Upgrading your phone can be very exciting. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and the prospect of having a new device, that we completely neglect the old one.
Too often, many of us either end up throwing the old phone away, or leave it in a drawer never to be touched again. We are living in a time where technology is constantly developing, which leads us to believe that the moment we get a new handset, the old one is simply outdated and defunct.
There are a number of things that you can do instead of throwing the phone away, here are five of them:
Use it as a Sat Nav
Most smartphones are still very capable when it comes to satellite navigation, regardless of how old they are. Some phones can even work as a navigation device without a data connection simply by using the phone’s built in GPS.
Some built in navigation apps do require an internet connection, there are however, several out there that can be used offline. This makes using your old handset as a GPS system a great solution when your main device has low signal.
Turn it Into a Security Camera
There are a number of apps available that allow you to use your device as a security camera or a baby monitor. All you need to do is plug in your old handset with the app running in the location that you want to monitor and you will be able to see a live feed on another device.
Some apps will also allow two way audio between the two devices, which is great if you want to use it as a baby monitor. If you want to turn the old handset into a full home security system, then there are apps that work with motion sensors that will alert you if your property is breached.
Recycle Your Phone For Cash
If you just want to get rid of your old device and are not looking to reuse it for another purpose, you can recycle it instead of throwing it away. Selling your phone to a company that recycles components from old devices is not only a more environmentally friendly option, but it also pays.
Most phone recycling companies will pay you a fair amount for your old device, which usually beats throwing it away or leaving it in a drawer forever. There are many companies out there like Sell My Mobile that will give you cash in exchange for your old device. Selling your old phone to a recycling company is often more hassle free than listing it on online auction sites, or classifieds that usually charge you to sell your items.
Use it as a Hub for Your Home Entertainment and Smart Products
Many home devices now use mobile apps to control them, for example smart TVs or music systems. Having many apps to control your devices while also using your phone for other purposes can be difficult, so having a device dedicated to controlling all of your smart devices can be pretty useful.
Many home appliances can now be controlled using app technology, some people even have smart heating and lighting systems for their home. By using your old device as a hub for all of your smart devices, your main handset is freed up for you to perform other tasks with. You could even mount the old device to a wall and use it as a touchpad controller.
Turn Your Old Phone Into A Dedicated Camera
Although most people use their handset to take photos, most don’t use it to its full potential. There are lots of additional accessories and apps available that can help transform your phone into a camera that is similar to a digital SLR.
Digital SLR cameras are very expensive, but you can replicate one with your old phone. There are even adapters that will allow you to attach SLR lenses to your device. Carrying all of these accessories around with you can be a pain, so having your old phone set up with everything attached is a good idea.
