5 Different Ways To Use An Old Smartphone

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Given a choice, most people would stuff their old smartphone in the drawer, in the loft or the garage the moment they upgrade to a new model.

Why not revitalize your old tech by doing these 5 things?

Donate

If you have half a dozen old gadgets in your closet, you can do your community a big favour by donating to organisations such as hospitals, the local library or schools. Look them up and find their addresses by doing a Google search, then hand over your working tech.

The non-profit can help more people when you bring your old gadgets for the staff and the inhabitants to use.

Sell Your Old Mobile

How would you like to make some money disposing of your old tech?

If the unit still has its charger, cable and box or manual, then you can list it up on the internet for sale. Popular online marketplaces such as eBay, Facebook and GumTree are good places to start. People from all over the world list up the gadgets, electronics and appliances they’re not going to use in exchange for some money.

Start by creating an account and going to the “I want to sell” section. Upload a picture of the smartphone, a description and a price. It’s best to find what others are selling the same item for so you won’t find yourself a few quids short.

If that’s too much hassle, you can head straight to tech recycling sites and get a quick appraisal for your goods. You receive cash 2-3 days after the company receives your item.

Recycle

One of the best things you can do with your old smartphone is to send it off properly to a recycling centre. Instead of just throwing your unwanted gadget in the bin, you’ll do the world a favour by choosing a sustainable solution.

Phones shouldn’t end up in landfills as they can leach toxins into the earth as they decompose. It would be a waste of precious resources that could go towards making a new device, appliance or gadget.

For heavy items such as TVs, fax machines and printers, call up the local recycling company, such as Kwiksweep, and have them collect via pickup. Mobile phones can be traded in at a recycling programme by the manufacturer in exchange for store credits, gift cards or cashback.

Get a Backup

Your old phone can work as a backup for your main device. As long as it can make a call, send an email, browse the internet or call emergency hotlines, it’s serviceable enough and should be brought with you wherever you go.

Power it up and turn it on. Activate the network and test if it can make clear calls. Then, stash it somewhere accessible and remember to charge it up every week or two so it can continue to function.

Repurpose Your Old Phone

Smartphones are great as they’re a mix of what we’re using every day.

When you have an old phone, you can turn it into any of these devices:

eBook Reader.

Your old device can be used as an E-book reader and give you a good many reads throughout its lifetime. Download the Kindle app or any free e-reader, then side load some books. Sit back, relax and read without spending a single cent.

Music Player.

You can have a sound system via two things- a smartphone and wired or Bluetooth speakers. Get iTunes or Google Play and some songs, then plug it in or pair with your favourite wireless headphones. For continuous use, you can place it in a charging dock, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice.

Remote Control.

Always losing your remote every time you want to turn on the TV or switch channels? Have a handy backup remote nearby via your old smartphone. Smart TV and set top box manufacturers will have official apps you can download, which makes turning your phone into a digital remote easier.

Bedside Clock or Calendar.

A digital desk calendar or alarm clock is a simple but useful addition to any room. There are all sorts of alarm clock apps with features ranging from the basic functionality of waking you up, to those that can help you meditate and track sleep patterns.

Digital Photo Frame.

Turn your old smartphone into an electronic display to showcase your favourite photographs in a slideshow.

Security Camera.

Keep an eye on your office, home, kids or pets by installing a monitoring app which lets you view your stream live from any place for your peace of mind.

VoIP Device.

If you’re always on the phone or computer meeting with clients and customers all day, then a VoIP device made from your old smartphone should serve you well. All you’ll need is a stand and charging dock combo, a nearby Wi-Fi connection and voila! A VoIP device that can do video calling via Skype, Viber, FaceTime, etc. Plug into a wall outlet so you won’t run out of juice.