Best ways to give your old iPhone a second life

Before tossing out your old iPhone, consider it a treasure trove of potential waiting to be unlocked. Your seemingly outdated device isn’t just electronic waste. It’s a versatile gadget ready for an exciting second life. From transforming into a smart home hub to becoming a dedicated digital companion, an old iPhone can be repurposed in countless creative ways that breathe new life into technology you may not have considered.

1. Turn it into a ‘dumb phone’: Smartphones are incredibly powerful, but they can also be overwhelming. The constant notifications and social media updates can make it hard to focus or enjoy the present moment. If you’re finding that your iPhone is more of a time-waster than a tool for productivity, why not transform it into a “dumb phone”? A “dumb phone” is a basic mobile device that focuses on essential communication functions like calling and texting, while minimizing digital distractions through limited internet access and app capabilities, helping you reduce screen time and stay more present.

2. Give it to your kids: Eventually, you may want to give your child their own smartphone. While a new phone can be expensive, handing down your old iPhone is a great way to introduce them to technology while also being mindful of your budget. By using Family Sharing and parental controls, you can carefully monitor what apps and content your child accesses. Plus, it’s an excellent way to bring them into the Apple ecosystem.

3. Repurpose it as a webcam: In recent years, Apple’s Continuity Camera feature has made it easy to use an iPhone as a webcam for your Mac or Apple TV. While newer models work well for this purpose, older iPhones can still serve as excellent webcams, especially for online meetings and video calls. Instead of purchasing an external webcam, your old iPhone can deliver superior video quality.

4. Make it a dedicated music player: Why use your main iPhone for music when you can repurpose your old one as a dedicated MP3 player? With your old iPhone set up as a music player, you can enjoy your favorite tunes or podcasts without the distractions of text messages or social media notifications. It’s a perfect solution for workouts, long drives, or when you just want to zone out with music.

5. Use it as a remote or smart home controller: If you own an Apple TV, you already know that your iPhone can function as a remote control. However, keeping your main phone tied up with the remote can be inconvenient. By making your old iPhone a dedicated Apple TV remote, you can still enjoy controlling your TV without using your primary phone. Your old iPhone can even be a hub for all your smart home devices, from adjusting lights and thermostats to checking security cameras.

6. Save it for gaming: Smartphones have transformed mobile gaming, and your old iPhone could be an ideal portable gaming console. Many classic and modern games run smoothly on older iPhone models, and with subscription services like Apple Arcade, you can access a huge library of high-quality games. This is a fun, low-cost way to enjoy mobile gaming without draining your main iPhone’s battery life.

7. Convert it into an e-reader: For book lovers, using an old iPhone as a dedicated e-reader is a great option. You can install apps like Kindle or Apple Books from the App Store. The iPhone’s display is perfect for reading books and graphic novels, and since you’re not using your main iPhone, there are no distractions like notifications to interrupt your reading. You can disable all apps and notifications on the old device, making it a peaceful reading experience.

Just because you’ve upgraded to a new iPhone doesn’t mean your old one has to be discarded. There are countless ways to repurpose it, from boosting your productivity to controlling your smart home. This way, you can extend its lifespan and maximize the value of your purchase. Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact. Subscribe to Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter for more tech tips and security alerts.