10 Ways to Repurpose an Old iPhone
Cue the movie trailer narrator voice: In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, many of us find ourselves with older gadgets collecting dust as we upgrade to the latest models.
Instead of letting your old iPhone sit unused, why not give it a new lease on life? While you are here, you might be interested in checking out my post Tips to become an iPhone Power User.
Repurposing your old device can not only be fun and practical but also contributes to reducing electronic waste. Whether it’s turning it into a dedicated music player or a digital photo frame, there are countless ways to breathe new life into your old iPhone. Here are 10 creative ideas to get you started.
Dedicated Music Player
Transform your old iPhone into a dedicated music player and breathe new life into your music collection. By exclusively using the device for music, you can save valuable storage space on your new phone and keep your playlists, albums, and podcasts organized in one place. Connect it to your home audio system, car stereo, or even portable speakers for a seamless listening experience. It’s also a great way to repurpose the device for parties, workouts, or simply relaxing at home. Consider apps such as Spotify, Pandora or Apple Music.
Kid’s Entertainment Device
An old iPhone can become the perfect entertainment gadget for your children. Load it with educational apps, games, and child-friendly videos to keep them engaged and learning. This not only helps in limiting screen time on your main devices but also ensures that your children have access to content that is appropriate and beneficial for their age. Remember to activate parental controls to monitor and control their usage effectively. Apps to consider: PBS Kids Video or ABCMouse
Home Security Camera
With the right application, your old iPhone can serve as a cost-effective home security camera. Position it to oversee your home’s entrance, the nursery, or any other area of interest. Many apps offer features like motion detection, night vision, and even the ability to stream live footage to your new phone, ensuring your home’s safety and giving you peace of mind. Popular apps for this usage include Alfred Home Security Camera and Presence
Fitness Tracker
When the iPod came it out, it changed how we worked out. Instantly, we had a library of hundreds of songs to accompany our fitness routines. Today, utilize and old iPhone in the same manner as a dedicated fitness tracker. Install your preferred health and fitness apps, and use it to track workouts, runs, or cycling sessions without the distractions of calls or messages. This repurposing is especially useful if you want to preserve the battery and storage of your new device or if you prefer to have a separate gadget to accompany you during your fitness routines, and a unconnected device to minimize the interruptions. Popular fitness apps include MyFitnessPal, Under Armor’s MapMyFitness apps and Strava.
Dedicated E-Reader
Convert the iPhone into a portable e-reader. Download various e-book apps and transform your device into a pocket-sized library that you can carry anywhere. Whether you’re in line at the grocery store, on your lunch break, or relaxing in the park, having a collection of your favorite books at your fingertips can turn any mundane moment into an enjoyable reading session.
Digital Photo Frame
An old iPhone can become a dynamic digital photo frame, displaying your favorite memories. By using slideshow apps, you can turn the device into a personalized photo display that cycles through your cherished pictures. Place it on your desk, bookshelf, or nightstand to add a personal touch to your space and keep your loved ones and favorite moments in view. Suggest apps include Apple Photos (in slideshow mode), LiveFrame and Picmatic.
Kitchen Helper
Make your old iPhone a kitchen companion. It can serve as a digital cookbook, allowing you to browse recipes, watch cooking tutorials, or use it as a timer. This is particularly handy when you need to look up measurements, follow step-by-step cooking instructions, or simply want to experiment with new dishes without worrying about spills and splatters on your primary phone. Paprika is a very popular app, but I’ve become smitten with Crouton on iOS.
Car GPS and Emergency Phone
Keep the old iPhone in your vehicle as a dedicated GPS navigator or an emergency contact device. It’s a practical backup for when your primary phone’s battery is low, or you’re in an area with limited service. Plus, having an extra device with important contact numbers can be invaluable in unexpected situations or emergencies while on the road. While most old phones without service can still make emergency calls, consider adding a cheap pay-as-you-go plan to an old iPhone for a backup or emergencies.
Learning Device
Repurpose the old iPhone as a learning tool. Whether you’re learning a new language, picking up a new hobby, or just want to explore a plethora of educational content, there are countless apps and resources available. This dedicated learning device can be especially helpful for focused study sessions without the interruptions of social media or messages on your primary phone.
Donate or Recycle
If you find that the old iPhone doesn’t fit into your life anymore, consider donating it to someone in need or a charity. There are many organizations that can repurpose your device for educational, humanitarian, or community projects. Alternatively, recycling it properly ensures that the hazardous materials are safely handled, and valuable components can be recovered, contributing to environmental conservation.