We all have that old outdated phone we don’t need anymore.
What do you do with old and outdated devices these days?
Well, we’ve got some cool ideas on what to do with old cell phones.
Considering the rate at which technology moves nowadays, the shelf life of most electronics is short.
If you disagree, think of how long you’re the last phone lasted before a new model came out.
Companies produce new models of phones every few months, which essentially renders the old ones a bit outdated.
And who doesn’t want that brand new, latest generation gadget?
Well, a lot of people do and the fact is smartphone ownership has been increasing.
In 2021, there were more than 1.4 billion smartphones sold around the globe, that’s 2/3 of all mobile phones in circulation.
In that case, if you’ve got a phone lying around that you had to replace and don’t really see yourself using again, then why not repurpose it?
This guide will go through some of the most creative, useful, and awesome ideas for using old phones.
Table of Contents
What to do with old cell phones: 12 amazing ideas
1. Use it as a backup phone
Have you ever been in a situation where you wished you had another phone to use as a backup?
In case the other one runs out of battery, gets lost or stolen, or simply starts malfunctioning?
A lot of people do.
The truth is you never know when you might need to use a backup phone, and having one always in the house might be a blessing.
Add a regular cell phone battery to it, and keep it charged and ready for use so that you always have an extra backup plan if the other one fails on you.
Much like how you need a spare set of keys, a backup phone is a must-have device.
Every old phone can become your backup when it comes to emergencies.
Keep it somewhere you can always get to it and you’ll be glad you did.
2. Baby monitor on standby
Old phones don’t just mean having a bunch of outdated devices lying around.
They can also be used to create a useful and convenient solution.
A baby monitor is a device that connects with your existing smartphone, allowing you to listen in on baby’s sounds while they’re sleeping.
This way you can see their face, hear them and even talk to them without waking them up.
It’s an extremely useful and popular option for parents who have more than one child, as this simple little gadget comes in handy all the time.
In this case, install an app such as tinyCam Monitor on your old phone.
It’s a free app that will allow you to stream the audio from your baby monitor and is compatible with almost any monitor from any company.
Keep it around and use it whenever you need to check on a baby or have another device that needs charging.
3. Security system
Have an extra old phone hanging around?
Then why not repurpose it into a security camera?
These nifty little devices can be extremely useful when it comes to monitoring everything that’s going on in your house, business, or even outside.
It’s an inexpensive and easy way to keep an eye on things, which is especially useful when you have to leave the house for a short time or have visitors.
If you have cameras in and around your home, use an app to view them remotely.
The app will stream videos from your security cameras to your phone, allowing you to monitor what’s happening.
It’s a handy way to keep an eye on things while you’re out (or at home), and it’s incredibly easy to set up and use.
4. Turn it into an MP3 Player
They say that music is food for the soul, and we’re inclined to agree! Why not keep your old phone around to use as an mp3 player?
In case you don’t have music on your phone or you need to share what you have with someone else, this is a great solution.
Install music on the device and keep it around as a backup in case you need music during the day.
You can use it during your commute when you’re outside or doing sports and don’t have your phone with you.
Nothing is as soothing and satisfying as a playlist of your favorite songs.
Moreover, scientific research suggests music can reduce stress levels and stress-related symptoms.
So, that’s one more reason to hold on to that phone you think is outdated or even worthless.
5. Digital photo frame
Who doesn’t have at least a few photos of loved ones?
Some of us have hundreds, even thousands.
And who doesn’t love to look at them from time to time?
So, why not use your outdated phone to create a digital photo frame?
This is an easy way to transform an unused phone into a digital photo frame.
Keep it in the living room or another place where you spend a lot of time, and whenever you need to reminisce about a loved one or memories from the past, take a peek at the photo frame and enjoy it.
It’s a wonderful way to keep memories from falling into oblivion, hold on to them and keep them alive.
It’s also fitting since looking at photos is something that we’ve done for years, so using an old device for this purpose seems only natural.
The idea is that you download your pictures from the SD card directly into the screen of your device on the go, illuminating them with a beautiful slideshow.
6. Learning tools for the kids
Old cell phones aren’t just for the adults in the house.
They can be a real learning tool for the young ones.
A 2013 Pew Research Center report shows that 73% of teachers admit to using cell phones in their classrooms as a learning device.
Consequently, you can turn your unused phone into an educational tool, which is an unexpected and awesome way to use it.
Install a bunch of educational apps and materials such as flashcards and teach your kids while they’re playing.
If they need help with school or just want to learn something new, then this is perfect for them.
The kids will enjoy it, and you’ll be amazed at how much they learn when using the apps.
It will be a great way to bond with your kids, and it’s worth giving an old cell phone a new purpose.
That said, download only educational apps and material, and always supervise what they’re doing.
7. Programmable clock
Do you have an old phone that doesn’t work properly or one that you don’t use anymore?
Then repurpose it into a programmable alarm clock! It’s a simple way to make it useful again and to give it a new purpose in a household where old phones might otherwise simply be thrown away or put in the trash.
We need proper sleep more than anything else.
Lack of sufficient sleep is attributed to some complications such as diabetes and heart disease.
As such, it’s important to have a clock in the bedroom.
This will allow you to make sure that you wake up and go to bed on time, which is a great way to keep track of your daily schedule.
We recommend downloading an app such as SleepTime to set your alarm and get a better night’s sleep.
It will help you wake up well rested, refreshed, and ready for the day! What more could you ask for?
8. Give it to a family member
Some of the phones we abandon are still in good condition.
If you don’t use them anymore, then why not give them away to a friend or family member who might need a new phone?
You’ll save their day, and they’ll likely be grateful for the gift.
This works especially well with young people in need of their first cell phone, as it’s an affordable way to get them started on the right foot.
While you might think the device is outdated, to some it’s still cutting-edge technology.
And, it’s cheaper than getting them a new phone, especially if they’re on a budget.
So, gift your phone to someone in your family or circle of friends who would greatly appreciate it and use it every day instead of letting it collect dust while you contemplate what to do with it.
9. Dedicated desk calendar
With so many things going on each day, it’s easy to forget important appointments, meetings, and parties.
That’s why you should consider repurposing your old phone into a desk calendar that will help you track all the important things in your life.
Keep track of important dates, and dates of important meetings, and keep all your appointments in one place with a desktop calendar that you can view and update whenever you need to.
It will be your day planner that will help you stay on track.
A list of simple reminders and tasks can be an excellent way of keeping your commitments, obligations, and daily schedule in check.
But, it’s also a great way to stay organized and on track with the important things in life.
10. Send it back to the manufacturer
Some phone manufacturing companies have a rebate program that allows you to send in your old or broken phone for a partial refund on a new one.
You can ship your old phone back and receive a rebate on the purchase of new hardware.
However, not all devices will qualify for this program, so do take into consideration whether or not the manufacturer will provide you with a rebate on your phone.
In some cases, you won’t get any money back, but even if you get just a small discount on your new purchase, it’s a wonderful way to use your old cell phone as a bargaining chip and get yourself a new one.
11. Recycle
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, cell phones contain precious metals such as copper, lead, and zinc which can be recycled at local electronics recycling facilities.
You can check if your local county and city have an electronics recycling facility that takes used cell phones.
Sending it to this kind of facility is an effortless way to ensure that your phone doesn’t end up in a landfill.
Many of the phones that are sent here can be refurbished, repurposed, and reused again.
Not only will you be getting rid of it for good, but you’ll also be helping the environment by making sure that it doesn’t get buried in a landfill and release harmful chemicals into the environment.
12. Donate
If you want to do even more for the environment, then think about donating your old phone.
You can give it a new purpose by donating it to an environmental organization that’s trying to help save wildlife and wild places such as parks and forests.
In doing so, you’ll be helping out the environment at the same time as reducing e-waste and giving someone else a new chance at life with a new cell phone.
Many organizations will use your outdated cell phone as a fundraiser or as a way to give help to the environment.
Final Thoughts
The phone is a useful device that you use every single day for many different things, so it’s important to repurpose it in such a way that you still get the benefits.
You can use the phone as a tool to help you in so many ways and turn it into something that will make your life more productive and organized.
It’s better to have one more device in use than to have it lying around doing nothing at all.
FAQs
How do you dispose of a cell phone?
Never put your phone into the trash.
Instead, bring it to a recycling facility.
Many electronics recycling companies will take your old cell phone, so it’s always best to check if there is one in your area.
Do old phones have any value?
The resale value of your old phone will depend on the model and condition.
You need to find someone who wants to buy it, so it can be a bit difficult.
But, you can always try selling it as a second-hand phone at a price range of $50-$250.
