6 original ways to use an old smartphone

From baby monitor to universal remote control: here are 6 ways to use an old and unused smartphone in an alternative way

We bought a new smartphone and we don't know what to do with the old one. We can resell it online or turn it into a smart device for the home. An old smartphone can be recycled and used in other ways. In fact, cell phones have so many sensors built in that they can be easily transformed by installing a simple application.

For example, we can use the old smartphone as a universal remote control to control our console, smart TV or smart home devices. If, on the other hand, you have an old Android smartphone, you can turn it into a Google Home without having to install any application. In fact, the devices of the green robot integrate by default the voice assistant Google Assistant, the same present on Google Home devices. Another alternative way to use an old smartphone is to turn it into a baby monitor. Just install an ad hoc app and the phone becomes a free baby monitor that can record every movement of your child. Here are 6 alternative ways to recycle your old smartphone. 

Universal remote control

It would be convenient to use your smartphone to change channels on your TV or to manage the smart bulbs in your home. This convenience already exists and has the name of iRule, an application available on the Google Play Store and the App Store that can turn your smartphone into a universal remote control. The app offers many possibilities to users: you can manage the console, smart TV or video streaming applications such as Netflix.

Google Home

If you have an old Android smartphone you can use it instead of Google Home, the smart speaker from the Mountain View company. If your phone is updated to one of the latest versions of Android it has Google Assistant installed, the same voice assistant used by Google Home devices. You can use your smartphone to control your smart home with voice commands or listen to your favorite playlists on Spotify.

Security Camera

Before you decide to throw away an old smartphone, you can decide to turn it into a security camera for your home. Instead of buying an ad hoc camera, you can recycle your old smartphone. Just install an ad hoc application (you can find reliable ones on the Google Play Store and the App Store) and the smartphone will start filming everything that happens inside the house.

Baby monitor

An original way to recycle an old smartphone is to use it as a baby monitor. The operation is very similar to that of security cameras: you install an ad hoc application and the smartphone begins to record and listen to what happens in your child's room. If you have an Android smartphone you can install the Sleep - Baby Monitor app, while on the iPhone the Cloud Baby Monitor app.

Wireless mouse

Do you know how to use your computer? No fear, use an old smartphone you have at home. By installing the Remote Mouse application, available on the Google Play Store and the App Store, you can use your smartphone as if it were a wireless mouse. The important thing is that your computer and cell phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Music player

If you've bought a new cell phone, you can use your old smartphone as a music player. Get rid of all unnecessary apps and leave only the music streaming app, so you can use your old smartphone as a music player at any time without any fear of incoming calls or WhatsApp messages blocking the playback of your favorite music.