What to do with an old smartphone: 11 best options

When you buy a new smartphone, the question arises, what to do with the old. You can simply throw away or sell a gadget, but there are many ways to give your device a second life. Smartphones have many features that can be used.

Old smartphone when using a computer

To begin, let's talk about the connection of the phone with the computer. The most popular solutions will be:

Wireless controller;
Remote computer control;
Microphone or webcam;
The second monitor.

IMPORTANT! To connect the old phone to a PC, you will need to install additional programs both on the phone itself and on the computer. But after installing additional software, often no more settings are required.

Wireless controller

To use your smartphone as a wireless controller, you can use the program Unified remote. It will allow you to remotely control music and video, switch songs or change the volume level. Device turns into a kind of computer control panellike a TV remote. You no longer have to go to the computer when watching a movie to change the volume.

Remote control

Remote computer control can be considered an extension of the wireless controller.

REFERENCE! The most convenient solution is provided by Google and its Chrome Remote Desktop product.

On the smartphone you need to install the application of the same name, and on the PC you just need to install the extension for the Google Chrome browser. Then log in through a regular google account.

The program allows you to fully use the PC via smartphone. You get the image of the monitor on the screen of your phone, you control it with the mouse, simply moving your finger across the screen, and an additional window opens for the keyboard.

Microphone or webcam

Smartphones often have good cameras and microphones, which allows them to be used as an excellent replacement for a microphone or webcam. By installing the application Wo mic, you’ll get an excellent microphone replacement and will be able to chat with friends without spending money on a new microphone.

Using old smartphone as a webcam, you will get a great image comparable to the top webcams.

IMPORTANT! The smartphone connects to the PC via Wi-Fi, and for this device must be on the same network and be connected to the same router.

Screen

Another useful application of an old smartphone will be its transformation into an additional screen. You can display widgets or additional application windows on the phone screen, freeing the main screen from rarely used windows.

Other use cases for your old smartphone

It is possible to use an old smartphone not only in conjunction with a computer, but also separately from it. The device will find its application both at home and in the car, for example:

GPS navigator;
DVR
IP camera or baby monitor
Extension of the WIFI signal area;
Management console for smart home;
Alarm for the front door;
Retroconsole for games.

Navigator

If you have a car, then a modern GPS-navigator will be very convenient for trips to unfamiliar places. For a GPS navigator you will have to purchase an additional SIM card with Internet access. Then just download online maps or a specialized application and use your phone as a navigator. A nice bonus will be voice control in some applications, which will allow you to build a route only with the help of voice.

DVR

The smartphone will act as an excellent DVR. A great camera that shoots in good quality will delight the owner of the car. There are also special applications for the DVR.

IP Camera

If you are worried about the safety of your apartment or child, you can turn an old smartphone into an IP camera or a baby monitor. You can at any time see what is happening in your house, being anywhere with Internet access.

Access point

For large apartments, it is especially important to use a smartphone as an additional access point to the Internet. The phone will expand the area of Wi-Fi-signal.

If the signal is weak in the part of the apartment, put the smartphone in the zone between this place and the router. Connect the phone to Wi-Fi and enable the "access point" function on it.

Smart home management

An old smartphone is convenient to use as a smart home control console. By installing a special application, you can control through it all the smart devices in the house. You will have a single device that can be used by all family members and guests.

Signaling

An interesting application would be an alarm for the front door. The program works, thanks to the built-in accelerometer in the phone, and emits a loud signal when the door is opened. The app can also send alarm messages to your main smartphone.