5 ways to reuse your old Android phone

Are you ready to upgrade your smartphone to the best new Android phone, but don’t know what to do with your old one? We’ve all been there at one point or another: You have an old smartphone sitting in your spare wardrobe. I am well aware that there are many. Old cell phones have sentimental value. They are, or were, your most personal companions. However, you also don’t want to waste them. There is a solution for such lingering devices. In fact, there are several.

Here are some of the best ways to repurpose your old Android smartphone and breathe new life into your aging hardware.

1 multipurpose camera

4 different possibilities in one smartphone

One of the most common online advice for reusing an old smartphone is to convert it into a camera. And as it turns out, there are quite a few ways to put your old Android smartphone’s camera to new uses.

For example, apps like Alfred allow you to repurpose your old smartphone as a security camera. The free version of the app is enough to get started and gives you features like live streaming and motion detection. However, you have to make ends meet with advertising.

For a subscription fee, your smartphone turns into a true security camera with HD recording, cloud storage, detection zones, and more.

But this is not the only camera-based use case for smartphones. Droid Dashcam is a great way to transform your old Android smartphone intodash camfor your car. This app contains several in-app purchases to unlock all features. Still, you can easily record videos with GPS-based speed markers, timestamps, background recording, and the ability to lock video on impact. Just like a real dash cam, the app can automatically delete old video files when you run out of storage. The only downside to using your phone as a dash cam is that it’s quite large, but in a pinch if you don’t want to spend money on new hardware or need a dash cam in your rental car Helpful.

There are also many Android apps that can act as baby monitors. The aptly named BabyCam app does just that. Place your old smartphone at a comfortable angle, connect the charging cable, and install the app on your smartphone. Install the same on your current phone. that’s it. Now you can watch and listen to your kids, and use the app to save cute photos and videos of your toddler.

And of course, there’s also the typical webcam suggestion. Google made this feature part of Android 14, but it’s highly unlikely that older smartphones will run the latest and greatest version of Android. Therefore, please use the app instead. Camo is one of the best solutions if:Turn your smartphone into a webcam. The app can use your phone’s camera, supports portrait mode, and can also be used wirelessly. Additionally, the app supports resolutions up to 1080p, ensuring that your video streams are of the highest quality possible.

2 dedicated music player

When you want to listen without interruption

One of my personal favorite uses for older Android smartphones is as a dedicated music and audiobook player. It’s on his bedside table, and every night he listens to his favorite podcast or book for an hour or so before he collapses.

Also, keep some of your favorite playlists on your phone and keep them updated. Now, you may be wondering why I don’t use my phone for this. Well, the answer is convenience. With playlists preloaded on your phone, every time you go for a run, just pick up your phone and go. The same goes for travel. There’s no need to allocate your main phone’s precious storage to storing offline playlists.

Additionally, a phone designed specifically for music playback is very convenient to give out at home parties. Instead of lending my main phone to a guest, anyone can access my music phone and switch between their best Spotify playlists or radio streams. It’s a first world solution to a first world problem, but it’s certainly useful.

3 Dedicated two-factor authentication system

Backup for secure authentication

Two-factor authentication is one of the most secure ways to protect online services from unwanted access. However, unless you use an authenticator like Authy that maintains an online backup of your code, the only copy of your code is the one you have on your phone. It would be terrible if you lost or damaged your phone.

I use my spare phone as a second authentication device.andTOTPI have it set up on a spare phone so I know I can always log in using the second method. Additionally, I keep a list of backup codes securely on my phone. Of course, this phone is disconnected from the internet and remains switched off in a drawer. I hope I never have to use it.

Four emulation console

Just hit the controller and you’ll have a real console at your fingertips

I can’t stand microtransactions and the current state of Android games these days. My interest is vintage retro games. Moreover, I prefer playing games in their original format. I would like an HD remaster of the Super Famicom version of Chrono Trigger.

One of my favorite uses for older smartphones is as a dedicated emulation console. All phones made in the last few years can comfortably play games up to the PlayStation Portable with upscaling. In fact, if you’re capable enough, you can even play his PlayStation 2 titles on your phone.

I often pair my phone with a PlayStation DualSense 5 controller for full-sized controls, but I also opt for a telescoping controller like the Razor Knight to create my own retro-themed Nintendo Switch You can also create .

Five digital photo frame

Don’t keep your memories confined to your browser window

Before standby mode in iOS 17 on the Apple iPhone, there was the Fotoo app. I still use it in combination with a desk stand to turn old Android smartphones and tablets into digital photo frames.

The app works with both local and cloud storage, allowing you to beautifully show off your favorite photos. Additionally, there are many options, including the ability to display date, time, and weather as an overlay. If you want to add a little flair to your memories, you can also customize the order of photos, transitions, background music, and more.

It’s easy to set an app to start on startup, so it’s available every time you start your phone.

Bonus: Your reliable outdoor phone

As an avid marathon runner and hiker, I’ve had my fair share of falls. However, I’m not very confident that my foldable phone can withstand unexpected slips on rocky roads, and I’m not ready to tackle a rugged phone just yet.

That’s where your old smartphone comes in handy. When you go for a run, insert your SIM card to easily access streaming music or make calls in case of an emergency. You don’t check social media while running, do you?

For short hikes, keep your favorite social media apps handy. I usually also download some playlists in advance. Smartphones have come a long way, and even smartphones from a few years ago are capable enough to take good photos in bright light. Even if you drop it, it won’t be a big loss.

These are two of my favorite ways to use my old Android phone, but there are many more ways to discover it. For example, you can use your old mobile phone as a remote control for your smart TV. Alternatively, you can run a 3D print server on top of it. The possibilities are endless. If you have any interesting use cases for old smartphones, please comment below.