4 practical ways to put an old phone back to work

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

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For most people, upgrading phones is only a matter of time. Whether you replace yours every couple of years or wait until it starts to feel outdated, buying a new device does not automatically make the old one worthless. It may be slower, the battery may not last as long, and software updates may be over, but it still has a display, camera, microphone, and storage that can all still be useful. What you can do with it depends mainly on its condition and how inventive you want to be.

What do you do with your old phone?

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Make it a second device

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Not everyone wants to carry two phones, but if you can, an old handset is a simple way to separate work and personal life. Photos, messages, and apps can stay fully distinct from your job, which can also help you stay focused.

It can also serve another useful role: a display for Android Auto in a car or bike that does not already have it built in. All you need is a mount and an app such as Open Headunit, which costs money on the Play Store but is free on GitHub. The app can connect the old phone to your main device by cable or wirelessly, effectively giving your ride Android Auto for free.

If that does not interest you, the phone can still stay on standby as a backup. If you or someone in your household loses a primary phone or damages a screen, having a spare can be extremely helpful while a replacement is arranged. It does not need to sit unused in the meantime either; it can still pull its weight as a dedicated device.

Repurpose it as a practical gadget

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A retired phone may not be ideal as an everyday device, but it can still handle plenty of other jobs. For example, it can be used as a dash cam with an app like Droid Dashcam, turning the handset into a recorder that also shows details such as GPS location and vehicle speed. Mount it on the dashboard, keep it plugged into a charger, and leave it there until you need the footage.

If you do not drive or already have a dash cam, an app such as AlfredCamera can turn the phone into a security camera. That can be useful at the front door, in the driveway, backyard, garage, or anywhere else you want to keep an eye on. As long as it stays powered, it can stream video to your main phone. The same setup can also work as a baby monitor.

If you are feeling nostalgic, you can even style the old phone like an iPod Classic.

Using it as a dedicated music player is another smart option. Load your favorite playlists for offline listening and you have a distraction-free device for the gym or a run. The best part is that notifications will not interrupt your music every few minutes. You can even customize it to look like an iPod Classic, complete with a click wheel.

If you prefer reading over listening, the phone can also become an e-reader. A minimalist launcher, a few display adjustments, and apps such as Moon+ Reader and Readera are enough to get it ready. A tablet is usually better for this, but a phone can still do the job well enough.

Your old phone can also work as a universal remote. While many televisions have their own apps, something like Universal TV Remote is more convenient if you manage several TVs around the house.

Use it as a desktop sidekick

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If you spend most of the day at a computer, an old phone can also handle tasks that might otherwise require extra hardware. For people who take a lot of calls or meetings, it can replace a weak laptop webcam with the phone’s better camera.

On devices running Android 14 or newer, webcam mode is built in. Just connect the phone to your PC and choose Webcam instead of Charging only or File transfer. If you want a wireless setup, apps like DroidCam or Camo can do the same thing. DroidCam can also let the phone work as a microphone, which is often a big improvement over what is built into laptops.

You can also use it as a second screen. Apps such as Spacedesk let you mirror or extend your desktop onto the phone, turning it into a portable monitor. One of the most useful options is using it as a Stream Deck with an app like Touch Portal, which converts the display into a customizable set of shortcuts and macros.

And if you are short on USB drives or SSDs, the phone can also become portable storage. It can act like a 128GB or 256GB external drive for backups and file transfers. A major advantage is that files can move wirelessly with LocalSend or Quick Share.

Sell it, donate it, or hand it down

If none of those ideas appeal to you, selling the phone may be the best option. Old phones are currently worth more than they have been in years. As long as the device is not broken, you may be able to get a solid price on SellCell, Swappa, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Trading it in for a new phone can be even better, since the trade-in value may combine with an exchange bonus. Either way, it is better than leaving the phone in a drawer as it slowly loses value.

Passing it along is another straightforward choice. If it is still in good condition, give it to a family member or friend who could use it more. If that is not possible, donate it to a charity or recycle it properly.

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