What can I do with my old smartphone instead of selling it?

Selling, trading, and donating your old phone are all real options. But parting with a device filled with memories isn't easy. Most old smartphones end up in boxes, but here are some better options.

1. Backup phone

These days, the idea of ​​spending a few minutes without your smartphone is terrifying. Imagine what would happen if your phone suddenly needed repair. Having a spare phone on hand means you can still stay in touch with friends and family without having to rush to the nearest repair shop.

Sure, you can use your laptop or tablet to log into your social media accounts, but a backup phone is much more convenient to carry and use.

As long as your old phone can still get a signal and connect to emergency services, it can be a lifesaver in an emergency. For example, if you’re going on a long camping trip, you might want to bring a fully charged old smartphone. That way, you’ll still have a device to call for help if your main device runs out of battery.

2. Dedicated music player

Remember when dedicated devices like MP3s or iPods were all the rage for listening to music? If you want to relive that experience, you can easily turn your old smartphone into a dedicated music player. This is especially useful for people who tend to get distracted by distracting notifications as soon as they pick up their phone to change their playlist.

All you need to do is manually delete any unnecessary apps installed on your device or quickly factory reset your iPhone / Android device . Then, download the music streaming app of your choice and you're done!

If you want to use this app as a music player on the go without an Internet connection, it is recommended to choose a music player app that allows downloading music for offline listening.

3. GPS device

Not all vehicles have built-in GPS systems or support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto . In such situations, one option is to use your phone with an optional navigation app to get directions when you get lost.

However, with all the social media apps you can install on your device, getting notifications while driving can be both distracting and unsafe. A better option is to repurpose an old smartphone as a dedicated GPS device.

You can purchase a car mount to secure your device to your dashboard or windshield, allowing you to follow directions without taking your eyes off the road. Just like when using your device as a music player, start by deleting unnecessary apps, then download a GPS and navigation app.

Since you may sometimes be driving in areas with poor or no cell signal, choose a navigation app that allows you to download maps for offline use. Most older smartphones tend to have poor battery life, and using GPS can drain the battery quickly, so make sure you have a car charger handy.

4. Security camera

Many homeowners install security cameras to keep an eye on things while they’re away, as an added layer of protection against crime. While these cameras can be a worthwhile investment, not everyone can afford to spend hundreds of dollars on a security system. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, you can turn your old devices into security cameras.

While there are many security camera apps out there, AlfredCamera is one of the most highly rated on both the App Store and the Play Store. Once you have set up the security camera app, simply mount your old phone where you want the camera to be. Since security cameras are on 24/7, just make sure you have arrangements to charge your device.

5. Control smart home devices

The idea of ​​turning off the lights in your living room while you’re relaxing on the other side of the world on vacation used to seem like science fiction. But today, you can control countless other smart devices with just a few taps on your phone using their dedicated apps. With the right apps, you can even control your TV with your smartphone!

However, if you own multiple smart devices, installing too many apps on your main device can quickly fill up its memory. In this case, you can turn your old phone into an all-in-one control center for your smart home devices, as long as it can connect to a wireless network.

Just go to the App Store or Play Store, download the apps for your smart home devices, and you're done! For even easier access, you can even mount your smartphone in an easily accessible area of ​​your home, like the living room or kitchen.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to put your old smartphone to good use instead of letting it collect dust in an old box or drawer. If none of the above options sound appealing enough, you might consider giving it away.