As technology advances, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves upgrading to newer mobile devices on a regular basis. But what do you do with your old mobile devices?
Rather than letting them gather dust in a drawer, why not repurpose them into new tools that can be used around the home or on the go? Try these cool tech hacks to increase your productivity.
Explore 25 ways to repurpose your old mobile device into new tools
In this article, we’ll explore 25 cool ways to repurpose your old mobile device into new tools, from GPS devices and security cameras to music players and e-readers.
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Use it as a dedicated GPS device
Repurpose your old mobile device as a dedicated GPS device by downloading a navigation app such as Google Maps or Waze and keeping it charged in your car. This can be especially helpful if you don’t want to drain the battery on your primary phone while navigating.
Simply mount the device on your dashboard or place it in a holder and use it to get directions and traffic updates. -
Use it as a security camera
Transform your old mobile device into a security camera by downloading a security camera app such as Alfred or Nest and setting it up to record footage when it detects motion.
Place the device in a strategic location, such as in the front entrance or living room, and use it to monitor your home when you’re away. You can even set up notifications to alert you if the camera detects any unusual activity. -
Use it as a baby monitor
If you have a young child at home, repurpose your old mobile device as a baby monitor by downloading a baby monitor app such as Baby Monitor 3G or Dormi.
Place the device in your child’s room and use it to listen for any sounds or movements from your baby.
Some baby monitor apps even have features such as temperature monitoring and two-way audio, allowing you to talk to your baby from a remote location. -
Use it as a digital photo frame
Turn your old mobile device into a digital photo frame by downloading a photo slideshow app such as Frameo or Motion Photo Frame. Load the app with your favorite photos and set it up to display a slideshow of them.
Place the device in a prominent location, such as on your mantel or coffee table, and enjoy a rotating display of your memories. -
Use it as a music player
Repurpose your old mobile device as a music player by downloading a music app such as Spotify or Apple Music and loading it up with your favorite tunes.
Connect the device to a speaker or set of headphones and use it to play music wherever you go. -
Use it as a portable movie player
If you have a long flight or road trip coming up, repurpose your old mobile device as a portable movie player by downloading a movie app such as Netflix or Hulu and loading it up with your favorite films.
Connect the device to a larger display, such as a laptop or TV, and use it to watch movies while on the go. -
Use it as a kitchen timer
Transform your old mobile device into a kitchen timer by downloading a timer app such as Time Timer or Kitchen Timer. Use the app to set countdown timers for different tasks in the kitchen, such as boiling eggs or baking cookies.
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Use it as a bedside alarm clock
Repurpose your old mobile device as a bedside alarm clock by downloading an alarm clock app such as Alarmy or Sleep Cycle. Set the alarm to wake you up in the morning and use the device as a traditional alarm clock.
Some alarm clock apps even have features such as white noise generators and sleep tracking, allowing you to optimize your sleep routine. -
Use it as an e-reader
Turn your old mobile device into an e-reader by downloading an e-book app such as Kindle or Nook and loading it up with your favorite books. Use the device to read e-books wherever you go, whether you’re at home or on the go.
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Use it as a remote control
Repurpose your old mobile device as a remote control by downloading a remote control app such as Universal Remote or AnyMote.
Use the app to control your TV, cable box, or other home entertainment devices. Simply pair the device with it. -
Use it as a fitness tracker
Transform your old mobile device into a fitness tracker by downloading a fitness tracking app such as MyFitnessPal or Fitbit and using it to track your workouts and physical activity.
Some fitness-tracking apps allow you to set goals, track your progress, and even compete with friends. -
Use it as a voice recorder
Repurpose your old mobile device as a voice recorder by downloading a voice recording app such as Voice Memos or Evernote.
Use the app to record lectures, meetings, or other audio notes. You can even use the app to transcribe your recordings into text for easier reference. -
Use it as a translation tool
Turn your old mobile device into a translation tool by downloading a translation app such as Google Translate or iTranslate.
Use the app to translate text or spoken words in real time, whether you’re traveling abroad or interacting with people who speak a different language. -
Use it as a weather station
Repurpose your old mobile device as a weather station by downloading a weather app such as The Weather Channel or AccuWeather.
Use the app to check the forecast and get updates on current conditions. Some weather apps even have features such as severe weather alerts and radar maps. -
Use it as a recipe keeper
Transform your old mobile device into a recipe keeper by downloading a recipe app such as Yummly or AllRecipes.
Use the app to store and organize your favorite recipes, whether you found them online or handwritten by a loved one. Some recipe apps even have features such as shopping list generators and meal-planning tools. -
Use it as a calculator
Repurpose your old mobile device as a calculator by downloading a calculator app such as Calculator or MyScript Calculator.
Use the app to perform basic math functions, whether you’re doing quick calculations or solving complex equations. -
Use it as a notepad
Turn your old mobile device into a notepad by downloading a note-taking app such as Evernote or OneNote.
Use the app to jot down ideas, to-do lists, or other notes. You can even use the app to organize your notes into categories or tag them for easy reference. -
Use it as a home automation controller
Repurpose your old mobile device as a home automation controller by downloading a smart home app such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
Use the app to control your smart home devices and appliances, such as your thermostat, lighting, and security system. -
Use it as a security system monitor
Transform your old mobile device into a security system monitor by downloading a security system app such as ADT or SimpliSafe.
Use the app to keep track of your home security system and receive alerts if anything out of the ordinary is detected. -
Use it as a pet cam
If you have a pet at home, repurpose your old mobile device as a pet cam by downloading a pet cam app such as Furbo or Petcube.
Place the device in a strategic location, such as near your pet’s favorite spot, and use it to monitor your pet when you’re away from home.
Some pet cam apps even have features such as two-way audio and treat dispensers, allowing you to interact with your pet remotely. -
Use it as a weatherproof outdoor camera
Turn your old mobile device into a weatherproof outdoor camera by downloading a weatherproof camera app such as Arlo or Nest Cam Outdoor.
Use the app to monitor the outside of your home or property, whether you’re looking for intruders or checking on the weather. -
Use it as a smart home hub
Repurpose your old mobile device as a smart home hub by downloading a smart home app such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
Use the app to control your smart home devices and appliances, such as your thermostat, lighting, and security system.
Some smart home apps even allow you to set up routines and automation, so you can control multiple devices with a single command. -
Use it as a game console
If your old mobile device has gaming capabilities, repurpose it as a game console by downloading your favorite games and using them to play them.
Connect the device to a larger display, such as a laptop or TV, and use it to play console-quality games wherever you go. -
Use it as a learning tool
Transform your old mobile device into a learning tool by downloading educational apps such as Duolingo or Khan Academy.
Use the app to learn a new skill or subject, whether you’re trying to improve your language skills or learn about a new topic. -
Use it as a home theater controller
Repurpose your old mobile device as a home theater controller by downloading a home theater app such as Logitech Harmony or LG TV Plus.
Use the app to control your home theater setups, such as your TV, sound system, and streaming devices. You can even use the app to access your favorite streaming apps and content.
Conclusion
There are countless ways to repurpose your old mobile device into new tools, whether you’re looking for practical solutions or creative projects.
From dedicated GPS devices and security cameras to music players and e-readers, there are options for everyone. By repurposing your old mobile device, you can extend its lifespan and get even more value out of it.
So the next time you’re ready to upgrade, consider these 25 ways to repurpose your old mobile device into new tools.
