12 Smart Ways to Repurpose Your Old Phone (Don’t Throw It Away!)

Introduction

Many of us have one or more old phones gathering dust in a drawer. Although we no longer use them as our primary device, these phones still hold value and functionality we can take advantage of. Instead of throwing them away or letting them sit forgotten, why not give them a second life?

In this article, we share 12 useful and creative ways to repurpose your old phone, whether it’s Android or iPhone. Some ideas can save you money, others can improve your home security, or even help you safely store cryptocurrencies. Let’s get started!

1. 🪙 Turn It Into a Cryptocurrency Cold Wallet

One of the safest ways to store cryptocurrencies is on a device completely offline—a cold wallet. Your old phone is perfect for this.

How to do it:

• Factory reset the phone.

• Install a wallet app that supports offline mode, such as BlueWallet, Electrum, or Trust Wallet.

• Disconnect all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile networks.

• Store the device in a safe place with no daily use.

Ideal for securely storing Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies long-term.

2. 📷 Home or Business Security Camera

Transform your old phone into an IP security camera, perfect for monitoring pets, your home, or a business.

Recommended apps:

• Alfred Camera

• Manything

• IP Webcam

Place it in a spot with a good view, keep it plugged in, and connect it to the app to watch live from your main phone.

3. 📶 Wi-Fi Tester or Repeater

Use your old smartphone to test Wi-Fi coverage around your house and find dead zones. Some Android models can even be set up as a Wi-Fi repeater using apps like NetShare.

A great way to improve your home network without buying extra hardware.

4. 🎛️ Smart Home Control Panel

Connect the old phone to your smart home devices: lights, cameras, thermostats, smart blinds…

Useful apps:

• Google Home

• SmartThings

• Mi Home

• Home Assistant

Mount it on the wall or keep it fixed on a stand, like a dedicated tablet for home control.

5. 🎮 Retro Gaming Console

Turn your phone into a portable retro gaming console using emulators like:

• RetroArch

• PPSSPP (PSP)

• DraStic (Nintendo DS)

• My Boy! (Game Boy Advance)

Add a Bluetooth controller and enjoy your favorite childhood games.

6. 🎵 Music or Audiobook Player

Your old phone can still play music perfectly. Download your favorite songs or apps like Spotify or YouTube Music and use it as a dedicated music player.

Great for connecting to a Bluetooth speaker or car audio system.

7. 🔐 Password or Sensitive Document Vault

Since it can be offline, the old phone is ideal as a secure vault for private information. Use apps like Keepass2Android or Bitwarden (offline mode) to store passwords, private keys, or confidential notes.

8. 📚 Educational Center for Kids

Set the phone up as an educational and entertainment device for young children.

Tips:

• Enable parental controls.

• Install apps like YouTube Kids, Duolingo, Khan Academy Kids, or interactive storybooks.

9. 🧭 GPS for Hiking or Travel

Install offline map apps like Maps.me or download offline maps on Google Maps. This is a handy backup GPS for travel or outdoor activities.

10. 🕹️ Universal Remote Control

Many phones have infrared (IR) capability, allowing them to act as a universal remote for TVs, air conditioners, and other appliances.

If it doesn’t have IR, it can still control devices via Wi-Fi (like Chromecast or Fire TV).

11. 🖥️ Second Monitor for Your Computer

With apps like Spacedesk or Duet Display, you can use your old phone as an extra monitor. Perfect for notifications, chats, or additional controls without cluttering your main screen.

12. 🔋 Emergency or File Transfer Device

Keep the phone as an emergency phone with a SIM card, or as a quick file transfer tool between devices using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct (e.g., ShareIt).

🛠️ Tips Before Repurposing Your Phone

1. Factory reset to erase previous data.

2. Disable syncing and automatic updates.

3. Optimize battery or keep it plugged in.

4. Remove SIM and SD cards if you won’t use them.

5. Set a password or lock screen if storing private info.

Conclusion

Don’t underestimate what an old phone can still offer. From boosting your security to serving as a tool for entertainment or productivity, there are many ways to repurpose it without spending more money.

Instead of discarding or neglecting it, consider one of these ideas and give it a useful second life. Both the environment and your wallet will thank you.