Electrical crafts Modeling design Simple GSM alarm system from an old mobile phone. What can be made from an old mobile phone: a couple of original ideas

Smartphones and tablets have been around for years, which means you may have gone through several generations of devices. More and more outdated models are collected in desk drawers, which are usually of no use, they only take up space and collect dust.

However, a practical person can find a use for them. An Android device, regardless of age, has considerable potential, so you can breathe new life into them. Tips on how to do this are given below.

1. Wireless trackpad and joystick for computer

With the right software and a few minutes of setup, you can turn your old Android device into a controller for controlling Windows, Linux, or macOS computers.

You'll need an app called Unified Remote and a connection via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The free version of the application allows you to control the mouse and keyboard, playback of multimedia content and power-related commands. The full version costs $4 and adds individual controls for each program and other advanced features.

You need to download server software for your computer, after which the device will be ready to work as a wireless controller.

2. Remote computer terminal

If you want to access your home computer from other locations, an old Android smartphone or tablet can help. Through its screen you will see your computer screen.

The easiest way to do this is to use the free Google Chrome Remote Desktop program, which works with Windows, Linux, Chrome OS and macOS. Install the Chrome Remote Desktop app in your computer's browser and follow the instructions to establish a connection. You can only connect to devices that are signed in to the same Google account. For security purposes, you will need to create a PIN code.

Once this is done, install a companion application on your Android device, through which you can connect to your computer's desktop using a PIN code.

3. Universal remote control

Even the oldest Android devices have enough power to act as a remote control at home or work. This will allow you to control various devices and multimedia components without special devices and free up your main smartphone, which will be useful for other things.

First, download the apps you need on your old smartphone or tablet, such as Nest, Hue, etc. Add tools that allow you to manage audio and video streams. There are several ways:

Connect your smartphone or tablet using the Google Chromecast keychain. You can then keep the old devices on your desk and use them as a hub to wirelessly control content, like YouTube videos, to be displayed on your TV screen.
Install an application that turns your Android device into a remote control for your TV, set-top box, or DVD player. If your mobile device has an infrared sensor, it may have its own programmable application or use the Smart IR Remote program. If there is no infrared sensor, look in the Google Play Store for specific control programs. Panasonic, Sony, DirectTV, Android TV, etc. have such programs.
Create a complete media server with Plex, then use your old devices as a remote control to stream local content to your TV. The media server is free, although subscriptions are available for $5 per month, $40 per year, and $120 forever.

4. Scientific research

Old, clunky Android devices can contribute to world science by helping to predict earthquakes and find cures for diseases. All this can be done through a program at the University of California at Berkeley called BOINC.

You need to download the free application, select the project you like and configure the device to work with it. As long as the device is turned on, plugged in and has access to Wi-Fi, scientists from different institutions will be able to use its computing capabilities to analyze data. More information about BOINC projects can be found on Wikipedia. One thing to keep in mind is that your electricity bills may rise.

5. Security camera

Who needs fancy surveillance cameras when you have an unnecessary old Android smartphone. Using third-party apps, the camera on your device allows you to monitor your home, office, or anywhere else. There may even be advanced features like video recording and motion detection.

Download the free IP Webcam app or the $3.99 Pro version and follow the instructions. Then you can watch through the device’s camera and any compatible browser.

6. Video conferencing station

Set up your old Android device with your choice of video chat app: Skype, Hangouts Meet, Google Duo, or more. Place it in the docking station on your desk and have a permanent hotspot for meetings at work and with friends.

If you have enough old smartphones and tablets, you can create a video conferencing system for an entire office. Each device must be assigned to a separate account using the account name or user name.

7. Kitchen command center

Old devices will come in handy not only in the office, but also in the kitchen. You need to use a third-party launcher like Action Launcher or Nova Launcher to simplify your home screen and add simple gestures like double-tapping anywhere on the screen to launch Android voice search. This allows you to operate devices hands-free. More modern devices support voice activation and Google Assistant.

Next, you need to place the right apps on your home screen. Netflix (relevant for the USA) and other video streaming services will turn the tablet into a TV with a cooking channel. Recipe apps can be helpful, as can cloud-connected note-taking services such as Google Keep, Evernote, or OneNote. Through them, you can quickly view your own recipes and edit shopping lists with synchronization for other family members to see.

8. Expanding cellular capabilities

When using Google Project Fi (which is not relevant for Russia) as a wireless service for your current smartphone, you can take advantage of a small little-known bonus: get an additional SIM card with the ability to send traffic to other devices without overpaying.

You need to order a card on the Project Fi website, install it in an old smartphone or tablet, if it has a connector, and the device will have online access. You need to pay for the data consumed by the device per month, as in a regular Fi tariff plan, so the auxiliary device will complement the main one.

This opens up a number of interesting possibilities: the old smartphone can be used if the new one is lost, broken or discharged; you can make it an access point so as not to drain the battery of your main smartphone; give to children; make and receive calls through the main or alternative number.

9. Window to the world

Don't have the best view from your office or apartment window? Make your old Android device show more interesting landscapes.

First, install the EarthCam Webcams app from the Play Store. Here you can access live broadcasts from cameras from all over the world. Select the one you want and click on the full-screen broadcast icon.

There are quite a few cameras online specifically for mobile devices. Launch your browser and find the appropriate view.

10. Digital photo frame

Nobody wants to lose valuable memories. Buy an inexpensive stand, plug your tablet into the charger, and turn it into a photo frame with cloud access for your home or office.

If you use Google Photos, open the app, click on any photo in your main library or album, and click on the three dots button in the upper right corner, selecting Slideshow. The program will scroll through all available photos, so in your spare time you can indulge in memories.

11. E-book

Turn off notifications from Gmail and other annoying apps; you can even switch to airplane mode and read without any distractions.

12. Desk calendar

You can place the device on the table instead of a calendar. The pre-installed Google Calendar app, with its productivity-oriented elements, is a good choice, as is Any.do's free Cal program, which has a rich graphical interface.

13. Vehicle command center

Eliminate the need to be distracted by your smartphone in the car by turning your older model into an always-on command center. Find a convenient holder and secure it in a safe place. Connect it to your car's jack and to your stereo speakers (via Bluetooth or 3.5mm headphone jack). Then you can use your main smartphone as a network access point or download music and maps in advance for navigation to the device via Wi-Fi.

Install the Android Auto app and get a simple interface with large buttons and voice commands.

14. Educational tool for children

An old tablet may seem old to you, but by technological standards it is still quite good, so you can give it to your children for learning and education.

Tablets running Android 4.3 and later have a Restricted Profile feature. Open Settings > Users > Add user.

Select to add a restricted profile. You will be prompted to connect or disable access to each installed application, which will give you the opportunity to choose which programs your children can use.

If your older device is running Android 7.0 or later (unlikely), Google Family Link will give you more controls, including time limits and daily activity reports. The program is currently available by invitation only; You can try to get an invitation on the Family Link website.

15. Electronic watch

Want to know the time? An old smartphone in a dock can display a customizable clock on your desktop or nightstand. The Google Clock app is a great place to start, especially if you want to set an alarm. Look for the "Screen Saver" option in the "Display" section of your operating system settings so that the clock will automatically show when you plug your device into a power outlet.

For even more visual appeal, install the free Timely app, which hasn't been developed since it was acquired by Google in 2014 but continues to offer quite a bit of advanced functionality.

16. Gaming device

Put your briefcase aside and relax while playing. An old Android device is suitable for those who are not the most demanding in terms of graphics and games.

To turn it into a gaming device, find the games you want in the Play Store, you can also download an emulator for game consoles and connect joysticks.

17. Emergency device

Any smartphone is capable of calling emergency services, even if it is not connected to a cellular network. Keep your old device charged in your car or bag; if something bad happens and your current smartphone is dead or inaccessible, you will still be able to call an ambulance, the police, etc.

18. Test device

Android is a computer enthusiast's dream. Typically the system can be hacked (rooted) relatively easily to gain access to the full list of capabilities. When this is done, you can install additional applications and completely change the operating system firmware with other functions and additional settings.

However, this increases the risk of breaking something. If you experiment like this with your main smartphone or tablet, there is a chance that it will not work, and in addition, rooting will usually void the device’s warranty.

All this is not scary on an old device. Try your hacking skills on it; To find out how to root, search the Internet for the model name and version of the Android operating system. There is a huge community of Android enthusiasts on the web, so you are sure to find useful guides for your device.

19. Sell it

The simplest option. What is old to you is new to someone else. For such sales in our country there is a popular Avito website. There you can see what devices other sellers are offering and at what price.

Before selling, please reset your device to factory settings. You also need to remove the memory card, if installed.

20. Give it as a gift

Do you feel generous? You can give the device to friends, relatives, or post an ad on the Internet. You can also look for a charity organization, orphanage, etc.

First of all, do not rush to make some unique thing out of an old mobile phone. Perhaps you will be able to sell it more or less profitably. To do this, you can contact a store that sells used devices, or place an advertisement for the sale of a phone in a local newspaper/online.

You can also use your old mobile phone for a second SIM card or give it to your grandmother. It won't be difficult for her to learn how to use it if it doesn't come with a lot of features.

What can be done from an old mobile phone if its casing is damaged?

In this case, it will be very useful to come up with an exclusive design for an old mobile phone using improvised means. For example, you can make an original case from a pack of cigarettes, knit or sew it and decorate it with beads.

As a result, you will get a unique thing that you won’t be ashamed to show off to your friends. In addition, you can try to make a car alarm or a USB camera for online communication from an old mobile phone.

Don't want to put in extra effort? In this case, just give yourself a relaxing self-massage. Turn on vibration mode on your phone and enjoy the pleasant sensations.

What can be done from an old mobile phone if its display is damaged?

This part of the mobile phone breaks down very often. If the device falls to the ground one or more times, at best an unaesthetic scratch will appear, and at worst, the display will stop showing anything at all. If this is your situation, don't be discouraged.

A damaged display can be replaced with another one. The cost of such repairs for older devices is relatively small. In addition, you can use the device as an independent mobile device to listen to uplifting music.

The only thing you will need to worry about is the speakers. If the model is very old, you will need an adapter to the connector on the outdated device.

What can you do with an old mobile phone if it won’t turn on at all?

If the old device is completely out of order and in general, you can arrange a mobile phone throwing competition with your friends. Surely you have several friends who also don’t know what can be done from an old mobile phone when nothing works in it.

This way you can have quite a fun time, and at the same time meet your friends whom you have not seen for a long time. So, in an open area, place an empty box at some distance (for example, 5-7 meters) and start holding a competition for accuracy. Alternatively, you can bet which of you will abandon your mobile phone further. Fun and!

If this option doesn't suit you, make a puzzle. Take your old cell phone apart and then try to put it back together when you don't know what else to do.

If you don’t want to break or disassemble your favorite thing, start collecting a collection of old mobile phones. Perhaps in some 10-20 years they will already become a rarity.

Finally, one more idea that may be useful to you: leave the cover from an old mobile phone and make a cigarette case.

What to do with an old phone: useful ideas.

In the entire history of human evolution from life in a cave to multimillion-dollar megacities, technology has never developed at such a speed as it does today. New gadgets appear literally every day, and yesterday’s most progressive technology becomes like a C grade. It is not surprising that many people change their smartphone every year, or even more often. But what to do with “outdated” models? Even if the grandparents in the family already use Instagram on their iPhone, here are other ways to use your old phone to your advantage.

1. An alarm clock that definitely won’t let you down

Smartphone alarm clock.

Your smart phone can run out of charge at the most inopportune moment (for example, at night), and an “old-school” metal alarm clock is a serious test for the nervous system. But you definitely won’t have to come up with excuses for your boss if you always have your trusty old phone at hand (or rather, at the head of the bed). Program your wake-up schedule for the whole week, turn on the “flight” mode and be sure that the morning will be good. And in general: two alarm clocks are always better than one.

2. Turn an old phone into a security camera

Smartphone camera.

Wondering what your dog is doing right now while you're sitting through a boring presentation? What if someone right now is encroaching on your home wine collection or your favorite guitar? If these questions prevent you from completing your work calmly, then welcome to the club of paranoids. But it's easy to satisfy your curiosity: put an old phone (with a camera, of course, and preferably a good one) in a strategic place in the house, connect it to the network and open the Presence app. It turns the device into a surveillance system, which you can access at any moment from a “paired” device. Not a bad solution for those who are going on vacation and want to be sure that friends will actually come to water the flowers.

3. Or save on a baby monitor

Smartphone baby monitor.

New parents, as well as parents of parents, will certainly appreciate the Dormi app and others like it. Such a “baby monitor” program must be installed on the old and new smartphone. Leave the old one in the nursery and make sure that the phone is connected to wi-fi and an outlet. Now, as soon as the baby wakes up and begins to act up, adults will immediately receive a series of loud notifications on their smartphones and will come to calm the baby down. And no extra expenses. It's convenient.

4. Use an old phone as a player

Smartphone player.

Remember those days when we all saved up for an mp3 player? Of course, today smartphones have pushed them off the evolutionary ladder. But the “modest” memory of, for example, an iPhone is still not enough for many music lovers to be completely happy and download the entire music collection. So why not use all of your old phone's memory exclusively for your favorite songs? Nothing extra, just music.

5. Or as a camera

Smartphone camera.

Going on a trip? If you are already looking forward to taking 100 photographs of the Leaning Tower of Pisa or 200 photographs of a sea sunrise in order to find the right angle, then it is better to immediately take your old phone with you. And use it purely as a camera. Plus, phones tend to get lost, drown, or be stolen from your pocket by scammers. So having a spare tire when away from home is not a bad idea.

6. Find the stolen car

Smartphone-“beacon” for the car.

Troubles happen. If you are afraid for the safety of your car, then it never hurts to play it safe. Hide the unnecessary smart phone in a secluded place somewhere in the cabin. First, make sure that you have activated the Find My Phone feature (on iPhone this feature is provided by default, without third-party applications). Keep your phone turned on, remembering to take it out of its hiding place from time to time, recharge it, and hide it again. Now, if someone decides to steal a car, you can always find its location. And contact law enforcement agencies with this data.

7. Teach children to read

Smartphone “reader”.

Give them a phone with a good e-reader installed. After all, the motivation to read becomes much higher when the book is already in your pocket.

8. Recycling

Smartphone for recycling.

Even if you don’t need your old phone at all, never throw it in the trash. Copper, silver, palladium and even gold are natural resources that could be saved significantly if more people recycled responsibly. It’s better to google the nearest collection point for used equipment or ask any repair shop if they need batteries and microcircuits. As practice shows, there will always be people willing.

In the entire history of human evolution from life in a cave to multimillion-dollar megacities, technology has never developed at such a speed as it does today. New gadgets appear literally every day, and yesterday’s most progressive technology becomes like a C grade. It is not surprising that many people change their smartphone every year, or even more often. But what to do with “outdated” models? Even if the grandparents in the family are already on Instagram from their iPhone, then Here are other ways to put your old phone to good use.

1. An alarm clock that definitely won’t let you down

2. Turn an old phone into a security camera

Wondering what your dog is doing right now while you're sitting through a boring presentation? What if someone right now is encroaching on your home wine collection or your favorite guitar? If these questions prevent you from completing your work calmly, then welcome to the club of paranoids. But it’s easy to satisfy your curiosity: place an old phone (with a camera, of course, and preferably a good one) in a strategically important place in the house, connect it to the network and open the application Presence. It turns the device into a surveillance system, which you can access at any moment from a “paired” device. Not a bad solution for those who are going on vacation and want to be sure that friends will actually come to water the flowers.

3. Or save on a baby monitor

Young parents, as well as parents of parents, will certainly appreciate the application Dormi and others like him. Such a “baby monitor” program must be installed on the old and new smartphone. Leave the old one in the nursery and make sure that the phone is connected to wi-fi and an outlet. Now, as soon as the baby wakes up and begins to act up, adults will immediately receive a series of loud notifications on their smartphones and will come to calm the baby down. And no extra expenses. It's convenient.

4. Use an old phone as a player

5. Or as a camera

6. Find the stolen car

Troubles happen. If you are afraid for the safety of your car, then it never hurts to play it safe. Hide the unnecessary smart phone in a secluded place somewhere in the cabin. Make sure you have activated the feature first. "Find my phone"(on iPhone this feature is provided by default, without third-party applications). Keep your phone turned on, remembering to take it out of its hiding place from time to time, recharge it, and hide it again. Now, if someone decides to steal a car, you can always find its location. And contact law enforcement agencies with this data.

7. Teach children to read

Give them a phone with a good e-reader installed. After all, the motivation to read becomes much higher when the book is already in your pocket.

8. Recycling

9. Just sell it

If all of the above is too complicated and resource-intensive, you can put the phone up for sale. Surprisingly, even the most “antediluvian” models will find a buyer. The main thing is to set an adequate price.

10. Or donate your phone to charity

What you don't need can bring joy and benefit to someone else. Instead of letting your phone collect dust in the furthest drawer, give it to the nearest boarding school, orphanage or humanitarian aid collection point. After all, everyone deserves access to communication and information.

It happens that you buy a new smartphone before the old one breaks. The reasons can be different - technomania, a raise at work, “I’ve been wanting a good camera for a long time”, “Dad, it’s my birthday”... The question is different: what to do with the old one? Recycling? Sell? Give it to someone?

Let’s immediately say that you shouldn’t throw away your phone in any case: take pity on the environment, the insides of the mobile phone and the plastic used for it. We offer you a list of technologically advanced, fun and strange ideas on how to put your old smartphone to good use.

Game console

It's easy to connect your Android phone to your TV using the Chromecast streaming service or via a USB-to-HDMI adapter cable. Download the emulator with a selection of your favorite classic console games and enjoy! Apps exist for everything from Super Nitendo to Sega Genesis. Any joystick that works via Bluetooth, for example, from a PS3, will work as a joystick.

For training

You can continue to use your old smartphone at the gym or while jogging. Remove all unnecessary applications, or better yet, roll back to factory settings and install the ones you need again. Take out the SIM card and under no circumstances log in via Facebook or VKontakte - and no one will distract you. Download good training programs and an audio player, load your favorite music. And go for a run.

Desktop computer

Why not? Modern smartphones, which are sold in Ukraine, for example, on y.ua, are significantly more productive than computers ten to fifteen years ago. In fact, the filling is not particularly different. You can install an operating system from the Linux family on your smartphone, connect a monitor, keyboard and mouse (via Bluetooth or a USB hub), and your computer is ready. Whether you give it to your grandmother, give it to a child to be torn to pieces, or simply put it as a backup is up to you.

Navigator

Here's a way to save money: You don't need to buy a GPS if you have an old smartphone. Just install a suitable application or several - MAPS.ME for offline maps, Yandex.Maps - for cases where there is Internet... At the same time, such a navigator can serve as a car radio.

A virtual reality

Have you heard about Google Cardbord? These are virtual reality glasses that are designed to be used with a smartphone as a screen and cost only $20. Well, or half an hour of fussing with an unnecessary cardboard box. Of course, most virtual reality applications are still raw. But it's still very interesting. And you will definitely beat most of your friends in the “technology race”!

A small note: for applications to work correctly, you need a good gyroscope. Or at least some kind of gyroscope. Before you kill your favorite laptop box, make sure your old phone has one.

Alarm

Seriously, who still uses an analog watch these days? And for smartphones there is an almost endless variety of applications with a variety of clocks and alarms. Just add a cheap docking station.

WIFI repeater

Does the signal from the router in the room reach the kitchen poorly? Use an old phone as a repeater. You will need to install a special application, for example, fqrouter2 and root rights.

CCTV

A smartphone is not only a SIM card slot, but also a camera! How about a custom home security system? You will need WIFI, some patience and an appropriate application. By the way, the second application is equipped with a motion detector and can, upon noticing a suspicious movement, send you photos by email.

Digital photo frame

To turn your smartphone into a self-flipping photo album, install an app like Dayframe and place it somewhere advantageous. Doesn't work well on smartphones with small screens. We strongly do not recommend nailing such a photo frame.

Brain for a robot

We have already decided that every smartphone is a computer at heart. And the “brain” of the robot is also a computer! So whether you were a fan of Asimov as a child, or you are haunted by the laurels of crazy inventors on YouTube, there is great scope for experimentation. By the way, ready-made sets are also sold, but it’s not so interesting!

Baby monitor

By the way, with the help of an old smartphone you can monitor not only your house during your absence, but also your small child. Again, there are a lot of baby monitor programs. Baby Monitor, for example, can broadcast video and audio, and contains instructions for use by the child. The only problem is that, unlike regular baby monitors, the smartphone baby monitor is not shockproof and does not withstand attempts to chew on it, so secure the phone so that the child cannot reach it.

Just in case

Get some kind of SIM card with a “calls only” tariff, put fifty hryvnias there and put the phone along with a spare battery in the glove compartment and forget about it. Recharge the battery periodically. An excellent backup means of communication in case something goes wrong or the gas runs out at the same time as the money on the main phone.

Donate to charities

In any city there are organizations that collect clothes and other useful things for children from orphanages. Smartphones in Ukraine quite fall into the category of “useful things”.