Second, populate the house display with the correct apps for the aim. Netflix and different video-streaming providers will successfully flip your outdated pill right into a cooking-time tv. Recipe apps will also be helpful, as can Android note-taking apps — like Google Maintain, Microsoft OneNote, and Notion — for fast viewing of private recipes or modifying of always-synced family-shared purchasing lists.
In the event you actually wish to get wild, you possibly can even arrange a smart-display-like screensaver that’ll flip your system right into a customizable clever data heart everytime you aren’t actively utilizing it — type of like what Google has tried (however so far largely failed) to perform with its not-so-old Pixel Pill product.
12. Make it a data-based extension of your present cellphone service
In the event you use Google Fi (previously often called Undertaking Fi) in your present cellphone’s wi-fi service, make the most of a little-known bonus characteristic: the power to get an additional SIM card that’s linked to your account and in a position to present knowledge on every other system — with none superfluous charges.
All you’ve gotta do is order the cardboard from the Google Fi web site, pop it into an outdated cellphone (or a pill, in the event you occur to have one with a SIM slot) — and bam: That system is immediately on-line and linked. You’ll pay just for no matter cellular knowledge the system makes use of in any given month, on the similar flat charge related together with your common Fi plan, so it’s basically simply an extension of your main cellphone.
That opens up loads of fascinating prospects: You can use your outdated system as a ready-to-go backup cellphone in case your common one is ever lacking, damaged, or low on battery; you possibly can use it as a devoted hotspot to beam out cellular knowledge entry with out draining your main cellphone’s battery; or you possibly can use it as an always-connected on-the-go slate in your youngsters (good day, airport video-streaming) with out having to pay for an additional line of service.
13. Make it your reside window into the world
Don’t have the best view out of your desk? Let your outdated Android cellphone or pill be your window to wild and thrilling locales.
To get began, seize the EarthCam Webcams app from the Google Play Retailer. It’ll provide you with one-touch entry to a formidable checklist of reside streaming cameras around the globe, from the hustle and bustle of New Orleans’ well-known Bourbon Avenue to the swooshing serenity of Niagara Falls. Pull up any view you want, then faucet the icon to go full-screen and gaze the day away. If you end up craving some selection, you possibly can take into account upgrading from the app’s free assortment to a set of 175 reside cameras for a one-time $5 charge.
EarthCam permits you to gaze down Niagara Falls — or a slew of different webcams around the globe — for a break from the mundane.
JR Raphael / IDG
You’ll find fairly a number of mobile-friendly reside cameras on the internet as effectively: Pull up your system’s browser and check out the San Diego Zoo’s assorted animal cams — together with a penguin cam, koala cam, and tiger cam, amongst different unique views — or the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s in depth underwater cams for much more “aww”-inducing choices.
14. Convert it right into a digital picture body
Ah, reminiscences. Snag a reasonable stand, plug your system into its charger, and switch it right into a cloud-connected picture body in your house or workplace.
In the event you use Google Photographs, simply open up the app, faucet on any picture in your important library or inside a particular album, after which faucet the three-dot menu icon within the upper-right nook of the display. Scroll horizontally alongside the menu that seems and choose “Slideshow.” The app will cycle via your photographs and provide you with loads of reminiscences to replicate upon while stress-free or caring for enterprise.
In case your outdated Android cellphone is a Pixel, you can even set it on one in every of Google’s official Pixel Stands to start out an ever-evolving Photographs-linked slideshow exhibiting any particular albums and even particular individuals you need.
15. Use it as a devoted e-reader
Need a distraction-free studying surroundings in your subsequent enterprise journey or public transit commute? Load up your outdated Android system with solely the apps you want for studying — Google Play Books, Amazon Kindle, Nook, or no matter tickles your text-ingesting fancy.
You’ll be able to even borrow books out of your native library: Test together with your nearest department for data on do it or obtain the free Libby app, which is utilized by a wide range of libraries, colleges, and establishments.
You’ll want to disable notifications from Gmail and different noisy apps — heck, even change the system into airplane mode when you’ve downloaded the content material you want — and also you’ve bought the equal of a devoted e-reader with out all the standard cellphone or pill temptations.
16. Rework it right into a devoted desk calendar
Dock your outdated system in your desk and put it to work as your private calendar. Google’s personal Calendar app can get the job performed with loads of productivity-oriented components, or the free DigiCal Calendar Agenda app offers you an much more graphical and customizable interface that’s completely fitted to this goal.
The DigiCal app seems to be particularly sharp in its panorama (horizontal) orientation.
JR Raphael/IDG
DigiCal is free with an optionally available $5.50 improve for additional themes and customization choices.
17. Deal with your self to a devoted audio participant
The thought of an iPod could seem amusingly antiquated at this level, however there’s one thing to the thought of getting a devoted system for the precise goal of enjoying podcasts, music, and even just a few method of white noise.
By outsourcing that process to an outdated Android system, you possibly can grant your self the liberty to depart your present cellphone behind once you’re figuring out, doing one thing outdoors, and even simply taking a break from enterprise on the weekend — and eradicate the temptation to maintain checking your inbox or taking a look at different work-related distractions.
You can too give your self a good way to take heed to audio whereas touring with out having to put on down your main system battery throughout a protracted day of flights.
18. Make it a mounted command heart for a non-connected automobile
Save your self the effort of futzing round together with your present cellphone in your automobile by turning your outdated system into an always-available command heart for a automobile that doesn’t have its personal built-in equal.
Simply discover a first rate automobile dock and mount the system someplace protected. You’ll want to plug it into your automobile’s energy port and join it to the stereo (by way of Bluetooth or a 3.5mm headphone jack). Then, both use your main cellphone as a hotspot to maintain it on-line or go the economical route and obtain any vital music and instructions earlier than you hit the street, when you’re nonetheless linked to Wi-Fi.
All that’s left is to open up the Google Maps app and begin a navigation, and also you’ll be shifting full-speed forward with a simplified interface and ready-to-roll voice instructions.
19. Flip it right into a kid-friendly studying software
Your outdated pill could seem drained to you, nevertheless it’s nonetheless top-notch tech by toddler requirements — so why not flip it right into a enjoyable and academic gadget in your child?
On most moderately current tablets, you will discover a local Restricted Profile characteristic proper inside the working system: Simply head into the system settings, faucet “Customers” (or “Customers & accounts” after which “Customers,” relying in your OS model), after which “Add consumer or profile.”
Choose the choice so as to add a restricted profile. You’ll be prompted to allow or disable entry to every app put in on the pill, permitting you to regulate precisely what processes your progeny will and gained’t have the ability to use.
In case your outdated system has Android 7.0 or increased (or Android 5.0, on a restricted variety of fashions), Google’s Household Hyperlink program may give you much more strong controls — together with the skills to set screen-time limits and obtain weekly exercise studies. You’ll be able to study extra and join on the Household Hyperlink web site.
20. Let it function a high-tech e-clock
Time for one thing new? An outdated cellphone with a dock could make a snazzy customizable clock in your desk or nightstand. Google’s personal Clock app is a superb place to start out, particularly if you wish to use the clock for alarms. Search for the “Screensaver” possibility within the Show part of your system settings to make it robotically activate anytime your system is plugged in.
21. Convert it right into a gaming system in your downtime
Put down the briefcase and summon your interior Pac-Man: Foolish as it could appear, your outdated Android system is a mini-arcade simply ready to be known as into motion. (Hey, all of us want the occasional break from working, proper?)
To finish your system’s Sport-Boy-like transformation, simply surf the Play Retailer for some video games — you possibly can even discover emulators for console-level programs, if (ahem) you know the place to look — after which degree up by grabbing a common Android recreation controller like those you’ll discover obtainable on Amazon or at different tech retailers.
22. Maintain it useful for emergencies
Any cellphone could make emergency calls, even when it’s not linked to energetic service. Maintain an outdated cellphone charged and in your automobile or journey bag; if one thing dangerous occurs and your energetic cellphone is both useless or unavailable, you’ll nonetheless have a strategy to get via to 911.
23. Flip it into your private testing floor
Android is a tinkerer’s dream. It usually doesn’t take an excessive amount of sorcery to root, or acquire system-level entry to, an Android system — and when you’ve performed that, you open up an entire new world of prospects. You’ll be able to set up highly effective root-only functions and even change your system’s whole working system with a customized ROM stuffed with contemporary options and superior customization potential.
Anytime you begin poking round underneath the hood, although, you danger screwing one thing up. And when the system in query is your main cellphone or pill, that may be a frightening gamble to take (particularly since rooting a tool normally violates its guarantee).
That’s the place an outdated cellphone or pill can come into play. Put in your hacker’s hat and do a Google seek for “root [your device name]” after which “[your device name] ROM.” There’s an enormous neighborhood of Android fanatics on the market, and also you’ll nearly actually discover some useful user-generated guides to get your self began.
24. Promote it
This one’s straightforward, proper? In any case, what’s outdated to you is new to another person. You’ll be able to go the common route and checklist your system on Craigslist or eBay — or you possibly can test in with a extra area of interest service like Swappa or Gazelle to get an instantaneous estimated worth in your system. Amazon and Finest Purchase additionally each supply buyback applications which may be price investigating.
No matter you do, be sure to head into your system’s system settings and carry out a full manufacturing unit reset earlier than passing something alongside. You’ll in all probability additionally wish to take away any reminiscence playing cards you might need added, in case your outdated cellphone or pill has an exterior storage slot.
25. Donate it
Feeling philanthropic? Relaxation assured: There’s no scarcity of organizations able to put your outdated Android system within the fingers of somebody who may actually use it.
Just a few prospects price contemplating:
- Medic Cell: This nonprofit group recycles outdated telephones and tablets after which makes use of the proceeds to buy new telephones for well being employees in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The employees use these telephones for issues like monitoring illness outbreaks and speaking in emergencies. You’ll be able to print a pay as you go delivery label on the Medic Cell web site.
- Cell Telephones For Troopers: This nonprofit sends outdated telephones together with free worldwide calling service to troops serving abroad from all branches of the U.S. army. You’ll be able to donate a tool by discovering an area drop-off level or requesting a mailing label.
- Rainforest Connection: This nonprofit makes use of outdated telephones to guard threatened rainforests in Indonesia, Africa, and the Amazon. How? The gadgets are fitted with photo voltaic panels for vitality in addition to specialised software program that makes use of their microphones to observe for the sound of unlawful chainsawing after which alert close by rangers to the exercise (sure, actually!). You’ll be able to donate a tool by mailing it to the group’s California headquarters.
So there you could have it: 25 intriguing choices for giving new life to your outdated system. Determine which one most accurately fits you — and ship these gadget-dwelling mud bunnies packing.
This story was initially revealed in August 2014 and most not too long ago up to date in Could 2026.
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