Communication has been one of the most dramatically impacted sectors by this digital revolution. The advent of smartphones has altered how we interact with one another. There are now believed to be over 1 billion active cell phones globally today, owing to their prevalence. Due to the popularity of smartphones, most individuals replace their old phones with new ones when they acquire new ones. As a result, there are a lot of outdated phones out there. Don’t toss your old phone away if it’s gathering dust in a drawer. There are several uses for it that you probably didn’t know about.
1. Trade it for Cash
Like most people, you probably have an old phone or two lying around the house. And if you don’t use them anymore, there’s a good chance that you can trade in your phone for cash. In fact, a number of different companies offer this service, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that offers the best deal.
One of the best things about trading in your old phone is getting a nice chunk of change. In some cases, you may even be able to get more money than you would if you sold it on eBay or Craigslist. So if you’re looking to make a little extra cash, trading in your old phone is the way to go.
2. Use It as a Backup Phone
Old phones make great backup phones because they’re cheap and already have your contacts and other important information stored on them. Plus, if something happens to your new phone, you can always switch back to your old one.
You can use your old phone as a backup phone in a few different ways. One way is to keep it in your car or purse in emergencies. Another way is to put it in a safe place at home so you’ll always have access to it in an emergency. And finally, you can also use an app like Google Voice or Skype to make calls from your old phone, even if it’s not connected to the network.
3. Use It as a Media Player
There are many ways to use an old phone. One way is to use it as a media player. You can watch movies, TV shows, and videos on your old phone. This is a great way to save battery life on your newer phone or tablet. You only need a streaming app like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video.
You can also download media files onto your old phone. This can be done by transferring the files from your computer or downloading them directly from the internet. Be sure to download files compatible with your phone’s operating system. For example, Android phones cannot play iTunes files.
Once you have the files downloaded, open the file manager on your old phone and locate the file you want to watch or listen to. Tap on the file to start playback. Depending on the audio or video file type, you may be able to control playback using buttons on the screen or gestures like swiping and tapping.
4. Use It as a Remote Control
Did you know you can use your old phone as a remote control? It’s true. You need to download a compatible app, and you’re good to go. You can choose from several different apps, so it’s crucial to find one that fits your needs. Some popular apps include Peel, SURE, and Smart IR Remote.
Once you’ve installed the app, all you need to do is power on your old phone and point it in the direction of the device you want to control. The app will then take over and allow you to perform all sorts of tasks, such as changing the channel or adjusting the volume. So if you lose your remote or if it breaks, don’t worry – your old phone can easily step in and take its place.
5. Use It as a Security Camera
Another great way to use your old phone is to turn it into a security camera. There are several different apps that you can choose from, but one of the most popular is called IP Webcam. Once you’ve installed the app, all you need to do is launch it and point your phone’s camera in the direction you want to monitor.
The app will then provide you with a live video feed that you can view from anywhere in the world. So if you’re worried about someone breaking into your home or office, this is a great way to keep an eye on things. You can also use the app to take snapshots or record videos, which can be useful for evidence if something does happen.
6. Use It as a GPS Tracker
If you’re worried about losing your phone, there’s no need to worry – you can use your old phone as a GPS tracker. Several apps offer this service, but one of the most popular is Find My Device. Once you’ve installed the app, you must log into your account and then activate the tracker.
Once the tracker is activated, you’ll be able to see your phone’s location at all times. So if it ever gets lost or stolen, you’ll be able to track it down and get it back. You can also use the tracker to remotely lock or erase your device, which can be helpful if you’re worried about someone getting their hands on your personal information.
7. Use It as a Game Console
Believe it; you can use your old phone as a game console. Several apps will allow you to play all sorts of games, from classic titles like Super Mario Bros to modern games like Angry Birds. And the best part is that you don’t need any special hardware – all you need is your old phone and a compatible app.
One popular app is called RetroArch. This app gives you access to a library of classic games you can play on your old phone. The games are emulated, meaning they’ll look and feel like the originals. So if you’re looking for a way to take a trip down memory lane, this is a great option.
So if you have an old phone lying around, don’t throw it away – there are several different things you can do with it. These are just a few of the possibilities, but there are plenty of other options out there as well. So experiment and see what works best for you. And if you need any help getting started, feel free to reach out to us. We would be more than happy to point you in the right direction.