Do you have an old smartphone gathering dust in your drawer? Instead of letting it go to waste, consider these creative uses. These ideas can breathe new life into your device, transforming it into a handy tool or an entertaining gadget. This article will provide you with 9 innovative ways to repurpose your old smartphone.
1. Use It as a Dedicated Alarm Clock
Instead of buying a new alarm clock, why not use your old smartphone? You can customize alarms with different tones, and most smartphones have snooze functions. Plus, you can also get creative with wake-up challenges to make sure you’re truly awake.
For a more advanced setup, you can even consider downloading sleep tracking apps. These apps can analyze your sleep patterns and wake you up during your lightest sleep phase. You can find a variety of these apps here.
2. Create a Digital Photo Frame
Image galleries on smartphones are a perfect tool for creating a digital photo frame. By setting your device to play a slideshow of your favorite images, you can have a constantly changing display of memories. You can also use apps to add effects or transitions between photos.
The best part is that you can update your photo collection anytime. This is a great way to keep your home or office refreshed with new pictures without having to print or frame them.
3. Convert It Into a Home Security Camera
Your old smartphone can serve as a cost-effective home security solution. Apps such as Alfred Home Security Camera turn your device into a surveillance system, complete with live video streaming and motion detection alerts.
You can place your device in a strategic spot, like your front door, and monitor the feed from your current phone. You can download the Alfred Home Security Camera app here.
4. Use It as a Dedicated E-reader
If you’re a book lover, your old smartphone can become a dedicated e-reader. You can download e-book apps, like Amazon Kindle, and have access to a vast library of books, magazines, and newspapers.
Using your old phone as an e-reader not only saves money, but it also saves space. Plus, it’s easier to carry around than a physical book.
5. Turn It Into a Gaming Device
For gaming enthusiasts, an old smartphone can double as a portable gaming console. With thousands of games available on app stores, your old phone can be a dedicated device for your gaming fix.
Having a dedicated gaming device can also save your current phone’s battery life and storage space, especially with high-graphics games.
6. Use It as a Dedicated Music Player
If you love music, your old phone can be a dedicated music player. You can store your music library or stream music through apps like Spotify or Pandora.
By using your old phone as a music player, you can save storage space on your new phone and keep your music collection organized in one place.
7. Make It a Universal Remote Control
Did you know that many smartphones have a built-in infrared (IR) blaster that can function as a universal remote control? You can control devices like TVs, air conditioners, and music systems with your old smartphone.
You can download universal remote apps like Peel Universal Smart TV Remote Control here to turn your old phone into a handy remote.
8. Use It as a Fitness Tracker
Most smartphones are equipped with sensors that can track steps, distance, and even heart rate. So why not turn your old phone into a dedicated fitness tracker? It’s a cost-effective alternative to buying a new device.
With fitness tracking apps, you can monitor your progress, set goals, and stay motivated. Plus, you won’t have to worry about draining your main phone’s battery during lengthy workouts.
9. Convert It Into a Car GPS
Your old smartphone can serve as a dedicated GPS for your car. With apps like Google Maps or Waze, you can navigate without having to use your current phone.
This is especially useful on long trips where you need to save your phone’s battery. Plus, it can save data if your old phone still has a functional GPS chip and can download maps for offline use.
In conclusion, don’t let your old smartphone collect dust. With a little creativity and a few apps, you can transform it into a useful gadget. Whether it’s a dedicated alarm clock, a digital photo frame, or a portable gaming console, the possibilities are endless.
