Got an old smartphone that is lying somewhere in the drawer? Do not rush to throw it away or recycle it, that’s what you should not do! This should not be an issue even if the phone you are using is not the most recent model on the market, the phone can still come in handy in your everyday life. Check out the five tips below on how to breathe new life into your old device.
1. It also has the ability to use it as wireless internet modem.
Besen internet while on the move? Your previous smartphone can be used to create a Wi-Fi connection and share the data connection with other devices like tablet, laptop and other devices. It’s great when you are in a location that has no Wi-Fi access yet you need an internet connection.
2. Make It into a Surveillance System for Your Home.
Turn your old phone into a surveillance camera for home or office use and ensure that your environment is well protected. Using apps such as Alfred or Manything, one can watch any particular room, get notifications whenever there is movement and can also record videos. It is an easy and cheap way of enhancing the security features of your home.
3. This One Should Be a Dedicated Media Player.
Make your discarded cellular phone double as a media device. Store your favorite music, videos or even podcasts and link the phone to speakers and have your mini entertainment system. It is also an alarm clock and a radio thus making it an excellent device to have in any room.
4. Develope a Home Video Game Console Based on Retro Generation.
If you want to experience nostalgia of childhood days, then here is an app which will transform your old phone into gaming console fully packed with classic games. Since there are emulators for Android and iOS it is possible to play the classics from the likes of Nintendo, Sega, or Game Boy.
5. Set It Up Like a Digital Photo Frame
Why allowing an old phone to remain idle when it can be used to show off photos or videos? You can turn it into a digital frame by using the slideshow applications. Put it on a stand or just charge it and place it on the table to display your best photos during the day.
How to Get Started
All these ideas can be easily set up with free apps which are available in either the Android or iOS app stores. For example, type in the search bar terms such as “Wi-Fi hotspot,” “surveillance camera,” or “game emulator” and you are set. About all of the setups are basic and the most of them can be done within several minutes.
Bonus Tip: Donation or Disposal
If your phone is still functioning, there is no harm in giving it to charity or even selling it to get some some money. If it can no longer be fixed, don’t forget to dispose it off in the right manner so as to protect the environment.
Not only will this save you some money, but you will also help to minimise the amount of electronic waste produced by tossing your old phone!