Not long ago, an article was published on the resource website about how you can use an old tablet after you bought a new one. Let's develop this topic and talk about how to use an old smartphone. As a rule, such gadgets become obsolete faster. And we buy smartphones more often than tablet computers. But what can be done with those smartphones that we could not or did not want to sell and which accumulate as useless cargo?
Navigation
Unlike tablets, smartphones are smaller in size. On the one hand, this reduces the scope of application of these devices after they become obsolete, and on the other hand, on the contrary, it expands. So how can you use your old smartphone?
Gadget for sports
If you are into fitness, go to the gym, jog, etc. you rarely use your new smartphone. With such active actions, it can easily be dropped. And due to the fact that smartphones themselves are very fragile, dropping such a device even from a small height can instantly disable it.
An old smartphone has one important advantage in this regard. If you break it, it will not be a tragedy for you. Install fitness apps on your old smartphone that don’t require going online, download music and go to the gym.
Desktop computer
Do you know that even your oldest smartphone is “smarter” than any personal computer from 20 years ago. This can be used for your own purposes. Install a simple operating system on your smartphone, for example, the Debian distribution, connect the device to a personal computer monitor and use it to surf the Internet, type text and do other usual things.
On specialized forums on the Internet you can learn more about how to make a mini-PC from a smartphone. Moreover, for this you do not need to buy the latest models of devices on Windows 10 with the Continuum function or analogues on Android Nougat.
GPS navigator for car
Of course, smartphones do not have as large a screen as tablets and using them as a GPS navigator is not as comfortable. But an old smartphone can also be used for this purpose. You just need to install a special application and attach the device to the car dashboard. Moreover, in the case of an old smartphone, you can leave it in the car on a permanent basis.
DVR
Since we're talking about cars, an old smartphone can be used as a DVR. To do this you need to install a special application. For example, DailyRoads Voyage. Mount your smartphone on the windshield and film what’s happening on the roads.
Virtual reality headset
Google recently presented a set of augmented reality glasses for $20. It’s surprising, but this kit is made of cardboard, and its main element is a smartphone. But why spend $20 if you can make augmented reality glasses from cardboard at home. The main thing is to find thick cardboard and attach an old smartphone to it.
Alarm
A clock or an alarm clock is the most banal thing you can make from an old smartphone. But, if you need such a device, then why not. In the Play Market you can find hundreds of applications with various functionality and melodies for creating an alarm clock.
One of the best free apps of this kind is Morning Routine. Perhaps this is the most beautiful alarm clock for the Android operating system. In addition, this application has a simple and intuitive interface and all the necessary functionality.
The user can program the automatic launch of the applications he needs after the alarm goes off. If you connect an old smartphone with such an alarm clock to your smart home system, then Morning Routine will not only be able to wake you up, but will also turn on the lights or do other “work” for a more comfortable morning.
Security camera
As with a tablet, an old smartphone can be used as a screen for a security system. But, if the small screen of your smartphone does not allow you to comfortably use such a device, then why not use this gadget as an IP camera.
Download the IP Webcam application and launch it. We set the camera operating parameters and install the device where the view is better. We synchronize the old smartphone with the device to which the image will be broadcast via Wi-Fi network and use such a camera for its intended purpose.
Radio or video baby monitor
The smartphone can also be used as a baby monitor. Why spend money on buying such a device that will turn out to be unnecessary after a while? It is enough to install the Dormi or Baby Monitor application on your old smartphone. Then we install the smartphone next to the crib and synchronize such a device with our smartphone, tablet or desktop computer.
You need to use an old smartphone without a SIM card for these purposes. Otherwise, calling it may wake up a sleeping child.
Children's toy
If your child is already familiar with electronic gadgets, install educational applications on an old smartphone, download cartoons or children's Youtube channels. For greater protection, you can install a children’s launcher on such a device and “dress” it in a rubberized case.
Anti-theft phone
Perhaps the most practical way to use an old smartphone is to install it in a car to protect it from theft. The device must be hidden where an attacker cannot see it. To ensure that such a “secret” smartphone is always on, you can periodically check its battery charge. But, if you don't want to bother with it, then plug it into your car's network. There's nothing complicated about it. After which, the old smartphone, which usually does not have long battery life, will be constantly charged. Now it is enough to register it with Google and track it using the services of this company. Apple has a similar service.
Promotion of scientific research
This is fantastic, but you can “donate” the resources of your electronic devices to science. There are several ways to do this. The most commonly used software platform for this purpose is the University of Berkeley's open source software platform. By connecting your old smartphone to this distributed computing program, you can help humanity develop projects in the fields of mathematics, molecular biology, medicine, astrophysics and climate science.
This opportunity should not be ignored. Install the official BOINC client or the unofficial NativeBOINC and AndroBOINC clients on your old smartphone. Start your smartphone and connect it to Wi-Fi. The capabilities and performance of even the oldest smartphone are higher than the performance of a personal computer from 20 years ago.
Smart TV
If your TV does not have the Smart TV function, it doesn’t matter. You can connect your old smartphone to it via HDMI or USB. A connected smartphone can be used as an external hard drive and watch movies and videos recorded on your device on a large TV screen.
But, using a cheap MHL cable, you can display the desktop of your old smartphone on the TV screen. Now you can activate games, YouTube and other applications on your smartphone and view them on the big screen.
Unfortunately, not all smartphones support HDMI output to an external screen, but if your old smartphone has this function, then why not use it to expand the capabilities of your TV.
Universal remote control
You can make a simple and convenient universal remote control for your TV, air conditioner and other devices in your home using the IControl application and an IR receiver. Televisions already have such a receiver, but for other devices you will have to buy it. But, it's worth it. After all, after this, your old smartphone will become the control panel for most devices in your home.
MP3 player
Do you like to listen to music, but the memory of your main smartphone is not enough to download all your favorite tracks? Use an old smartphone for this. Remove all applications from it except the music player. Download your favorite music and enjoy it.
This way of using an outdated gadget will not only help you make better use of your music library, but will also preserve the battery power of your main smartphone.
You can expand your music collection with TuneIn online radio. But, in order for this application to work, you need a mobile Internet or Wi-Fi network.
And if you connect speakers to your outdated smartphone, you can safely use it as a sound system.
Home alarm
To protect your home, you can take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Mobile Security System application. By installing it on your old smartphone, you can always know what’s going on in your home, even when you’re not there.
This application will help you track everything that happens in your home within reach of your smartphone. The device will report a dangerous situation if there is loud noise or if the camera detects movement in your home.
Using the Mobile Security System application, the homeowner will be able to find out about dangerous situations via SMS or email.
Firmware testing device
Some users of smartphones running the Android operating system (iOS is not suitable in this regard) can expand the capabilities of their device as they need it. Of course, you don’t need to use a new smartphone for this purpose. Especially if you are a beginner geek. In addition, when installing custom firmware on an old smartphone, you don’t have to worry about losing data.
The Android operating system provides users with great opportunities. Using an old smartphone, you can learn more about this OS, configure it the way you need it, and even write a simple application yourself. And in order not to “kill” your main smartphone, use the old one.
3G/4G modem
Almost all smartphones, even the oldest ones, have the function of distributing the Internet via Wi-Fi. In order for your old smartphone to become your new mobile router, connect to the tariff of your cellular operator that allows this feature. Unfortunately, today not all tariffs allow you to distribute the Internet to other devices.
It is especially useful to have such a gadget when you go to a place where it is not possible to receive high-speed Internet. For this purpose, turn on your old smartphone, activate Internet distribution via Wi-Fi and enjoy the Internet on your tablet, laptop or other device. Such a modem is useful to have at the dacha, fishing or during a country picnic.
Emulator or retro console
Probably, in childhood, everyone loved to play consoles such as Dendy, Game Boy, Sega and Nintendo 64. The graphics of such games aroused delight and other positive emotions in us. Of course, today those games only evoke a smile and nostalgic feelings. But, if you want to pass the time and remember your youth, then why not run them on your old smartphone. Moreover, it is unlikely to handle new high-performance games.
In order to turn your old smartphone into a retro console, just install a special emulator program into it.
Video. 5 ways to use your old smartphone
Stop hoarding junk! That's it!
Each of us has a couple of old gadgets from the “too bad to throw away, but nowhere to use” category. Why not make it free set-top box for TV or monitor?
For what?
I don’t know about you... But I (including my immediate family) have at least 5-10 old devices lying around idle.
I suspect it's the same for everyone. Android smartphones, iOS smartphones, a couple of tablets. Some of them are quite functional and can be used, “Take a break before buying a new one”. Some are faulty. 
First, we systematize such devices according to fault classes:
1. Fully serviceable - morally obsolete.
2. Fully serviceable - technologically outdated.
3. With a battery that has lost capacity.
4. Without battery (completely faulty battery).
5. With a faulty communication module.
6. With a faulty screen.
All, except for categories 4 and 6, are capable of working as a multimedia combine. Today we will talk about hardware limitations.
Wired connection of iOS devices
iOS devices capable of working on two types of wires. Legacy ones used a “30-pin -> AV” or “Lightning -> AV” cable. There are several exit options:
- VGA (scaling supported);
- composite (576p and 480p supported);
- component (576p and 480p supported);
- HDMI/DVI (scaling supported).
Wired connection of Android devices
They support video output in two ways, each must be supported by hardware (see the specifications):
- HDMI (full, mini/micro – it doesn’t matter) - connect directly to the display;
- MHL - connection via the appropriate microUSB->HDMI/miniHDMI adapter.
The resolution on the external display with an MHL connection matches the resolution of the device.
What is preferable to choose?
As you can see, preferable iOS devices look like. Although there are suitable wires for Android gadgets, you will have to buy them blindly in Chinese stores. Otherwise, old monitors without HDMI cannot be connected.
If your TV or monitor has HDMI, and the choice of devices is quite wide, it is better to stick with an old tablet with mini/microHDMI. Even 512 MB There will be enough RAM for HD films. Selecting a codec and the resolution of the source video stream is not difficult.
Required for operation working display. Some devices by default transmit a video stream to the corresponding connector, so it’s worth trying to connect a device even with a broken screen. In the absence of phantom touchscreen clicks, the console is on your hands.
Connect using Wi-Fi
The easiest way to turn a smartphone or tablet into a media console is to use one of the options for transmitting the stream over the network WiFi. Unfortunately, it will be difficult to do anything with a non-working touchscreen.
In addition, the display must be equipped with a Wi-Fi module. Most modern TVs are already have the appropriate hardware. Otherwise, you need an HDMI port and an additional set-top box ( Chromecast or its Chinese equivalent). 
Android devices offer Miracast technology, which allows you to transmit video over Wi-Fi with a resolution of up to 1920x1200 and audio up to 5.1 channel AC3. In the system settings you need to enable “Wireless display” - nothing more complicated. Some devices support similar technology from Intel. 
Most iOS devices are equipped with support for AirPlay, which is familiar to our readers. Unfortunately, due to license restrictions, you won’t be able to connect to a TV or even a monitor. An additional link will be required. This complicates the task and makes it meaningless.
…And I have!..
Surely among our readers there are those who use mobile devices as sources of content for a TV or monitor.
Tell me how you do it?
Articles and Lifehacks
The modern consumer changes mobile devices so often that sometimes, instead of the problem of repair, he is faced with the question of disposing of an outdated device.
Our article will tell you what can be done from a broken phone - provided that it is not completely damaged.
Simplest ways to use
- If the user has at least basic knowledge in the field of microelectronics, he will be able to use many useful devices that will be activated by a remote signal.
- For example, you can make a video surveillance device from an old phone, as well as a regular bug.
- In addition, he will be able to make an alarm (both simple and anti-theft), a GPS navigator or video recorder for a car, or a barcode scanner.
- In most cases, you want the built-in camera and speaker to remain operational. In addition, additional software may be required.
You can find a suitable program online. All this will give the old phone a second life.
- It is noteworthy that you can even make a charger out of a mobile device, which will be used as a means of recharging the battery of another smartphone.
- If we want to make a video surveillance device, having a working camera of 3-16 megapixels is mandatory. In this case, you will also need a large memory card.
- A suitable program is downloaded from the Internet and installed on a PC, after which the phone with the recorded video is connected to the computer via a USB cable and the recording is viewed.
- In a similar way, you can use your mobile device as a web camera, which is also quite convenient. If we need a long USB cable for any purpose, it can be ordered online with a designation such as high-speed.
Our verdict
- Using additional equipment, we will be able to make no less useful devices from our device. For example, you can make a metal detector from a radio and a telephone.
- The principle of its operation is that the mobile phone will create the desired wave by influencing the radio receiver, and the metal will distort frequency sounds. The idea of turning your phone into an anti-theft device looks no less useful.
- So, our mobile device can become a remote control, a battery, a tracking device, an additional part for assembling a flashlight, and much more.
- If desired, it can even be used to emulate older game consoles. In other words, if we are patient, we will certainly find a worthy use for our old phone.
It happens that you buy a new smartphone before the old one breaks. The reasons can be different - technomania, a raise at work, “I’ve been wanting a good camera for a long time”, “Dad, it’s my birthday”... The question is different: what to do with the old one? Recycling? Sell? Give it to someone?
Let’s immediately say that you shouldn’t throw away your phone in any case: take pity on the environment, the insides of the mobile phone and the plastic used for it. We offer you a list of technologically advanced, fun and strange ideas on how to put your old smartphone to good use.
Game console
It's easy to connect your Android phone to your TV using the Chromecast streaming service or via a USB-to-HDMI adapter cable. Download the emulator with a selection of your favorite classic console games and enjoy! Apps exist for everything from Super Nitendo to Sega Genesis. Any joystick that works via Bluetooth, for example, from a PS3, will work as a joystick.
For training
You can continue to use your old smartphone at the gym or while jogging. Remove all unnecessary applications, or better yet, roll back to factory settings and install the ones you need again. Take out the SIM card and under no circumstances log in via Facebook or VKontakte - and no one will distract you. Download good training programs and an audio player, load your favorite music. And go for a run.
Desktop computer
Why not? Modern smartphones, which are sold in Ukraine, for example, on y.ua, are significantly more productive than computers ten to fifteen years ago. In fact, the filling is not particularly different. You can install an operating system from the Linux family on your smartphone, connect a monitor, keyboard and mouse (via Bluetooth or a USB hub), and your computer is ready. Give it to your grandmother, give it to a child to be torn to pieces, or simply put it as a backup - it’s up to you.
Navigator
Here's a way to save money: You don't need to buy a GPS if you have an old smartphone. Just install a suitable application or several - MAPS.ME for offline maps, Yandex.Maps - for cases where there is Internet... At the same time, such a navigator can serve as a car radio.
A virtual reality
Have you heard about Google Cardbord? These are virtual reality glasses that are designed to be used with a smartphone as a screen and cost only $20. Well, or half an hour of fussing with an unnecessary cardboard box. Of course, most virtual reality applications are still raw. But it's still very interesting. And you will definitely beat most of your friends in the “technology race”!
A small note: for applications to work correctly, you need a good gyroscope. Or at least some kind of gyroscope. Before you kill your favorite laptop box, make sure your old phone has one.
Alarm
Seriously, who still uses an analog watch these days? And for smartphones there is an almost endless variety of applications with a variety of clocks and alarms. Just add a cheap docking station.
WIFI repeater
Does the signal from the router in the room reach the kitchen poorly? Use an old phone as a repeater. You will need to install a special application, for example, fqrouter2 and root rights.
CCTV
A smartphone is not only a SIM card slot, but also a camera! How about a custom home security system? You will need WIFI, some patience and an appropriate application. By the way, the second application is equipped with a motion detector and can, upon noticing a suspicious movement, send you photos by email.
Digital photo frame
To turn your smartphone into a self-flipping photo album, install an app like Dayframe and place it somewhere advantageous. Doesn't work well on smartphones with small screens. We strongly do not recommend nailing such a photo frame.
Brain for a robot
We have already decided that every smartphone is a computer at heart. And the “brain” of the robot is also a computer! So whether you were a fan of Asimov as a child, or you are haunted by the laurels of crazy inventors on YouTube, there is great scope for experimentation. By the way, ready-made sets are also sold, but it’s not so interesting!
Baby monitor
By the way, with the help of an old smartphone you can monitor not only your house during your absence, but also your small child. Again, there are a lot of baby monitor programs. Baby Monitor, for example, can broadcast video and audio, and contains instructions for use by the child. The only problem is that, unlike conventional baby monitors, the smartphone baby monitor is not shockproof and does not withstand attempts to chew on it, so secure the phone so that the child cannot reach it.
Just in case
Get some kind of SIM card with a “calls only” tariff, put fifty hryvnias there and put the phone along with a spare battery in the glove compartment and forget about it. Recharge the battery periodically. An excellent backup means of communication in case something goes wrong or the gas runs out at the same time as the money on the main phone.
Donate to charities
In any city there are organizations that collect clothes and other useful things for children from orphanages. Smartphones in Ukraine quite fall into the category of “useful things”.
All Android smartphones are different, and at the same time they are all very similar to each other. Almost everyone performs the same functions on their smartphone, the only difference is what applications this or that Android lover uses. However, there are only 5 things that absolutely everyone must do with their Android smartphone, regardless of their type of activity or interests. Here's the short list:
1. Set up remote control
is what you should configure first. This program will most likely not be beneficial right away, but it may be useful later. If you lose your smartphone, it will allow you to remotely block it, send a signal, a message, or delete all data from it. You should hope that you will never need this program, but at the same time, this is the first thing you need to install and configure.
2. Upgrade your Wi-Fi
First, you should configure the Chrome browser. There is a feature in your browser settings menu to reduce data usage. You can significantly reduce your traffic costs. The second thing that is important to know is the ability to configure your phone to avoid a bad Wi-Fi connection. It is a poor connection that greatly drains the smartphone's battery, and you can refuse it in the advanced Wi-Fi connection optimization settings.
3. Install Pushbullet
There are a huge number of different applications. Some people need and are interested in some, others in others. will also be useful not to everyone, but to many. This program sends notifications from your smartphone to your computer, and also allows you to quickly exchange links and other information between your smartphone and computer. It's comfortable.
4. Set up NFC
Unfortunately, today many people do not even understand what advantages a smartphone with NFC gives them. But this technology can significantly save time. You can set up a connection with your headset in just one click, and you can scatter tags around your home and workplace, completely automating the sending of some messages and other actions. Some guy even implanted a tag in his hand so he wouldn't have to unlock his smartphone. I'm not advocating this, but it's worth exploring NFC if your smartphone supports it.
5. Set up screen lock protection
Let's return to the first point. It's great when your phone is under your control even after it's lost. It’s even better if all your personal data also remains yours, and for this it’s worth installing protection on the lock screen. It doesn’t matter whether you like the code or the pattern, just set something that you can remember well in the security settings of your smartphone.
Based on materials from AndroidPit
