Got an Old iPhone? 8 Things You Can Do With It

Got an Old iPhone? 8 Things You Can Do With It

As technology rapidly evolves, our once-cutting-edge gadgets can quickly become outdated. If you’ve got an old iPhone lying around, don’t just toss it aside. These devices still have plenty of life left in them and can be repurposed in a variety of creative and practical ways. Here are eight ideas to breathe new life into your old iPhone.

1. Use It as a Dedicated Music Player

If you love music, repurposing your old iPhone as a dedicated music player can be a great option. Modern smartphones often come with extensive storage, but if your old iPhone has a decent amount of space, you can load it up with your favorite tunes and use it exclusively for music. This can be especially useful if you want to preserve battery life on your current phone or keep it free from apps and data that might slow it down.

Steps to Turn It Into a Music Player:

• Erase and Set Up: Start by erasing all content and settings to give your iPhone a fresh start. Navigate to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
• Set Up as a New Device: After erasing, set it up as a new device. Connect it to Wi-Fi.
• Install a Music App: Download a music app or use the built-in Music app to sync your playlists. You can also use streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music.

2. Transform It Into a Home Security Camera

Your old iPhone can be transformed into a home security camera with a few simple steps and the right app. This setup can help you monitor different areas of your home without investing in additional security hardware.

How to Set Up a Security Camera:

• Choose an App: Install a security camera app like Manything, Alfred, or Presence. These apps allow you to use your iPhone’s camera as a live feed and often include features like motion detection and cloud storage.
• Set It Up: Place your iPhone in a strategic location where it can monitor the area you want to keep an eye on. Ensure it’s plugged into a power source to avoid running out of battery.
• Monitor Remotely: Use another device or app to view the live feed and receive alerts if needed.

3. Create a Dedicated E-Reader

If you enjoy reading digital books or articles, repurposing your old iPhone as a dedicated e-reader can be a fantastic idea. The device’s compact size and portability make it an ideal choice for reading on the go.

Steps to Convert It to an E-Reader:

• Install E-Reading Apps: Download e-reading apps like Kindle, Apple Books, or Nook. These apps offer a wide selection of books and can sync your reading progress across devices.
• Sync Your Books: Upload your digital library to the app, and you’re all set for a seamless reading experience.
• Optimize for Reading: Adjust the brightness and text size settings to suit your reading preferences. Consider using “Night Mode” for reading in low-light conditions.

4. Use It as a GPS Device

An old iPhone can serve as a reliable GPS device, which is particularly useful if you’re driving long distances or exploring unfamiliar areas. By using offline maps, you can avoid the data costs associated with navigation.

How to Set It Up:

• Download Maps: Install a GPS or mapping app such as Google Maps or Waze. Download offline maps of the areas you frequently travel to ensure you have access even without an internet connection.
• Mount It in Your Car: Use a car mount to keep the iPhone visible while driving. Make sure it’s securely attached to avoid distractions.
• Keep It Charged: Connect it to your car’s charging port to ensure it remains powered throughout your journey.

5. Repurpose It as a Baby Monitor

An old iPhone can be turned into a baby monitor, providing a cost-effective solution to keep an eye (or ear) on your baby while they sleep. With the right app, you can monitor audio and video feeds from another device.

Setting Up a Baby Monitor:

• Select a Baby Monitor App: Apps like Baby Monitor 3G, Dormi, or Cloud Baby Monitor can turn your old iPhone into a baby monitoring device.
• Position the iPhone: Place the iPhone in a safe spot in your baby’s room. Ensure it has a clear view or good audio pickup depending on the features of the app you’re using.
• Monitor Remotely: Use another device to keep track of the baby’s activity and receive alerts.

6. Turn It Into a Remote Control

An old iPhone can be repurposed as a remote control for various devices, from smart home gadgets to streaming devices. This can simplify your setup and reduce clutter.

Steps to Set Up a Remote Control:

• Install Remote Control Apps: Depending on the devices you want to control, install appropriate apps. For smart TVs or streaming devices, apps like Apple TV Remote, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV can be used.
• Connect Devices: Follow the app instructions to pair your iPhone with the devices you want to control.
• Customize Controls: Set up custom controls and shortcuts to streamline your experience.

7. Use It for Experimentation and Learning

If you’re interested in technology and programming, an old iPhone can be a valuable tool for learning and experimentation. You can use it to test apps, explore new software, or even learn to code.

How to Use It for Learning:

• Install Development Tools: If you’re into app development, you can install Xcode on a Mac and test your apps on the old iPhone.
• Explore Coding Apps: Use apps like Swift Playgrounds or online coding platforms to practice programming and build skills.
• Experiment with Software: Try out new software or operating system versions to see how they perform on older hardware.

8. Donate or Recycle It

If you find that none of the above uses appeal to you, consider donating or recycling your old iPhone. Many organizations accept old electronics and can refurbish them for use by those in need. Alternatively, recycling programs ensure that your device is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Donation and Recycling Tips:

• Find Local Organizations: Research local charities or organizations that accept electronics donations.
• Erase All Data: Before donating or recycling, make sure to erase all data from your iPhone to protect your privacy.
• Use Certified Recyclers: Choose certified e-waste recyclers who follow environmentally responsible practices.

Conclusion

Your old iPhone doesn’t have to become a relic of technology past. With a bit of creativity and some simple steps, you can repurpose it in numerous ways, making it useful for various tasks around your home or for personal projects. Whether you transform it into a dedicated music player, a security camera, or even a learning tool, your old iPhone still has a lot to offer. Before you consider upgrading or discarding, think about these innovative ways to give your device a new lease on life.