Don't make the mistake of thinking your old smartphone is useless—here's how it can come in handy..
After buying a new smartphone, the biggest question is what to do with the old one. Often, the old phone ends up sitting in a cupboard or drawer, even though it possesses features like a camera, GPS, and storage that could be put to good use. However, in the age of AI—where protecting personal photos, documents, passwords, and other data is more critical than ever—it is essential to prioritize data security before repurposing an old phone.
**Turn it into a security camera**
An old phone can serve as a home security camera or a baby monitor, eliminating the need to buy an expensive dedicated camera. You can convert the phone into a camera by installing apps like 'Baby Cam' or 'IP Phone Camera.' Once the app is set up, place the phone where it offers a clear view of the room or area you wish to monitor. It is advisable to keep the phone connected to a charger to ensure continuous operation. Some apps also offer features like live video streaming, audio monitoring, and photo or video recording.
**Convert it into a dashcam**
If the old phone's camera is still functional, it can be used as a car dashcam. By mounting the phone on the dashboard or windshield, you can record the road ahead. You can find various apps for this purpose—such as 'Dash Cam Travel'—on the Google Play Store. When using the phone for continuous recording, it is important to keep it connected to the car's charging port. Ensure the phone is not mounted in a position that obstructs the driver's view.
**Get an Android Auto-like experience**
If your car lacks Android Auto, an old phone or tablet can serve as a dedicated in-car screen. Apps like 'Car Launcher,' 'AutoZen,' or 'AutoMate' can be used for this purpose. These apps allow you to access maps, music, and other essentials via large, easy-to-use icons. However, instead of holding the phone while driving, it should be securely mounted.
Create an E-book Reader
If you enjoy reading, you can repurpose your old phone into a dedicated e-book reader. Apps like Kindle, Google Play Books, and Moon+ Reader allow you to read books, magazines, and comics. To avoid interruptions from frequent notifications while reading, you can simply turn them off. You can also use a "simple launcher" or enable "grayscale mode" on the phone; reducing the colors on the screen can make the reading experience more comfortable.
A Dedicated Gaming Phone
Instead of draining your new phone's battery on gaming, you can turn your old phone into a dedicated gaming device. If the old phone's hardware is in good condition, you can download games from the Play Store. Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Steam Link can be used for cloud gaming. Additionally, Android emulators are a great option for playing retro games. In this way, your old phone can become a standalone handheld gaming device.
Create a Digital Clock
If your old phone isn't particularly powerful, you can convert it into a bedside digital clock. Simply install an app like "Flip Clock" and place the phone on a stand. Using a wireless charging stand makes long-term use even more convenient. The phone can also serve as a digital photo frame; the slideshow feature in Google Photos allows you to display your favorite images on the screen. Apps like "Fotou" offer further options, such as running slideshows using photos from various cloud storage services and customizing transition effects.
Create a GPS Tracker
An old Android phone can also be used for location tracking. Phones come with Google's "Find My Device" feature, which can be used to pinpoint the device's location. By placing the phone in a secure spot inside a car, you can track its location. However, tracking another person's location requires their knowledge and consent. To prevent the battery from draining quickly, you can also keep a small power bank with it.
Wi-Fi Repeater
Some older Android phones can function as Wi-Fi repeaters. For this, the phone must support the ability to run a hotspot while remaining connected to Wi-Fi. If your old phone supports this feature, you can place it in an area of your home where the Wi-Fi signal is weak. While the network performance won't match that of a dedicated Wi-Fi extender, it serves as an affordable option for covering small "dead zones."
Laptop's Second Screen
The large screen of an old phone can serve as a second screen for a laptop or PC. On Windows computers, apps like Spacedesk allow you to turn the phone into an additional display. You can connect the phone via Wi-Fi, though a USB cable offers a more stable connection.
Once connected, you can extend your computer screen to the phone and place different apps on this secondary display. Similarly, with the help of certain apps, an old phone can also function as a webcam, microphone, or speaker for your computer.
How to Secure Data on an Old Phone
Securing your data is the most important step before reusing an old phone. In the age of AI, phones store not just photos and videos, but also sensitive information like banking apps, emails, social media accounts, passwords, contacts, and personal documents. If you intend to give or sell your old phone to someone else, simply deleting photos and apps is not enough.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we modified it for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
