We all walk around with supercomputers in our pockets. It checks the weather, searches the internet, plays games, streams media, takes pictures, and analyzes data. Smartphones are great, except for the fact that newer, better versions are always around the corner. Most of us can probably use the same phone for years, but the upgrade cycle means it’s always tempting to splurge on a shinier model.
So what happens to your old device? If you don’t trade it in, you can sell your used iPhone or Android phone to make some of that money back. However, chances are you’ll end up with an extra, aging smartphone hanging around. Instead of throwing the device away or letting it collect dust in a drawer, reuse it! If it connects to Wi-Fi, it can still be a handy addition to the household. Here are a few cool things you can do with your old smartphone.
1. DIY Security Camera
If you have an old phone that’s no longer in use, turn it into a home security camera. Download a security camera app like AlfredCamera on your old and new devices, then mount the old phone where you need it; just make sure the device has access to power. You can use something as simple as a suction cup mount for a car. Then use your current smartphone to log in and view the feed from your old device.
(Credit: PCMag / Alfred Systems Inc.)
2. Give It to the Kids
If you’re not yet ready to buy your kid their own phone, repurpose your old device for them. You don’t need cellular connectivity for the camera to work. Once the phone is secure, connect it to Wi-Fi, and your kids can send pics, search the internet, download apps, make calls over Wi-Fi, and play games. Just make sure you have a case and screen protector.
(Credit: The Good Brigade / DigitalVision via Getty Images)
3. Mobile Gaming System
If you have an extra smartphone lying around, make it a dedicated gaming system. Without worrying about storage space, there are tons of mobile games for iPhone, Android, and Apple Arcade to download. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection. Even if storage is tight, there’s plenty more you can do with game streaming. Xbox Cloud Gaming lets you stream Xbox Game Pass games to your phone. Amazon Luna has its own cloud gaming offerings for Prime members. Meanwhile, PC gamers can use the Steam Link app to play Steam games over Wi-Fi, and console gamers can use Remote Play on PS5 or Xbox Series X/S to play games on a mobile device.
(Credit: luza studios / E+ via Getty Images)
4. Video Chat Device
If you communicate a lot via Zoom, FaceTime, or any other video chat platform these days, your old smartphone can serve as a dedicated video chat interface, as long as you have decent Wi-Fi coverage. The kids no longer have to borrow your phone to call their friends, and you can hold a virtual movie night without sacrificing the use of your phone, which will remain open for incoming calls and other alerts.
(Credit: luza studios / E+ via Getty Images)
5. Wireless Webcam
If you don’t have a webcam for your desktop computer, or your laptop is on the fritz, you can turn to an old smartphone. Free software like DroidCam, Iriun Webcam, and Camo lets you turn a phone into a webcam for your computer. All you need to do is download the app on your phone and computer, then link the two.
(Credit: PCMag / DroidCam)
6. Cheap Alarm Clock
Do you keep your phone on your bedside table? It’s probably convenient to check the time, but it’s also easy access to all your apps while you’re supposed to be sleeping. Instead, you can turn that old smartphone’s large display into an alarm clock to improve your sleep hygiene. Just set an alarm in the Clock app on your device or download an alarm clock app via Wi-Fi. From there, place the phone on a stand, plug it in, and keep your primary device elsewhere. On iPhones with the always-on display, turn it into a bedside clock display with StandBy Mode.
Apple StandBy Mode (Credit: Apple)
7. Backup TV Remote
Your media streaming device comes with its own remote control, but it’s often small and easy to lose. Whether you own an Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Roku, chances are you will (or already have) misplaced its remote. Instead of buying a new one, these devices allow you to use your mobile device as a replacement. Download the device’s app onto your old phone, link your account, and you have a working remote again. This can also come in handy for live TV streaming services, like YouTube TV.
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(Credit: Roku)
8. Alternative E-Book Reader
If you love books, but don’t know if you want to invest in an ebook reader just yet, use your phone instead. Download the Amazon Kindle app or your ebook reader app of choice, and sync up your purchases, free e-books, and titles borrowed from the library. Comics fans can buy digital comics from Amazon, Marvel, and DC, or tap into monthly subscription services like Marvel Unlimited and DC Universe Infinite. For something different, try the digital-first, vertical scrolling Webtoon app.
(Credit: Klaus Vedfelt / DigitalVision via Getty Images)
Turn an old mobile device into a dedicated video streamer or use it to listen to books, music, and podcasts on your favorite music streaming services. Put it on a charging stand and connect it to a Bluetooth speaker or pop in some wireless earbuds while cleaning or working out at home. You can also download movies or music from Spotify before leaving the house for on-the-go entertainment that won’t burn through your data plan or battery. It’ll be just like having an iPod again.
(Credit: Gabby Jones / Bloomberg via Getty Images)
10. Emergency 911 Phone
US law requires that all phones be able to call 911, even without a SIM card or connected data plan. That means older phones can still connect to emergency services as long as they have power. Even in conditions where service would normally be limited, the call should still be able to go through. However, keep in mind that this must be a 4G phone, since devices affected by the 3G shutdown in 2022 will no longer connect.
While you probably have your phone on you at all times, it can’t hurt to have a backup device just in case. For instance, you could keep an inactive phone in the car in case of an emergency, or give the decommissioned device to an older relative who might not have a mobile device but could use an easy way to contact emergency services.
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About Our Expert
Jason Cohen
Senior Editor, Help & How To
Experience
As PCMag’s editor of how to content, I have to cover a wide variety of topics and also make our stories accessible to everyday users. Considering my history as a technical writer, copywriter, and all-around freelancer covering baseball, comics, and more at various outlets, I am used to making myself into an expert.
I believe tech corporations are bad, but you might as well know how to use technology in everyday life. Want more how to content delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the tips and tricks newsletter that I curate twice a week.
My job as how-to guru means I use just about every gadget under the sun, so I can figure out how everything works. I work from a Lenovo ThinkPad running Windows 11, but also have a very large Dell Inspiron 17 3000 and Apple silicon MacBook. I also have a Google Pixel 6a for personal use and use a Galaxy Z Flip 4 for additional Samsung-related testing. For iOS coverage, an iPhone 13 mini works like a charm, though it’s already becoming a little long in the tooth.
My desktop situation includes a dual monitor setup with a modest Acer monitor. I also use a Logitech mouse (who can use these ThinkPad trackpads) and a Havit keyboard (my first mechanical keyboard; I love it but my wife hates it!). I’m a recent convert from wired headphones; I have Anker Soundcore Liberty Air wireless earbuds for personal use and have taken to the Sennheiser HD 450BT headphones for work.
Whenever I have a second to myself, I’m probably gaming on my Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or Xbox Series S. I also still have a bunch of classic consoles lying around as well.
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