and need to book a cab or call home but your regular phone has died. You can keep it in your car or purse so that you don’t have to remember to carry it always. It also helps to give an emergency phone to elders or senior citizens who may need help or assistance with their routine or emergencies.
- Security Camera- Old smartphones can be readily turned into security cameras or home security devices. You can download security apps on your old and new phones. Then mount or connect the phone at home where you need it. The current smartphone will connect to the old phone and you can keep an eye on your home, family, or pets.
- Gaming Phone- An old smartphone can be amazing as a gaming phone as you won’t the regular or excess apps making it lag or eat storage space. iPhone and Android have brilliant games available which you can play with on your gaming smartphone.
- Wireless Webcam- If your webcam isn’t working or broken, you can use your old smartphone as a wireless webcam. There is free software and apps that can turn your smartphone into a wireless webcam for your computer or laptop.
- Listen to Audiobooks- The best way to hear podcasts or audiobooks is on your old smartphone which is fully charged and can be used purely for that purpose.
