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You may not know what to do with your one or two year old phone only. It is still useful and still has a life, but you have just moved on to the most recent version. Of course, you can give it to a parent or recycle it. Or, you can give it a new life by turning it into something new that you really want to use.
After all, smartphones are small, powerful computers with storage space and a camera. Instead of spending money on a new device you are considering, you may be able to do it yourself. Your smartphone can be a convenient substitute for many other electronic devices. It can even diagnose the mechanical problems of your car.
Here are some ways to make your old smartphone useful again.
Use your iPhone or Android as a universal remote
It's great to have a remote that can do it all – think of Click, the movie. OK, maybe not so extreme, but being able to control all your devices from a remote is a relief. Download a remote control app, such as iRule (for iPhone or Android), and sync your phone with devices like your computer. Xbox One, Roku and Apple TV.
If you have smart light bulbsyou can also sync your phone with these. Follow these tips on how to turn your device into a universal remote you should never ask where your TV remote is.
Turn your Android into Google Home.
Chris Parker / CNET
Turn your Android into Google Home
Reposition your Android phone to be a Google Home Smart speaker is simple and requires no application download. Make sure your phone is updated with the latest Android operating system and that you have "OK, Google". Then you will need to find a Bluetooth speaker with which to pair your phone. Make sure both devices stay connected and on at all times. You'll be ready to give orders to Google in no time. The best part is that you will not have to spend $ 129 on a Google Home. Learn more about what you can do with a Google Home here.
Your iPhone or Android can act as a home security camera
Feel safe by turning your old phone into home security camera. Download a security camera app, like Alfred (for iPhone or Android), to get started. Check your home while you are at work to make sure everything is fine. Place the phone in the main room of the house in a place where you have the best view.
When you're at home, set it up (hidden, of course) to see who's knocking on your door or seeing any suspicious activity. You may find that it's just a raccoon that has left candy wrappers in your yard and not your neighbor's kid.
Turn your phone into a baby monitor.
Alina Bradford / CNET
Use your old phone as a baby monitor
Instead of running around your child's room every time you think you're hearing weeping or a strange noise, check to see if your baby is doing well: turn your old phone into a baby monitor.
You can set up your old phone in the room and access it from your current phone by installing Skype on both devices. You can also use a baby surveillance app such as Dormi (for Android) or Cloud Baby Monitor (for iPhone). We have not tested them on real babies, but customer ratings are excellent. You will feel better knowing that you can be in any room and still see your baby.
Look at this:
8 ways to reuse your old phone
2:10
Turn your iPhone or Android into a wireless mouse
This can be annoying when your wireless mouse dies without you being notified. It is useful to have a backup and you can turn your phone into a mouse in no time. To do this, you will need to download an application, such as Remote Mouse (for iPhone or Android).
Once the application is downloaded, connect your phone and desktop to the same Wi-Fi network and say goodbye to this old school mouse. Keep it in your notebook case while you're on the move and stop at a coffee shop to work.
Keep your old phone as a music player
Free up storage space on your new phone using your old phone as a media player. As you have a new phone, you can erase all data from your old phone (except for your music and music apps).
You'll be able to add as many songs as your old phone will allow without worrying about the amount of storage you use. Connect it to your surround speaker if you are hosting a party and let the fun begin.
The advantage is that you can leave it in the same place and not have to worry about incoming calls and messages interrupting your music.
Originally released May 3 at 5 pm Eastern Time.
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