10 ways to wisely reuse your smartphone when you're no longer using it

An old smartphone that sits sadly in a drawer or on a bookshelf.

But don't you think it's too wasteful? As it gets older, there should be plenty of opportunities for reuse.

Selling is a good idea, but why not find the right reuse method for you?

Here are 10 ways to get your old smartphone to work again, which is no longer used like it used to be.

table of contents

1. Use with a VR headset

2. For media player remote control

3. Compact media center

4. Digital photo frame

5. Use as a recording device

6. Use as a recording studio

7. A player dedicated to music and podcasts

8. Use as a camera

9. Use as a car putter

10. Use as a spare computer

1. Use with a VR headset

It's not a lie. With Google Cardboard, you can transform your compatible smartphone into a cheap but excellent VR headset.

850 yen

It is compatible with both Android and iPhone, and it is a headset for viewing stereoscopic images that can be displayed on smartphones.

You can buy a Google Cardboard viewer or make your own. We also sell full headsets that free both hands for a little more money.

In any case, old smartphones bring the new joy of the VR world.

However, while this is a great smartphone reuse method, it is not a replacement for VR platforms such as Oculus.

2. For media player remote control

Remote controls, especially cheap TV remotes, are often poor. If you want to change the remote control of your own media center or cheap TV, old smartphones come into play.

If your smartphone has an infrared function, you can set it as a remote control just by getting the correct app.

Media remote apps are available on both iPhone and Android.

If used properly, you can replace all your home remotes with a lightweight one with a touch screen. Don't forget to charge it regularly!

3. Compact media center

Unsurprisingly, old smartphones can even be used as media centers.

The method is simple, just install the Kodi software.

However, this method is for Android only. There are unofficial ways to install Kodi on your iPhone, but it's not reliable enough.

On Android, you can use USB OTG to connect to an external media storage device. If you run the software, you will be able to access the media provided by your old Android smartphone from all over the house.

4. Digital photo frame

If your display is intact, you can use it as an attractive and prominent digital photo frame.

There are many apps for that. All you have to do is import a photo and your old smartphone will turn into a photo frame.

Download: Fotoo --Digital Photo Frame for Android (Free)

Download: Liveframe for iPad (free)

You can store your photos on your device or pull them from the cloud.

Once you've set it up, all you have to do is place it anywhere in the room. For tablets, a wall-mounted digital photo frame is also wonderful.

5. Use as a recording device

The smartphone has a built-in microphone. That's why you can make calls. But microphones aren't just for phone calls.

If you install the recording app, you can use your old smartphone as a recording device. By doing so, it may be used as a voice memo at school or at work, or even for writing work.

It can also be used to record events, so you can even secretly record a concert. Of course, please limit it to personal offline use.

If you're doing podcasts, you can also use the mobile podcast app to record shows.

6. Use as a recording studio

The smartphone can also be used as a digital recording studio. With older smartphones, you don't have to worry about battery deterioration or phone interruptions.

There are many music studio apps for iOS, but it's a good idea to start with the pre-installed Garageband. For Android, Walk Band is recommended.

7. A player dedicated to music and podcasts

Continue to be related to music. How about using your old smartphone as an MP3 player?

It can be a device for music streaming. There are various music apps available, so you can listen to various songs and even the radio. All you need is a Wi-Fi network and Bluetooth speakers.

As with the media center, it drains the battery, so don't forget to charge it regularly.

8. Use as a camera

The most creative thing you can do with your smartphone is photography.

If your smartphone's battery is low, why not use your old smartphone as a spare camera? Especially, it is perfect for parties and night outs.

Older smartphones are also great for camcorders.

Video quality depends on the camera hardware and software. If your iPhone or Samsung is sleeping in the drawer, you'll get great image quality.

9. Use as a car putter

How, the old smartphone can also be used as a car putter.

Newer cars are more and more integrated with computers and operating systems, but older cars aren't. Therefore, you can introduce navigation and in-car entertainment at low cost simply by installing carputa software on your old smartphone.

There are many tools available to complement your dashboard on your smartphone. However, the OBD-II connector is required to access data about car performance.

In any case, be sure to hold the steering wheel with both hands while driving and leave the song selection to the passenger seat.

10. Use as a spare computer

Smartphones are surprisingly powerful even on older models.

Put in the right software and use it as a spare desktop computer. However, this is a better method for Android than iPhone.

If you've bought the infamous Windows 10 Mobile and aren't selling it, there's hope. This is because a function called "Continuum" can be used. For example, if you have Nolia Lumia, you can connect a monitor, keyboard and mouse and start it up as a PC.

Samsung with Android has a DeX function (video above) for using Android as a desktop. For more information on how to use your smartphone as a PC, see previous articles.

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Source: YouTube (1, 2), Google Play, App Store

Original Article: 10 Creative Ways to Use Your Old Smartphone by MakeUseOf