Did you just buy a new Android smartphone and you don’t know what to do with your old one? You don’t have to sell it right away, because these nine suggestions might still extend the usefulness of your old smartphone.
Turn it into a wireless router. Almost any smartphone can turn into a Wi-Fi hotspot and share its mobile connection. Just make sure its SIM card has high limit or unlimited data.
Use it for Android development. Are you a budding developer? Test drive your apps on your spare phone instead of risking funny stuff and bugs on your main device.
Use it for surveillance. With a decent camera, any smartphone can be used for security purposes. You only need to install an app that lets you remotely watch the video and audio feed live on any browser. There’s no need for a separate baby monitor at all.
Transform it into an educational tool for your kid. All you need to do is add some parental controls, a launcher with a kid-friendly interface and some games that are both fun and instructive.
Honorable Mentions
Besides the ideas above, you can install apps and use your old Android smartphone…
- As an emulator for classic and old school gaming
- As a multimedia, recipe and GPS device for your living room, kitchen, and car, respectively
- As an e-book reader
- As a computer remote with apps like TeamViewer and Microsoft Remote Desktop
- As a wireless mouse or keyboard for your computer
When you can’t find a new purpose for your old smartphone, then you can always sell it through Gazelle.com, Craigslist or eBay. Or maybe you can participate in a trade-in program with your network provider to get a subsidized price for a new smartphone. Think about recycling it or giving it to charity, too.
