Don’t Recycle It, Reuse It: 10 Clever Uses for Your Old Smartphone

Every day, we walk around with a supercomputer 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 on the horizon.

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. You can save a few bucks by selling your old phone when you buy a new one, but there are times you end up with an extra, aging smartphone hanging around.

Instead of letting that device collect dust, 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

(Credit: AlfredCamera)

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(Opens in a new window) on your old and new device, 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.

2. Give It to the Kids

(Credit: Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images)

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.

3. Mobile Gaming System

(Credit: nikkimeel / Shutterstock)

If you have an extra smartphone lying around, make it a dedicated gaming system. Without having to worry about storage space, there are a ton of different mobile games for iPhone, Android, Apple Arcade, and even Netflix Games to download. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection.

Even if storage is tight, there is plenty more you can do with game streaming. Xbox Cloud Gaming lets you stream Xbox Game Pass games to your phone. PC gamers can use the Steam Link app to play Steam games over Wi-Fi. Console gamers can use the Remote Play feature on PS5 or Xbox Series X/S to play games on a mobile device.

4. Video Chat Device

(Credit: Oscar Wong / Getty Images)

If you communicate a lot via Zoom, FaceTime, or any other video chat platform these days, your old smartphone can serve as a dedicated interface for video chats, 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 remote movie night without sacrificing the use of your phone. Now your smartphone will remain open for incoming calls and other alerts.

5. Wireless Webcam

(Credit: Whitson Gordon)

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(Opens in a new window) and EpocCam(Opens in a new window) let you turn a phone into a webcam that can be used with your computer. All you need to do is download the app on your phone and computer, then link the two.

6. Cheap Alarm Clock

(Credit: Google)

Smart displays like the Echo Show and the Google Nest Hub can help you manage the time, but not everyone wants a microphone in their bedroom. Instead, turn that old smartphone’s big display into an alarm clock that (hopefully) won’t spy on you.

All you have to do is set an alarm in the Clock app on your iPhone or Android device or download an alarm clock app via Wi-Fi. From there, place your phone on a stand, hook it up to power, and you are good to go. If your iPhone will support iOS 17, the upcoming StandBy feature will also turn your Apple smartphone into a bedside clock display.

A plus for using an old phone? If you tend to hit snooze in the morning, it’s easy to grab the device off the stand and keep it with you as you catch some more sleep.

7. Backup TV Remote

(Credit: Roku)

Most media streaming devices come with their own remote controls, but they tend to be 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, use your phone.

Each device has its own mobile app; download it on your old device, link your account, and you have a working remote control again. This can also come in handy when your Apple TV remote stops working and for live TV streaming services, like YouTube TV.

8. Alternative E-Book Reader

(Credit: Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images)

If you love books and comics, but don’t want to purchase an ebook reader, 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 Comixology, Marvel, and DC, or tap into monthly subscription services like Comixology Unlimited, Marvel Unlimited, and DC Universe Infinite. For something different, try the digital-first, vertical scrolling Webtoon app.

Turn an old mobile device into a dedicated video streamer. Even better, use it to listen to books, music, and podcasts on your favorite music streaming services and podcast apps. Set it up on a charging stand and connect it to a Bluetooth speaker or pop in some wireless earbuds while cleaning the house or working out at home. You can even download movies or music from Spotify before you leave the house for on-the-go entertainment that won’t burn through your data plan or battery. It will be just like having an iPod again.

10. Emergency 911 Phone

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US law requires that all phones be able to call 911, even without a SIM card or connected data plan. That means no matter how old your phone is, as long as it has power, it can connect with emergency services. Even in conditions where there would normally be limited service, the call should be able to go through.

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 there’s an emergency. You can also 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 just in case.