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As new smartphones are released regularly and the ability to upgrade your devices is becoming cheaper and easier, the amount of old smartphones lying in peoples draws or being tossed out is increasing rapidly. However, these older devices can still have plenty of life in them. And, if you can't utilise it, there will be someone else who can!
There are plenty of ways that you can put your older phone to work, even if you have upgraded to the latest Android or iOS device. Just because it may not have your SIM card in it doesn't mean it's a dead loss. With you old phone likely to still have a lot of processing power and ability, it can be easily utilised in more than one way.
Here are five ways you can revive your old phone and give it new purpose:
1. Media Device
The most common and widely applicable way to use your old phone is to turn it into a media device. This simply means that you don't have a SIM card in your phone, but you still use it for tasks such as listening to music, watching videos, listening to podcasts or surfing the web. Basically, all the functions of a smartphone without the phone aspects.
Using your old phone as a media device is perfect if you have large music libraries or photo albums that you want to take with you without filling up your new phone's storage. It is perfect for those long road trips playing music all day, without chewing up your phone's battery. It is perfect for showing the extended family your old photos from 10 years ago that you no longer want to store on your new phone.
Another use for a media device is gaming. With thousands and thousands of gaming apps available now, you can spend your spare hours on the couch gaming or pass the phone to the kids when they need some entertainment. Having a spare media device for gaming allows you to not drain your battery on. your main phone and also allows flexibility to pass it to anyone else, such as your kids, without losing your ability to keep up with any messages or notifications that you need to see.
2. Keep a Spare Phone
Even though we may have the latest iPhone or Android phone, we cannot guarantee their reliability, let alone our human tendency to drop or damage things. Keeping a backup phone can be a valuable and, arguably, wise thing to do. Saving a spare phone will keep your back covered in those awkward situations where your phone is no longer working and everyone is trying to contact you. It can even be used as a way of locating your car or bag, if you leave it charged in there with location sharing settings switched on!
Keeping a spare phone does not cost anything, but can save you a lot of money if something did happen to go wrong with your new phone!
3. Set Up a Webcam
With Zoom meetings and conferences taking over the world this year as COVID-19 has caused lockdowns and uncertainly, the need for a decent webcam has become a lot higher. Most smartphones that you will be upgrading from will have a better camera than you laptop or desktop. It's a simple process to connect your phone to your computer, just find the right cable and you'll be able to link the two in a matter of seconds.
There is nothing worse than a blurry camera when trying to talk with your boss or colleagues via video call!
4. Security System Monitor
With security systems becoming more and more accessible online to view, using your old phone as a security monitor is the perfect thing for when you are on holiday or travelling. Simply download the app or software linked to your home or work security system and follow the prompts to connect. Once this is all set up, carry your old phone with you as you travel so you can view your house without using up your primary phone's battery and storage space.
Along with a security monitor, you could also use your old phone as a baby monitor. With most newer baby monitors running off app softwares, set it up and carry it wherever you go. This allows you to keep watch over your little ones while still being able to use you new phone for whatever tasks you want.
5. Pass Your Phone On
Whether your child needs their first phone or your best friend has broken theirs, giving your phone away is a way to keep a perfectly good smartphone in use to its full potential. Often your old phone will be perfect for any kids that are about to get their first phone and it gives you the chance to also monitor and manage what they have access to on it by adjusting parental control settings.
Donating your phone to local charities or recycling companies is also a valid way to make use of your old smartphone. Many charities run appeals for old phones that they can use through giving them to those who cannot afford one or even children in medical centres to stay connected with friends and family.
These are just some of the ways that you can put your old smartphone to use when upgrading to a later model. If you have any questions or queries around your old smartphone and need help finding a new use for it, do no hesitate to get in touch with our DeXTech support team!
Here at DeXTech, we are here to help you with your technology requirements. We stock a wide range of Apple products, from the iPhone 4s all the way through to the iPhone XS, plus the iPad range. Along with this, we carry a huge range of Android smartphones and tablets, including Samsung, Pixel and LG. With these devices on hand we are able to offer technical support every step of the way from assisting to get your device setup to dealing with issues such as network issues or software troubleshooting. We have a helpful team who can lend a hand via our tech support email address: support@dextech.co.nz. Do not hesitate to reach out!
