Got a new phone and don’t know what to do with the old one. Instead of letting it gather dust, why not give it a new life? Several useful things you can do with it might surprise you. Are you ready to learn what to do with old phones and how to reuse them? Let’s get started!
What To Do With Old Phones
Throwing your old phone in the trash might seem like an easy solution, but it is harmful to the environment. Old phones and other gadgets don’t break down easily; creating heaps of electronic waste that harms the environment and contributes to global warming.
In 2021, around 57.8 million metric tons of e-waste were produced worldwide, according to Samantha Vesey, chief sustainability officer at Deculttr, which specializes in recycling and reselling phones. She describes that as more people use smartphones, more waste and carbon emissions will be created. If electronic waste is sent to landfills, toxic chemicals can leak into the soil, and if it is burned, it releases dangerous carbon dioxide into the air.
That’s why tossing away your old phone is a bad idea. Instead, it is important to repurpose it or recycle it if it is completely dead and no longer possible to reuse it.
13 Clever Ideas to Reuse Your Old Phone
There are several useful ways to reuse your old phone. Here are 13 creative and innovative ideas:
1. Donate Your Old Cell Phone
Giving away old cell phones is a great move to give them a second life. Many nonprofit organizations collect used cell phones and give them to those in need. Moreover, you can also do this on your own. Find someone in your surroundings who can’t afford the cell phone you can give them. Doing so makes you feel glad that your old gadget is making a valuable change in someone’s life.
2. Sell Out Your Old Cell Phone
If your old device is still in good condition and you want to make extra money, you can always sell it online or on your local mobile market. Most websites and apps allow you to sell old gadgets to those in the market for a used device. Figure out the value of your phone and list it on the trusted marketplace. Don’t forget to erase your data from the device before selling it.
3. Recycle Your Old Phone
If your phone is completely dead, make sure to recycle it responsibly. Electronic waste is a growing concern in our modern lifestyle, so it is important to do our part to lessen it and help protect the environment. You can check your phone manufacturer or local mobile stores for recycling programs and drop-off places. Moreover, many electronic waste recycling companies can take your dead device off your hands and ensure it is properly discarded and recycled in an eco-friendly manner.
4. Reuse Your Old Phone As a Security Camera
If you have an old cell phone no longer in use, transform it into a home security camera. Download the best security camera app on your previous and new device, then place your old device where you need it; just ensure that the phone has access to power.
5. Give Your Old Phone To Kids Or Any Family Member
If you are not ready to spend several dollars to buy your kids their phone, reuse your old phone for them. Kids just take selfies, play games, browse the internet, and download apps; your old device is sufficient for them. Don’t forget to add the case and the screen protector before giving them to your kids.
6. Make Mobile Gaming System
If your old phone is in good condition, make it a dedicated gaming system. Many mobile games are available for iPhone and Android devices without concern about storage space. All you need is a stable internet connection. Even if space is limited, there are more options you can opt for with game streaming, like Xbox Cloud Gaming, which allows you to stream Xbox Game Pass games to your mobile device. Moreover, PC gamers can use the Stream Link app to play Steam games over Wi-Fi. Moreover, console gamers can play smartphone games with the Remote Play feature on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series.
7. Use It as a Video Chat Device
If you are a freelancer or work-from-home person, you must often communicate through the Zoom or Microsoft Teams app. You can reuse your old phone as a dedicated interface for video communications with good Wi-Fi coverage.
8. Reuse Your Old Phone As a Wireless Webcam
You can turn your old smartphone into a wireless webcam for your desktop computer or if your laptop is non-functioning. Plenty of free software is available to transform your phone into a webcam that can be used with your PC.
9. Reuse Your Old Phone as an Alarm Clock
Want to manage your time without a smart display microphone in your bedroom? Turn your old phone into a smart alarm clock! Simply set an alarm in the Clock app or download the alarm app from the Google Play Store or App Store. Place your new alarm clock on a stand, plug it in, and you are all set!
If your iPhone supports iOS 17, you can use StandBy Mode for a smooth bedside clock display. Additionally, it helps you keep your phone away from the bedside and minimize screen time before sleep. And for those who love to hit snooze in the morning, having your old device within reach lets you catch a little more time to sleep without the distraction of scrolling.
10. Reuse Your Old Phone As a Backup TV Remote
Media streaming devices come with their own remote, but it will likely be small and easy to lose. Whether you have an Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, or Roku TV, chances are you will or have already lost its remote. Instead of purchasing a new one, use your old phone like a remote. Every device has its own mobile application. Download it on your old gadget, connect your account, and you have a working remote control.
11. Reuse Your Old Phone as a Baby Monitor
If you have a baby, you can reuse your old device as a baby monitor, which can be a cheap and affordable way to monitor your child’s activities. You just have to install a baby monitor app and put your old smartphone in your child’s room or nearby your child, and you can hear and see your little loved one’s activity from anywhere in the house.
12. Turn your old phone into a Music Player
If you are a crazy music lover or enjoy listening to songs all the time, this is a fantastic idea. Load your old phone with your favorite songs, podcasts, and audiobooks, then connect it to headphones or Bluetooth. This keeps your main phone clutter-free and spares its battery!
13. Reuse Your Old Phone as a GPS Device
Say goodbye to battery-draining navigation! Turn your old phone into a dedicated GPS device by downloading a navigation app and offline maps. Mount it in your car, bike, or hiking gear, and you’ll always have reliable directions without worrying about Wi-Fi or data.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, after reading this article, you know exactly what to do with old phones, and now you won’t waste them. Whether you repurpose, donate, or recycle, giving your gadget a new purpose helps you and the environment!
