Posted by Before you toss that old phone in the recycling bin, take a moment to think about all the ways you could give it a second life. Let’s be real: phones are pretty amazing little gadgets. Even if they’re no longer your primary device, they still pack a lot of power. So, here’s a rundown of ten creative (and practical!) ways to put that old phone to use before it heads off to be recycled.
1. Turn It Into a Security Camera
- Keywords: DIY security camera, phone as security camera
If you’ve ever thought about adding some extra security to your home but didn’t want to invest in a fancy system, your old phone can come to the rescue! Download a security app like Alfred or Manything, set up the phone on a shelf or in a window, and voilà—a quick, free security camera. You can even watch the live feed from your main phone whenever you want. My friend did this with an old iPhone in her garage and now uses it to keep an eye on her car when she’s not home.
2. Use It as a Dedicated Music Player
- Keywords: old phone as music player, dedicated music device
Remember the days of iPods and MP3 players? Your old phone can be a dedicated music player for workouts, car rides, or even at your desk. Load it up with your favourite tunes, connect it to Bluetooth, and save your main phone’s battery. Plus, it’s perfect if you have kids—give them the old phone to use as a music or audiobook player on long car trips.
3. Set It Up as a Baby Monitor
- Keywords: phone as baby monitor, old phone for monitoring
Many baby monitor apps (like Dormi) can turn your old phone into a live audio and video feed, which can save you from buying a new baby monitor. Set up the old phone in the nursery and connect it to your current phone to keep tabs on the little one. My cousin swears by this—she says it was a lifesaver when her baby was teething!
4. Create a Digital Photo Frame
- Keywords: digital photo frame, phone for photo display
How about turning your old phone into a mini digital photo frame? Just load up some of your favourite photos, set them on a loop, and display the phone on your desk or nightstand. It’s a nice way to bring a little warmth to your space and keep memories close by.
5. Build a Dedicated GPS Device for Your Car
- Keywords: car GPS, old phone as GPS
If you’re tired of switching between maps on your main phone, repurpose your old phone as a dedicated GPS device for the car. This is especially useful if you like to play music or take calls while navigating. You can also download offline maps, so it won’t use any data on the go. A friend of mine did this for a recent road trip, and it worked brilliantly!
6. Keep It as an Emergency Phone
- Keywords: emergency phone, backup phone for emergencies
Even without a SIM card, most old phones can still call 999 (or 911 if you’re in the US) in case of an emergency. Tuck it in the glove box, charge it every few weeks, and you’ve got an extra layer of safety if something happens to your main phone. This is especially helpful if you like to go hiking or camping—just pack it in case of an emergency.
7. Make It a Dedicated E-Reader
- Keywords: phone as e-reader, dedicated e-reader
If you enjoy reading, why not turn your old phone into a dedicated e-reader? Load it with Kindle or other e-book apps, turn down the brightness, and you’ve got a mini library that won’t drain the battery on your primary phone. It’s also handy for reading on the go—just pop it in your bag and go.
8. Use It as a Kitchen Companion
- Keywords: kitchen companion, phone for recipes
Need a recipe helper in the kitchen? Use your old phone to look up and save recipes, set timers, or even watch cooking videos. Plus, you won’t have to worry about getting your main phone messy with flour or sauce! I have mine propped up on the counter, and it’s my go-to for quick recipe look-ups.
9. Turn It Into a Remote Control for Smart Home Devices
- Keywords: smart home remote, old phone as remote control
Your old phone can become the perfect remote control for smart home gadgets. Whether it’s adjusting the lights, changing the thermostat, or streaming music to a Bluetooth speaker, many smart home apps will work perfectly on an older device. It’s especially useful if your phone is usually in another room or charging.
10. Create a Portable Gaming Console
- Keywords: gaming on old phone, portable game device
Download some games or emulators, and your old phone can be a pocket-sized gaming console. Perfect for kids or for quick entertainment on the go, this is an easy way to enjoy some classic games without taking up space on your main phone. Just be warned—this could be a fun rabbit hole to fall into!
When You’re Ready, Recycle It Responsibly
After trying out these creative uses, you might find a long-term use for your old phone. But if it’s still time to let it go, consider recycling it with a trusted service like Gbuyback. Recycling doesn’t just clear out your junk drawer; it’s a great way to make a positive environmental impact and ensure that valuable materials get reused.
Recycling your phone can be simple, and some companies even offer cash back for your device. So, once you’ve enjoyed these creative uses, give your phone one last “goodbye” and let it find a new life through recycling.
Once you’ve enjoyed these creative uses, there may come a time when it’s best to let go and recycle the phone. When that time comes, consider using a trusted recycling service like Gbuyback that’s dedicated to making tech recycling easy, responsible, and rewarding.
Recycling your phone not only declutters your space but also ensures that precious materials are recovered and reused, helping reduce environmental impact. Companies like Gbuyback often offer cash for old devices, so you can even make a bit of money back.