It is a dilemma many of us face: what to do with old phones once we have a newer model. We could sell it or recycle it, but why not get creative and put it to a new use? With a little imagination and ingenuity, you can turn your old smartphone into something useful and even fun. Here are some creative ways to repurpose your old smartphone and give it a new lease of life. From turning it into a media server to creating a security camera, there's something for everyone here, so get ready to get creative and make the most of your old smartphone.
Create an Android TV Box
One of the things you can do with your old mobile, if it still works, is to use it to connect it via a cable to the TV. Not all mobile phones or tablets allow this, but if you are facing one of those that do allow it, you could use it as a Impromptu Android TV Box to be able to run all kinds of apps and video games on your TV. For that to be possible, you should have support for Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) on your USB data and charging connector, otherwise you won't be able to do it so easily. However, you always have the option of using a Chromecast.
Use it as a security camera
If you are looking for a new use for your old smartphone, why not turn it into a security camera? Today there are very small and affordable cameras that connect to the phone. If you have an old smartphone lying around, turning it into a security camera is a great idea. You can use the apps on your old device to see the camera feed from a distance, so it doesn't matter where the camera is. If you have an old smartphone, you can use IP Webcam to turn it into a security camera. If you have a newer device, you can use the Dropcam app to turn your old smartphone into a security camera.
Turn it into a dedicated GPS device
If you like to travel, you might want to consider turning your old smartphone into a dedicated GPS device. You can connect an old smartphone to a car mount and use it as a GPS device. You can also connect your phone to your car's Bluetooth and use the navigation system of your old device. If you don't want to go through the hassle of mounting your old device, you can always use a mobile app. There are plenty of navigation apps available, so check out the Google Play Store to find one that works with your old device.
Turn it into a dedicated music player
If you are a music lover, you surely have a lot of music on your phone. Instead of deleting your music, you can turn your old smartphone into a dedicated music player. In this way you will not consume the battery of your current smartphone. You can connect your old device to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones and use it as a music player. You can also connect your old smartphone to a Bluetooth speaker and use it as a dedicated music player. If you don't want to connect your old device to a speaker, you can always use a mobile app. There are plenty of music apps available, so check out the Google Play Store to find one that works with your old device.
Turn it into a portable game console
If you have children or just like to play, you can turn your old smartphone into a dedicated gaming device. You can connect it to a Bluetooth controller and use it as a gaming device. If you don't want to connect your old device to a controller, you can always use a mobile app. There are plenty of game apps available, so check out the Google Play Store to find one that works with your old device.
Digital photo frame
You can also make your smartphone or tablet an ornament. For example, you can use it to slide photos and find a support to leave it as a digital photo frame. Or you can also use it leaving a fixed color on the screen to give light of that color and create an environment according to your tastes, you can use an app that sends SOS signals through the camera flash to flash and make your own disco effect to the parties, etc.
Save it as an emergency phone number
Of course, if it is 100% functional and you have simply left it because you bought a better one, then I would recommend leaving it. as a second emergency phone. It is possible that the new one fails, you lose it or it is stolen and thus you will never be incommunicado. Also, if that does not happen to you, it can happen to a friend or family member to whom you can lend it.
Sell your phone (second hand)
If you would like to get some money of your old smartphone, you can sell it. You can sell it online at a used phone store. You can also list it for sale on an online marketplace like Craigslist or eBay. If you want to get the best price for your old phone, make sure it's in good condition. This will help you get a better price for your old device. Also, you don't want to use an old phone that doesn't work properly. Before you sell your old device, be sure to clean it and remove your personal information. And most importantly, remove the SD and SIM memory cards that you had.
By the way, you already know that there are many places where they buy old mobile phones that you don't want anymore, whether they work or not. For example sites like Zonzoo, Cash Converter, etc. The other option is to sell it yourself through platforms like Wallapop.
donate your phone
If you don't want to sell your old smartphone, you can always donate it to someone in need. There are many online marketplaces where you can donate your old device. Make sure you choose a reputable organization that will properly dispose of your old device. You don't want to leave it lying around, but rather put it to good use. There are many organizations that will gladly accept your old smartphone and put it to good use.
Use parts to repair other mobiles
If you have a device with a broken screen or motherboard, you can use parts of your old smartphone to repair other devices of the same model. Keep in mind that in smartphones you will find many parts, such as the camera module, the PCB, the screen, etc. It's a great way to save money for those in need and reduce the amount of e-waste in the world. Before you start repairing appliances, make sure you know what you're doing.
Recycle
There are several ways recycle your old smartphone. You can simply take it to a clean point suitable for e-waste. Make sure you remove all personal information from your old device before recycling it. In this way, valuable components can be extracted to create other devices.