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In many homes, old cell phones tend to accumulate in drawers or shelves, displaced by newer and more powerful models. However, these devices can still offer considerable value beyond simply being discarded.
From becoming storage devices to serving as home security cameras, the possibilities are diverse and useful. Here we explore ten creative ways to repurpose an old Android phone, making the most of its capabilities and extending its lifespan in a smart way.
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Alternative uses for an old cell phone
- Expanded external storage:
One of the most practical uses for an old cell phone is to turn it into an additional storage device. While external USBs and SSDs are common options, a phone can be just as effective and more versatile. Equipped with SD card slots, an Android phone can significantly expand its storage capacity, ideal for storing photos, videos, and documents without taking up space on your primary device.
- Home Smart Speaker:
Turning an old Android phone into a smart speaker is a great way to give it a second life in your home. With support for assistants like Google Assistant, the phone can function as a smart home speaker, handling daily tasks, playing music, and more. Connected to a Bluetooth speaker, it can even rival commercial smart speakers, offering similar functionality without the extra cost.
- Controlled children’s phone:
Giving a child a cell phone can be expensive and worrying for many parents, but an old Android cell phone can be the perfect solution. With parental control apps and limited features, you can provide kids with a means to communicate without the risks associated with a newer phone. Plus, many of these old phones have decent cameras, perfect for budding little photographers.
- Remote Control & Streaming Device
Many older Android phones are equipped with infrared emitters, allowing them to function as universal remote controls for TVs and other devices. In addition, they can connect to smart TVs to stream content or use them as standalone media players, ideal for avoiding distractions on the main device during family time.
- Car Camera & Media Center:
Transforming an old cell phone into a multimedia system for cars is an excellent option for those who do not want to invest in a modern stereo. With the ability to act as a dash cam, the cell phone can record video while driving, in addition to providing access to applications such as Google Maps and Spotify, making the trip a more modern and connected experience.
- Bicycle companion:
For enthusiastic cyclists, an older Android phone can offer an Android Auto-like experience on your bike. Resistant to vibrations and the elements, it can be securely mounted to provide GPS navigation and on-the-road entertainment, without compromising the functionality of the main phone.
- Help in the kitchen:
Using an old phone as a tablet in the kitchen is a great way to keep recipes on hand and watch video tutorials without worrying about damaging an expensive device. Mounted on a stand on the countertop, it can be set not to automatically shut off, facilitating quick access to useful information while cooking.
- Webcam para PC
With cameras becoming more and more necessary for virtual meetings and live broadcasts, converting an old cell phone into a webcam can be an economical and effective solution. Mounted on a stand, it can provide decent image quality and be easily connected via a USB port, avoiding the driver installation issues that often plague traditional webcams.
- Baby monitor or security camera:
Older Android phones, equipped with cameras, microphones, and Wi-Fi connectivity, are perfect for home surveillance functions. With proper applications, they can be converted into safe baby monitors or home security cameras, offering peace of mind without the associated cost of dedicated security cameras.
- Handheld Game Console:
Finally, turning an old cell phone into a portable gaming console is a great way to enjoy games without draining the battery of your main device. With the ability to install emulators and light games, you can provide hours of entertainment without worrying about incoming notifications or calls.
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