What can you use your old smartphone for instead of selling it?

Selling, trading and donating old smartphones are practical options. However, saying goodbye to a device loaded with memories is not easy. Eventually, most old smartphones end up stored in a box, but here are some better options for you.

1 Backup phone

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

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

As long as your old phone can still pick up a signal and connect to emergency services, it can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. For example, if you are going on an extended camping trip, it would be wise to have a fully charged old smartphone with you. That way, you’d still have a device you can call for help when your primary device runs out of juice.

2 Dedicated music player

Remember the good old days when dedicated devices like MP3s or the original iPods were all the rage for streaming 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 like me who tend to get distracted by intrusive notifications the moment they pick up their phone and change their playlist.

All you need to do is clear all the unnecessary apps installed on your device by manually deleting them or doing a quick factory reset on your iPhone or Android device. Then download the music streaming app of your choice and you’re good to go!

If you want to use it as a music player when you’re on the go without internet access, I also recommend choosing a streaming app that lets you download music for offline listening.

3 GPS device

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Not all vehicles have built-in GPS systems or support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. In such situations, one option is to use your primary phone with a navigation app of your choice to find your way when you get lost.

However, with all the social media apps you probably have on your device, receiving notifications while driving can be distracting and dangerous. A better option is to convert an old smartphone as a dedicated GPS device.

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

Since you’ll probably be driving in areas with little or no cell signal at times, it’s wise to choose a navigation app that lets you download maps for offline use. Most older smartphones often 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 on their property so they have something to keep an eye on while they are away and increase their security from crime. While these cameras can be worthwhile, not everyone can afford to spend hundreds on security systems. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, you can turn your old device into a security camera.

Although there are many security camera apps available, AlfredCamera is among the top rated in both the App Store and the Play Store. Once you’ve set up your security camera app, simply attach your old phone to where you want to place the camera. Since the security camera is running 24/7, make sure you have measures to keep your device charged.

5 Control smart home devices

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The idea of ​​turning off the lights in the living room of your house while you relax on vacation halfway around the world once seemed futuristic. However, these days you can control countless other smart devices with 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 so many apps on your primary device can quickly fill up its storage. 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.

Simply head to the App Store or Play Store, download the apps for your smart home devices and get started! For easier access, you can even attach your smartphone to an easily accessible area of ​​your home, such as your living room or kitchen.

Fortunately, there are many ways to put your old smartphone to good use instead of letting it gather dust in an old box or drawer. If none of the above options seem appealing enough, you may want to consider passing it on to someone else.