Got an old smartphone collecting dust in a drawer? Don’t toss it—transform it. That little slab of tech still packs a punch, and with a bit of creativity, you can give it a second life that’s smart, sustainable, and surprisingly useful.
Here are 10 genius ways to repurpose your old smartphone—no landfill required.
1. Turn It Into a Smart Home Controller
Download your favorite smart home apps—Google Home, Alexa, Philips Hue, SmartThings—and dedicate your old phone to managing lights, locks, cameras, and thermostats. Mount it on the wall or leave it on the coffee table for easy access to your home command center.
🛠️ Pro tip: Use a simple phone stand or magnetic wall mount for an easy touchscreen hub.
2. Use It as a Security Camera
With apps like Alfred, Manything, or Presence, your old phone can become a motion-sensing security cam or baby monitor. Just plug it in, connect it to Wi-Fi, and keep an eye on your space from anywhere.
👁️ Perfect for watching over pets, packages, or your front door.
3. Make It a Dedicated Music Player
Free up your main device and convert your old phone into a standalone Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube player. Connect it to Bluetooth speakers or your car’s audio system—no notifications, no distractions, just pure sound.
🎶 Bonus: It works great as a white noise machine for sleep or study.
4. Create a Digital Photo Frame
Load up your favorite photos and set your old phone to run a slideshow with apps like Fotoo or just your built-in gallery. It makes a perfect desk or nightstand display—like a modern-day picture frame with memory.
🖼️ Add a sleek stand and you’ve got instant aesthetic.
5. Turn It Into a Portable Gaming Device
Many classic games don’t need the latest chipsets. Load up some retro games, puzzle apps, or mobile classics and use it as your dedicated gaming-on-the-go device. Great for flights, waiting rooms, or sneaky lunch break sessions.
🎮 Try pairing it with a Bluetooth controller for console-like play.
6. Use It as an eReader or Podcast Machine
Download your Kindle app, Audible, or favorite podcast apps and turn your phone into a dedicated reading/listening tool. It’s light, portable, and distraction-free when it’s not doubling as your main phone.
📚 Bonus: It’s perfect for long commutes or winding down before bed.
7. Transform It Into a Kids’ Device
Wipe the phone clean, set up parental controls, and preload it with educational apps, games, or cartoons. It becomes a kid-friendly entertainment device without handing over your main phone.
🧸 Keep it in airplane mode for offline-only play and no unexpected texts.
8. Make It a GPS Navigator
Mount it in your car and use it for GPS-only navigation with Waze, Google Maps, or offline maps. You’ll save battery on your main phone and always have a backup if your signal drops.
🚗 Ideal for road trips, bike rides, or turning your car into a budget-friendly smart vehicle.
9. Use It as a Webcam or Second Monitor
Working from home? Use your old phone as a webcam (with apps like DroidCam or EpocCam) or a second monitor for emails, calendars, or notes (via apps like Duet Display or Spacedesk).
💻 A simple upgrade to your remote work setup without spending a dime.
10. Donate It or Use It as an Emergency Device
If you’re truly done with it, donate it to a local charity, school, or shelter. Or, keep it charged as an emergency phone—most can still dial 911 even without a SIM card or service plan.
🔋 Just make sure it’s factory reset and stored safely with a charger.
Old Phone, New Purpose
Your old smartphone is way more than e-waste—it’s a powerful, pocket-sized multitool just waiting to be reimagined. Whether it becomes your smart home sidekick, a DIY security cam, or your podcast companion, repurposing is smart for your wallet and the planet.
So before you toss it in the junk drawer, ask:
What else can it become?