11 Ways Of Reusing Your Old Android Phones

It isn’t uncommon for people to change their Android smartphones biannually, and this may also apply to you, but have you ever thought about what you could do with an old device instead of consigning it to a drawer, giving it to someone else or throwing it away?

This guide will show you how to “re-purpose” your device, in other words, turn it into something else, such as a radio, gaming console, e-reader, media center or another gadget. Without further ado, here are 12 ways in which you can give your old Android smartphone a new lease of life:

1. Gaming Console

If you happened to play on gaming consoles of old, you now have the ability to enjoy all those retro games you used to love by “casting” your old Android smartphone to your TV using Google Chromecast. Buy yourself a Bluetooth-enabled games controller, and all of a sudden, your old phone turns into an old-school gaming console! Simply download one of the apps listed below to your old phone, connect it to the Bluetooth controller, and then cast its screen to your TV via Chromecast to play your games on a large screen.

Make a gaming console with these apps:

• PPSSPP – PSP emulator
• MegaN64
• My Boy! Free
• DraStic DS Emulator

2. Baby Monitor

Has there been a new arrival in your family? If so, an excellent way to re-purpose an old Android smartphone is to turn it into a baby monitor. This will allow you to see and hear your baby remotely if you happen to be at work, dining out or busy otherwise. Many of the apps that allow you to do this have additional functions to audio-visual, such as keeping track of your baby’s sleep pattern, playing your voice to soothe him or her, and even sending out call or text alerts if they begin to cry.

Make a baby monitor with these apps:

• Baby Monitor
• Dormi – Baby Monitor
• Baby Monitor 3G

3. Navigation Device

When you’re out on the road, you may find yourself needing a navigation system to find your way. If your car doesn’t happen to have one, you can turn your old Android smartphone into a turn-by-turn navigation system that will also give you information on traffic in real-time. Once you have a navigation app installed on it, you can mount the phone in your car and use its WiFi and GPS capabilities to access maps while on your journey.

Turn your smartphone into a navigation device with these apps:

• Google Maps
• Maps, Navigation & Directions
• GPS Navigation

4. VR Headset

Virtual reality headsets are all the rage at the moment, but their prices are still relatively prohibitive. Luckily, there’s a much cheaper alternative – turning your old Android smartphone into one! To do this, you’ll need Google Cardboard or a similar platform. This device will allow you to place your phone inside it, and view stereoscopic images projected from inside it.

Make a VR headset with these apps:

• Cardboard
• YouTube VR
• VaR’s VR Video Player