9 smart ways to reuse your old Android phone

So you have said goodbye to your Android. You may replace it with one Google Pixel 6by selecting from Samsung Galaxy S22 lineup or even jumps ship and gets an iPhone. But what to do with your beloved old phone? You can store it in a drawer or try that Sell ​​it. However, you have some other interesting options that are worth considering.

If your phone is too old to have a high swap value or you want to save some money on a webcam or a Google Homeor you just like to tinker with, there are some pretty ingenious ways to recycle your old device and turn it into something you actually want to use.

After all, smartphones are small, powerful computers with storage space and a camera. Your phone is a convenient replacement for lots of other electronics – you can even make it a home security camera or diagnose your car’s mechanical problems. Read on for tricks that will give your old Android new life.

Turn your old Android into a webcam

Now is a good time to turn your old phone into a webcam. You can use a variety of free apps – including Zoom or Skype – to improve the quality of your video chats below quarantine. It’s easy to get started and we give it to you all the tips you need for a top-notch setup. Keep in mind that even an older phone’s main camera could still be better than your laptop’s built-in webcam – or no webcam at all.

Read more: Make your zoom calls run more smoothly with these tricks

Convert your old Android to a Nintendo Game Boy

You can play video games anywhere you go turn your Android into a Nintendo Game Boy. All you need to get started is a compatible Android phone and a $ 50 Hyperkin Smartboy mobile device.

To play the games, you must purchase Game Boy cartridges (unless you still have them). But you can also play Game Boy Advance apps if you do not have the retro cartridges.

Save your photos on the old phone

Pictures take up so much space on your device, so save them on your old phone. You can use your new device for take the pictures and then send them to your older phone to free up space.

You can also use your old phone as a camera and take it with you to places where you would not normally bring your new phone. For example, if you go to the lake or the beach, you can take pictures without worrying so much about dropping your phone in the water.

Read more: These 5 phone camera tricks will add some flair to your Instagram

Use your Android as a universal remote control

It’s great to have one remote that can do everything – think of Click, the Adam Sandler movie. Okay, maybe not so extreme. But being able to control all your devices from one remote control is a relief. Download a remote control app, such as iRule, and then sync your phone to devices including yours Xbox OneRoku and Apple TV.

If you have smart bulbs, you can also sync your phone with them. Follow these tips regarding how to turn your device into a universal remote so you never have to wonder where your remote control for the TV is hiding again.

Turn your Android phone into a Google Home

Recycling your Android phone to be one Google Home smart speaker is simple and requires no app downloads. Make sure your phone is up to date with the latest Android OS so you have “OK, Google”. Next, find a Bluetooth speaker to pair your phone with. Make sure both devices are always connected and turned on. You will be ready to give Google Commands in no time. The best part is that you do not have to spend $ 129 on a Google Home. Learn more about what you can do with a Google Home here.

Your Android can act as a home security camera

Feel safe by turning your old phone into one home security camera. Download a security camera app like Alfred (also works with an iPhone) to get started. Check your house while you are at work to make sure everything is fine. Place the phone in the main room of the house in a place where you have the best view.

Once you are at home, set it up outside (hidden, of course) to see who is knocking on your door or to see any suspicious activity. Maybe you will find that it is just a raccoon that has left candy wrappers in your garden and not your neighbor’s child.

Use your old phone as a baby monitor

Instead of running into your baby’s room every time you think you’re hearing crying or a strange sound, check to see if your baby is feeling well. turns your old phone into a baby monitor.

You can set up your old phone in the room and access it from your current phone by installing Skype on both devices. You can also use a baby monitor app like Dormi. We have not tested them on real babies, but the customer reviews are excellent. You will feel better knowing that you can be in any room and still see your baby.

Turn your Android into a wireless mouse

It can be annoying when your wireless mouse dies on you without any warning. It helps to have a backup and you can turn your phone into a mouse in no time. You need to download an app, such as Remote Mouse, to do this.

Once you have the app, connect your phone and desktop to the same Wi-Fi network and say goodbye to the old mouse. Keep it in your laptop bag when you are on the go and stop by a café to get the job done.

Keep your old phone as a music player

Free up storage space on your new phone by using your old phone as a media player. Since you have a new phone, you can delete all data from your old phone (except your music and music apps).

You will be able to add as many songs as your old phone allows without worrying about how much storage space you are using. Connect it to your surround sound speaker if you’re having a party and let the fun begin.

The great thing is that you will be able to leave it in one place and not have to worry about incoming calls and messages interrupting your tunes.

Now that you’ve got some cool new ideas for your phone, here it is how to cast and mirror an android screen to a tv, how to disinfect your device without damaging it and how to use the hidden features of Android 12.