Do you have an old Android phone? Reuse it with these 9 creative tips

So, you finally update your Android phone. Perhaps you offer yourself a Google Pixel 6opting for a value purchase with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE or by pre-ordering from the new Samsung Galaxy S22 range. But what about your old phone? Of course you could sell it or store it in your drawer. But you have other interesting options to consider.

If your phone is too old to have a high trade-in value, or if you’re looking to save money on a webcam or a Google Homeor if you just love to tinker, there are some pretty ingenious ways to repurpose your old device and turn it into something you’ll actually want to use.

After all, smartphones are powerful little computers with storage space and a camera. Your phone is a convenient substitute for many other electronic devices – you can even turn it into a home security camera or diagnose your car’s mechanical problems. Read on to find tips that will breathe new life into your old Android.

Turn your old Android into a webcam

It’s the perfect time to turn your old phone into a webcam. You can use a number of free apps, including Zoom or Skype, to improve the quality of your video chats during quarantine. Getting started is easy and we give you all the advice you need for a top-notch setup. Remember that even the main camera of an older phone can still be better than your laptop’s built-in webcam — or no webcam at all.

Read more: Make your Zoom calls smoother than before with these tips

Convert your old Android to Nintendo Game Boy

You can play video games wherever you go when you Turn your Android into a Nintendo Game Boy. All you need to get started is a compatible Android phone and a Hyperkin Smartboy mobile device.

To play the games, you will need to purchase Game Boy cartridges (unless you still have them). But you can also play Game Boy Advance ($490 on Amazon) applications if you don’t have the retro cartridges.

Store your photos on the old phone

Images take up so much storage space on your device, so store them on your old phone. You can use your new device to take the pictures then send them to your old phone to free up space.

You can also use your old phone as a camera and take it to places you wouldn’t normally take your new phone. For example, if you’re going to the lake or the beach, you’ll be able to take photos without worrying too much about dropping your phone in the water.

Read more: These 5 phone camera tricks will add style to your Instagram

Use your Android as a universal remote

It’s great to have one remote that can do it all – think Adam Sandler’s movie Click. OK, maybe not so extreme. But being able to control all your devices from one remote is a relief. Download a remote control app, like iRule, then sync your phone with devices, including your Xbox OneRoku and AppleTV.

If you have smart bulbs, you can also sync your phone with these. Follow these tips on How to turn your device into a universal remote So you’ll never have to wonder where your TV remote is hiding again.

Turn your Android phone into Google Home

Turn your Android phone into a Google Home The smart speaker is simple and requires no app downloads. Make sure your phone is updated to the latest Android operating system so you have “OK, Google”. Next, you will need to find a Bluetooth speaker to pair your phone with. Make sure both devices remain plugged in and turned on at all times. You will be ready to give Google commands in no time. The best part is that you won’t have to spend $129 on a Google Home. Learn more about what you can do with a Google Home here.

Your Android can act as a home security camera

Feel safe turning your old phone into a home security camera. Download a security camera app, like Alfred (also works with an iPhone), to get started. Check your house while you’re at work to make sure everything is okay. Place the phone in the main room of the house where you have the best view.

When you’re at home, set it up outside (hidden, of course) to see who’s knocking on your door or to see any suspicious activity. Maybe you’ll find out that it was just a raccoon that left candy wrappers in your yard and not your neighbor’s kid.

Use your old phone as a baby monitor

Instead of running into your child’s room every time you think you hear crying or a strange noise, check to see if your baby is okay. turn your old phone into a baby monitor.

You can set up your old phone in the room and access it from your current phone by installing Skype on both devices. You can also use a baby monitoring app like Dormi. We haven’t tested them on real babies, but customer reviews are excellent. You’ll feel better knowing you can be in any room and still see your baby.

Turn your Android into a wireless mouse

It can be annoying when your wireless mouse dies without warning. It helps to have a backup and you can turn your phone into a mouse in no time. You will need to download an app, such as Remote Mouse, to do this.

Once you have the app, connect your phone and computer to the same Wi-Fi network and say goodbye to that old-fashioned mouse. Keep it in your laptop case when you’re on the go and stop by a coffee shop to get some work done.

Keep your old phone as a music player

Free up storage space on your new phone by using your old phone as a media player. Since you have a new phone, you can erase all data from your old phone (except your music and music apps).

You’ll be able to add as many songs as your old phone will allow without worrying about how much storage you’re using. Hook it up to your surround sound speaker if you’re having a party and let the fun begin.

The great thing is that you can leave it in one place and you won’t have to worry about incoming calls and messages interrupting your music.

Now that you have some cool new ideas for your phone, here are how to cast and mirror android screen to tv, how to disinfect your device without damaging it and how to use hidden features on android 12.