Introduction
Transform your old smartphones or tablets into useful tools with these seven applications. Whether you’re looking to enhance your home security, create a digital photo frame, or manage your smart home devices, there’s a repurposing idea here for you. Plus, you’ll find ways to make these devices child-friendly, turn them into eBook readers, use them as alarm clocks, or even as car entertainment systems. Best of all, you can do all this while reducing e-waste and saving money.
Security Camera
Use your old smartphone or tablet as a security camera with free apps like Salient Eye (Android) or Manything (iOS). These apps enable motion detection and remote monitoring, allowing you to keep an eye on your home or office from anywhere. Simply mount the device in a visible area, connect it to Wi-Fi, and set up the app. You can receive alerts via email or push notifications when motion is detected.
Digital Photo Frame
Turn your old device into a digital photo frame with apps such as Dayframe (Android) or Digital Photo Frame (iOS). These apps display slideshow galleries from local files or social media accounts. To set up your digital photo frame, download the app, import your photos, and customize the slideshow settings. You can adjust the transition effects, set a timer for when the slideshow starts and stops, and even add captions or music.
Universal Remote
Control your smart home devices with apps from manufacturers like Samsung SmartThings or use Remote Mouse for computer control over Wi-Fi. Remote Mouse allows you to turn your old device into a universal remote control for your computer. Download the app, pair your device with your computer, and you can control your mouse, keyboard, and media player from anywhere in your home. This is perfect for presentations or when you need to control your computer from a distance.
Child-Friendly Device
Set up restricted profiles (Android 4.3+) or use Famigo to limit access, paired with DinnerTime to enforce screen time limits. Famigo allows you to create a safe browsing environment for your children by blocking inappropriate content and setting time limits. You can also use DinnerTime to schedule when your child can use the device and for how long. This way, you can ensure that your child is using the device safely and responsibly.
eBook Reader
Install Kindle, Google Play Books, or use Overdrive for library loans, or access free titles from Project Gutenberg. With these apps, you can turn your old device into an eBook reader. You can download books from your favorite authors, borrow books from your local library, or access thousands of free titles from Project Gutenberg. This is a great way to keep your old device useful and to have a dedicated device for reading.
Alarm Clock
Use Sleep Cycle Alarm (iOS) or Sleep As Android (Android) for sleep-tracking wakeups, or use built-in alarms. These apps use your phone’s microphone or accelerometer to track your sleep patterns and wake you up during the lightest phase of your sleep cycle. This ensures that you wake up feeling refreshed and energized. You can also use the built-in alarm feature to set multiple alarms and snooze options.
Car Entertainment System
Store music libraries on a dedicated device, use MAPS.ME for offline navigation, and install it in a car with a binder clip mount. This way, you can use your old device as a car entertainment system. You can store your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks on the device and play them through your car’s stereo system. You can also use MAPS.ME to navigate without an internet connection, which is perfect for road trips or when you’re in areas with poor cell service.
Summary
Repurposing old smartphones or tablets can be a great way to extend their usefulness and reduce e-waste. You can use them as security cameras, digital photo frames, universal remote controls, child-friendly devices, eBook readers, alarm clocks, or car entertainment systems. With these seven applications, you can turn your old devices into useful tools that can enhance your daily life.