Smartphones are constantly being upgraded to newer versions that have better features. As such, old Android phones can start feeling slow or outdated after a while.
Recycling smartphones reduces the number of discarded devices in landfills and helps minimize their environmental impact. It also helps preserve the natural resources used to make them, as well as prevent the release of harmful toxins into the environment.
Repurposing as a Dedicated Media Player
Every year, Android phone manufacturers unveil new flagship devices brimming with the latest hardware and software tech. As a result, people happily spend boatloads of money on their latest Android smartphones. But when they upgrade, what do they do with the old ones? Rather than bin them or sell them, repurposing an old Android smartphone opens up a wide array of creative uses.
If your old Android device still has a sizable amount of built-in or microSD storage, repurposing it as a dedicated media player makes great sense. You can then use it to store a vast library of music without worrying about data plan caps or streaming limits. You can then connect it to a pair of mobile speakers or earbuds for a high-quality audio experience.
You can even turn it into a portable home theater by installing a video-playback app like Kodi or a simple DLNA-based media server such as BubbleUPnP. This works well as a digital photo frame too, if you install a live photo frame app such as Fotoo or LiveFrame. Lastly, you can also transform it into a nifty digital book reader by downloading e-reading apps like Google Play Books, Amazon Kindle, or Nook.
Transforming into a Home Security Monitor
Using an old Android phone as a home security monitor is one of the most useful and cost-effective ways to put a dated device to work. The smartphone has a camera lens and Wi-Fi connectivity, so it can be set up to monitor things like doorbell activity, smoke alarm activations, or even your pets. The app MacroDroid lets you set up alerts to be sent via SMS, email, tweet, or automated voice call.
The old Android can also be used as a backup phone in case your regular cell is ever lost, stolen, or runs out of power. Simply load up the phone with a variety of apps like those that provide remote data access, video streaming, walkie-talkie capabilities, and more, and it will act as an inexpensive way to keep an eye on your home or office while you’re away.
There are multiple other ways an old Android can be put to use, including as a controller for smart devices and even as a portable trackpad. While it’s not always practical or safe to continue using a device past the point where updates are no longer being released, it’s also unwise to throw it out immediately.
Creating a Digital Photo Frame
A common way to repurpose an old Android phone is to make it into a digital photo frame. These frames connect to a Wi-Fi network and display photos from local as well as cloud storage locations. They also support apps that allow you to stream public images from social media platforms right on your home screen.
Some digital photo frames also have built-in speakers to play audio files in the background. These can be useful for soothing babies or older adults who are sleepy or have trouble with sound recognition. Alternatively, you can mount the device to a wall using a standard VESA mount (purchased separately).
Some premium digital photo frames like the Pix-Star come with a high-resolution LCD monitor and one of the most versatile feature sets on the market. The device supports emailing and importing media through the companion app, linking albums through its web interface, and has a multi-frame control group option that makes it ideal for families and elderly users. It also has a variety of customization options like setting up a slide-show mode and an auto-refresh interval that can be adjusted for convenience. You can even set it up to send the same picture to all your connected devices.
Repurposing for Smart Home Control
Each year, smartphones evolve with a steady stream of new software and hardware technology. This enables us to stay connected with family, friends, and work, and many of us happily trade in their old devices for the latest flagship models.
Despite their impressive computing power, however, smartphones are first and foremost communication devices. Regardless of the multi-core processors, oodles of RAM, and dazzling display, each smartphone is still a phone, and the ability to make and receive calls and messages is its core functionality.
For this reason, a simple and cost-effective way to upcycle your old Android phone is by using it as a remote control for home electronics like TVs and media players. There are a number of apps in the Play Store (via Android Authority) that turn your phone into a universal remote that can be controlled by voice.
You can even use your old Android phone as a GPS tracker, by installing an app like Life360, My Family GPS Tracker, or Glympse on it. This way, you can keep tabs on your kids, your spouse, or your pets, even if your primary mobile device is lost, broken, or out of reach. This is a particularly handy function for parents of children who are fond of hopping between friend’s houses and running off to explore the neighborhood.
Using as a Backup Device
Even if you’ve got a new smartphone, it can be smart to keep your old phone around as a backup. If you’re using a cloud-based backup solution that automatically backs up your data, your phone should be ready to restore as soon as you get your new device.
You can also use the phone as a media server, loading it with apps like Plex or Kodi to stream video content to your TV or home theater system. If your device has a large enough screen, you can turn it into a digital photo frame.
If your old Android is still able to connect to Wi-Fi, you can mount it on a stand and set up “Ok Google” detection to use it as a voice-activated speaker like a Google Home or Amazon Echo. You can ask it questions, listen to music, and more — all without racking up an expensive bill on your data plan.
If you want to give your device a permanent place in your home, consider turning it into an alarm clock, fitness tracker, or personal assistant. Just be sure to clear all your personal information from it before handing it down to someone else.
Recycling Responsibly
If your phone is beyond repair or you’ve decided to part ways with it, try recycling it for an eco-friendly disposal. Most cellphone carriers, including T-Mobile, as well as many retailers and even some manufacturers offer takeback programs for old devices to ensure they don’t end up in the trash. Check with your carrier and local stores for details on what you can bring in to recycle, as they may have specific requirements like only accepting working phones or discarding cases.
It’s also important to back up your device before sending it in, especially if it was used for sensitive tasks such as working with confidential information or personal photos. This will help prevent anyone from gaining access to private data, which could be used for identity theft or fraud. It’s also a good idea to remove any SIM cards and microSD cards, as those are often recycled separately from the phone. And don’t forget to remove the case, as this goes through a different process during recycling.
If you want purchase new phone, there are plenty of worthy causes to choose from what to do with the old phone. For example, you can donate the smartphones to NGO who will give it to needy people. or alternatively you can sell your old mobile phone online
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