Old smartphone not for the trash: 10 useful ways to repurpose a gadget.

According to ТСН: An old smartphone that usually just sits in a drawer can be transformed into a useful device. Besides the usual options like gifting it to children or using it as a surveillance camera, there are many other ways to give new life to an outdated gadget.

1. Universal remote control

If your old Android device has an infrared port, it can replace all remotes in the house. With special apps from Google Play, you can control the TV, air conditioner, and other household appliances. The key is to ensure direct line of sight between the devices.

2. Smart Home Hub

Mount the old smartphone or tablet on the wall and use it as a stationary smart home control center. With apps like Home Assistant, Google Assistant, or Action Blocks, you will have a single interface for controlling lighting, thermostats, and IoT devices that is constantly connected to power and Wi-Fi.

3. Mobile file server (NAS)

An old phone can function as a portable network storage (NAS). With apps like MiXplorer or Prim-ftpd, the device can become a server supporting WebDAV, SMB, or SFTP. By connecting a microSD card or an external drive via USB OTG cable, you'll create a home NAS for file sharing and backup.

4. Dedicated media player or podcast station

Offload your primary device by turning the old smartphone into a music player. Download audiobooks, podcasts, or music and connect it to your home stereo system via Bluetooth or audio cable.

5. Car GPS navigator or dash cam

Your old gadget can serve two key roles in your car:

• GPS navigator. Download offline maps (Google Maps or Waze) and use it exclusively for navigation, preserving the battery of your main phone.

• Dash cam. With apps like Droid Dashcam, you can record the road situation, increasing safety in case of an accident.

6. E-book reader

An old smartphone can become a convenient reading device. Install reading apps (Google Play Books, Moon+ Reader), adjust the night mode, and enjoy reading without worrying about the battery of your main device.

7. Baby monitor and monitoring system

Using two old smartphones and special apps (WiFi Baby Monitor, Bibino), you can create a full-fledged baby monitor system. One device acts as a camera in the nursery, while the other acts as a parent unit for viewing the feed.

8. Fitness tracker for workouts

Devote the old smartphone to workouts. Apps like Strava, MyFitnessPal, or Map My Fitness will help track your runs, bike rides, and gym sessions without taxing the GPS and battery of your main phone.

9. Podcasting station

Using apps like Riverside or StreamYard and an additional microphone, you can turn the old phone into a transmitter for recording and streaming podcasts. This allows for recording high-quality sound and streaming to YouTube or Twitch.

10. Portable file storage

A smartphone with ample storage or support for microSD cards can become a handy portable storage device. You can save backups, photo archives, and videos on it, freeing up space on your daily device.

Thus, an old smartphone can find a new, useful application and be of service in everyday life. Don't rush to throw it away – give your digital assistant a chance at new life.