Selling, trading, and donating old smartphones are all practical options. However, parting ways with a device packed with memories isn’t easy. Ultimately, most old smartphones end up stored away in a box, but here are some better options for you.

1 Backup Phone

Nowadays, the idea of spending even a few minutes without your smartphone is terrifying. Imagine what would happen if your phone suddenly needed repairs. Having a backup phone around means you can still stay connected with your friends and family without needing to rush to the nearest repair store immediately.

Sure, you could use a laptop or tablet to log into your social media accounts. But, a backup phone would be much more convenient to carry around and use.

As long as your old phone can still pick up a signal and connect to emergency services, it can be a lifesaver in emergencies. For instance, if you’re going on a long camping trip, it would be wise to keep a fully charged old smartphone with you. This way, you’d still have a device to call for help when your primary device runs out of juice.

2 Dedicated Music Player

Remember the good old days when dedicated devices like MP3s or the initial iPods were all the rage for streaming music? If you want to relive that experience, you can easily turn your old smartphone into a dedicated music player. This is especially helpful for people like me, who tend to get sidetracked by distracting notifications the moment they pick up their phone to change playlists.

All you need to do is clear any unnecessary apps installed on your device by deleting them manually or quickly factory resetting your iPhone or Android device. Then, download your music streaming app of choice, and you’re good to go!

If you want to use it as a music player when you’re on the go without internet access, I’d also recommend picking a streaming app that allows you to download music for offline listening.

3 GPS Device

Not all vehicles have built-in GPS systems or support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. In such situations, one option is to use your primary phone with a navigation app of your choice to find directions when you’re lost.

However, with all the social media apps you probably have on your device, receiving notifications while driving can be both distracting and unsafe. A better option is repurposing an old smartphone as a dedicated GPS device.

You can get a car mount to secure your device to the dashboard or windshield, allowing you to follow directions without taking your eyes off the road. Just like when using your device as a music player, start by clearing out unnecessary apps, then download GPS and navigation apps.

Since you’ll likely be driving in areas with poor or no cell signal at times, it’s wise to choose a navigation app that allows you to download maps for offline use. Most older smartphones often have poor battery life, and using GPS can drain the battery quickly. So, make sure you have a car charger on hand.

4 Security Camera

Many homeowners install security cameras on their properties to keep an eye on things while they’re away and to enhance their safety against crime. While these cameras can be a worthwhile investment, not everyone can afford to spend hundreds on security systems. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, you can turn your old device into a security camera.

While numerous security camera apps are available, AlfredCamera is among the most highly rated on both the App Store and Play Store. Once you set up your security camera app, simply mount the old phone where you’d like the camera to be positioned. Since a security camera runs 24/7, just make sure you have arrangements to keep your device charged.

5 Control Smart Home Devices

The idea of turning off your house’s living room lights while you’re relaxing on vacation halfway across the world once seemed futuristic. But nowadays, you can control countless other smart devices with just a few taps on your phone using their dedicated apps. With the right apps, you can even control your TV using your smartphone!

However, if you own multiple smart devices, installing so many apps on your primary device can quickly fill up its storage. In this case, you can transform your old phone into an all-in-one control hub for your smart home devices, as long as it can connect to a wireless network.

Simply head to the App Store or Play Store, download the apps for your smart home devices, and you should be good to go! For easier access, you can even mount your smartphone in an easily accessible area of your home, like in your living room or kitchen.

Thankfully, there are numerous ways to put your old smartphone to good use instead of letting it collect dust in an old box or drawer. If none of the options above seem appealing enough, you may want to consider handing it down to someone else.