This handy little handheld has plenty of possibilities for a second career, without the need to recycle or sell it. As long as it’s running well, has the latest operating system available for its hardware configuration, and even if its battery isn’t as strong as it was when it started, then reusing it isn’t a problem.
As a surveillance camera
So instead of letting it rot in the bottom of a drawer, take advantage of its Wi-Fi wireless connection and internal storage to turn it into a surveillance camera that will work perfectly, even in the event of a power failure.
Just install a free video surveillance app like Presence Video Security on iOS and Android. Or the Alfred app, which is also compatible with the two competing systems.
With Skype installed, dedicated and configured to automatically accept calls, you can take a look at your dog or any other valuable property from anywhere.
As a baby monitor
Much like the previous example, your old device can be used as a baby monitor. With the Sleep app, on iOS and Android, once connected to Wi-Fi, the app will alert your current cell phone if the little guy starts making noise. You can even soothe your baby remotely by talking back.
As a clock and alarm clock
On your bedside table, your old mobile phones will serve as a clock and alarm clock or with an application that can help you fall asleep. Try the CARROT alarm, a fun take on an alarm clock with witty dialogue, songs and an original alarm system, but it’s all in English only. Or download Pzizz to guide you to deep sleep and wake up gently in the morning.
These are just two examples, but on the App Store and Android stores, the choice of alarm clock apps abounds.
For your children or grandchildren
Depending on the age of the little ones, a simple reading app on your old phone will make them enjoy a little reading.
You can also install applications or educational games that you have chosen.
But be careful, you will have to deactivate certain functions such as the cell phone to prevent it from making calls or opening expensive subscriptions. Home Wi-Fi wireless will be more than enough for their needs.
And be sure to remind them that these phones are just for play and that they need to find an adult or another phone in case of a real emergency.
Finally, as with your latest device, protect the device from children with a case and a rigid plastic screen.
As a dedicated video conferencing device
Your old smartphone can serve as a dedicated video conferencing app, which comes in handy with your decent Wi-Fi coverage. As before, kids no longer have to borrow your phone to call Grandma or their friends, and your smartphone stays open for incoming calls and other alerts.
As a web camera
Your desktop computer doesn’t have a built-in webcam? Here’s another possibility to use your old phone and its screen-side camera. The DroidCam application is very popular on the Android side with plenty of free basic functions to pair with the Dev47Apps version on your Windows computer. Both devices must communicate on the same Wi-Fi network.
On the iOS side, Elgato’s EpocCam app is recommended for iPhones, but the intrusive ads will probably push you to buy the nicely endowed paid update.
This trick will save you the purchase of a dedicated web camera.
As a music player
Turn your old device into a hardwired music player for your home stereo system or portable speaker. Its Wi-Fi or cellular connection opens up radio stations around the world with the TuneIn Radio app.
By the way, don’t focus your music files only on this device, make sure you have a backup copy.
In your car
Well hidden in your car, your old phone could be used in an emergency or to trace your vehicle in the event of theft. The only constraint is that its power supply must be maintained.
Finally, note that these suggestions are just as valid for electronic tablets, which will thus avoid ending up on a tablet at the back of the garage.