Every year, smartphone manufacturers launch faster, shinier models, tempting us to upgrade. But what happens to the old device? Instead of letting it gather dust in a drawer, you can breathe new life into it. According to insights from PCMag, an ageing iPhone or Android handset, even without a SIM card, can become a surprisingly versatile tool as long as it has access to a Wi-Fi connection. Here are six clever and practical ways to put that spare device back to work.
Transform Your Home and Workspace
One of the most valuable uses for an old smartphone is enhancing your home security or improving your digital workspace. With the right apps, your retired device can take on entirely new roles.
Turn it into a DIY security camera. You can easily create a simple home-monitoring system. Install a security camera application on both your old phone and your current primary device. Position the older smartphone in the desired location, perhaps using a basic car-style suction mount, and keep it plugged into a power source. This setup allows you to check a live video feed from your main phone whenever you need peace of mind.
Convert it into a wireless webcam. Struggling with a faulty laptop camera or a desktop PC without one? Applications like DroidCam and Camo offer a perfect solution. By installing companion apps on both the old smartphone and your computer, you can link them over Wi-Fi. Suddenly, your old phone becomes a high-quality wireless webcam, ready for crisp video calls and conferences.
Enhance Daily Convenience and Entertainment
Beyond security, an old smartphone can simplify daily routines and become a dedicated hub for leisure, especially useful in households with children.
Create a minimalist bedside alarm clock. For those who prefer a gadget-free, microphone-less bedroom, an old smartphone is ideal. Set up your alarms or download a dedicated clock app, place the device on a stand, and leave it charging. Owners of iPhones running iOS 17 or later can utilise the StandBy Mode, which displays a clean, glanceable clock interface on compatible models when the phone is docked sideways.
Keep it as a spare TV remote. Those small streaming remotes have a habit of disappearing. Instead of buying a costly replacement, install the relevant remote control app on your retired handset. Whether you use an Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, or a live TV service like YouTube TV, this spare smartphone can be a lifesaver when the physical remote is lost.
Use it as a dedicated gaming machine. A spare phone makes for an excellent gaming platform. Without worrying about storage space on your primary device, you can load it with mobile games from the App Store, Google Play, Apple Arcade, or Netflix Games. For a more immersive experience, game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Steam Link, and console remote play allow you to stream full-scale PC or console games directly to the old phone over Wi-Fi.
A Safe Introduction to Technology for Kids
If you are hesitant about giving your child their own connected smartphone, a repurposed old device is a fantastic compromise. Once you secure it with robust parental controls and connect it to your home Wi-Fi, it can be used safely for messaging, supervised browsing, taking photos, and playing approved games. Equip it with a sturdy case and a screen protector, and you have created a low-risk environment for kids to learn responsible technology use without the worries of a costly new device or unfettered access.
The key takeaway is clear: your old smartphone is far from useless. From boosting your home security to serving as a dedicated entertainment or learning device, these creative repurposing ideas ensure your previous gadget continues to deliver value, reducing electronic waste and saving you money in the process.
