Whether it’s an older Nokia or a more recent Android or iPhone, your phone has some advanced integrated circuits. As we move into the world of smart homes and connected devices, the technology in your phone is becoming more powerful than ever. Smartphones are great, except for the fact that new, improved versions are always on the horizon. Most of us could probably use the same phone for years, but upgrade cycles mean it’s always tempting to splurge on a better model. You can save a few bucks by sell and trade your old phone online when you buy a new one, but many times you end up with a spare, old smartphone.
Even without their cell signal, smartphones can still function only with a Wi-Fi connection, making them (essentially) miniature tablets. You can use all the apps and features you’ve always had, and you can access the Internet and even use regular communication like Skype, and WhatsApp.
There Are Many Ways In Which You Can Use Your Old Phone:
Gaming and Entertainment Center
Smartphone storage has grown tremendously in recent years, the latest iPhone models have storage up to 256GB. That’s parallel to thousands of songs, movies, podcasts, and games. It’s an excellent alternative to your regular phone, as you won’t be receiving calls and your mp3s don’t need to compete with more important data. Now that you can download and watch movies from iTunes, Amazon, and Netflix, you can watch half the TV series in a single flight.
TV Remote
Most media streaming devices come with remote controls, but they are small and easy to lose. Whether you own an Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, or Roku, chances are you’ve lost (or already have) lost its remote. Use your phone instead of buying a new one. Each service has its mobile app, download it to your old device, link your account, and you have a working remote control again. This can also be useful for app-based, live TV streaming services, such as YouTube TV.
Turn Your Android into a Wireless Mouse
In order not to suffer your work, when your wireless mouse dies on you without warning. It helps with backing up, and you can turn your phone into a mouse in no time. You’ll need to download an app like Remote Mouse to do Once you have the app, connect your phone and desktop to the same Wi-Fi network and say goodbye to that old school mouse. Keep it in your laptop case when you’re on the go and stop by a coffee shop to do some work.
Donate It
If your phone still has some life, but you’re not using it, consider donating it to a charity. Programs like the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Cell Phones for Soldiers will find your old (working) phone a new and admirable home. You can also check with your local shelters to see if they want to remove it from your hands. Some organizations take old working phones, refurbish them, and put them to good use. Cell Phones for Soldiers, which provides free communication for soldiers and their families, and Medic Mobile, which recycles old phones to fund new phones for health workers in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
Home Security System
Digital home security systems are incredibly popular, but they can often be expensive. You can avoid spending money on a new home security system by replacing your old cell phone with a cheaper version that performs just as well. With Wi-Fi and built-in, high-resolution cameras, your phone can be used to monitor your home round the clock. For basic monitoring, you can download the Skype app and adjust the setting to automatically accept incoming video calls. If you want more sophisticated surveillance technology, consider downloading a home security app to your older smartphone, such as Presence, Alfred, Manything, or AtHomeCamera. Install the app on your phone, set up your account, then place your phone where you want access to live video streaming. Keep it at the front door or use it as an in-home camera to check on your pet while you’re on vacation. Keep your phone plugged in during use, and have the phone send you updates when movement is detected on your primary smartphone.
The Final Note
Your old cell phone is a pedestal computer with hardware and software that is functional and useful. Even if your old phone no longer has a cell signal, it can still connect to an open and available Wi-Fi connection and allow you to access the Internet and any apps you download. You can get rid of your old phone by trading in, selling it, or recycling it, but you’re likely to get more for your money by putting your old phone to good use.
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