Most of us have a drawer full of old gadgets lying around. Letting them pile up and collect dust isn’t just a waste of money but also a missed opportunity. You’d be surprised by how many useful things your old phone is capable of. In this Komando DIY, we’ve got four things you can do with your old smartphones after you upgrade.
9 brilliant things to do with that old cellphone you have lying around
Do you remember the days of mobile carriers upgrading your phone for free, or at least at a greatly reduced price? It typically happened every two years when you signed a new contract.
Unfortunately, those days are over and it couldn’t be worse timing. That’s because the latest and greatest smartphones can easily cost you over $1,000. Shelling out that kind of dough seems outrageous, especially if you only keep the gadget a short while before upgrading yet again. Which, believe me, happens a lot.
Most of us feel that itch after using the same device for just a couple years. We see all the new shiny features that are being released and just have to get them.
Which is why you probably have a drawer full of old gadgets lying around. Letting them simply pile up and collect dust isn’t just a waste of money but also a missed opportunity. You’d be surprised by how many useful functions your old devices are capable of.
High-tech alarm
Turn your old smartphone into a high-tech morning alarm. Most likely, there’s already an alarm function built into it.
Don’t like the standard alarm? No problem! Even if you’re not paying for cell service on your old device, you can still use it for certain apps that you’ve already downloaded.
If you have Wi-Fi in your home, you can still get new apps at any time. Set up that old gadget with a white noise app to help you sleep. Tap or click here to try an app called Relax Melodies.
Set-up home security
One thing most people wouldn’t think of is turning your old phone or tablet into a home security system. It’s a great idea if you think about it.
Old tech in your house right now that's worth big bucks
Everybody has one of those closets or spots in the basement where things, once-loved, remain forgotten after being replaced.
Admit it, while you enjoy the features of the latest devices and gadgets, you still hold a soft spot for that old junk, hence your growing collection of old cellphones, computers and other gadgetry. Tap or click to learn how a bunch of old gadgets makes stunning music.
💲 One man’s trash: Microsoft’s Trade-in Program turns old gadgets into green. Head to its site, pick what you’ve got (laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, whatever), and receive up to $500. Amazon has the same program, so check to see which offers you more moolah.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Get cash for your broken gadgets
Got old gadgets just collecting dust? You can turn them into Amazon gift cards, and the best part — they don’t even have to work!
Clever uses for your old phone: Security camera, alarm clock, emergency calling
Most of us have a drawer full of old gadgets lying around. Letting them pile up and collect dust isn’t just a waste of money but also a missed opportunity. You’d be surprised by how many useful things your old phone is capable of. In this Komando DIY, we’ve got four things you can do with your old smartphones after you upgrade.
How to breathe life into old tech
Do you have old gadgets lying around collecting dust? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a new program that can revitalize your outdated devices.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Digital Life Hack: Trade in old, broken gear for Amazon cash
Do you have any old gadgets sitting around that you’re not using anymore? Listen now to trade them in for a discount on your next Amazon purchase.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices