7 good uses you can give it without spending a single euro

Mobile technology is one of the most changed technologies in the last two decades. We have gone are cell phones that were only used to call and text others and basically allowed us to do everything with themfrom work to playing video games with graphics similar to those of some consoles. In recent years, the process of changing mobile phones in Europe has slowed down, but many still have devices in their desk drawer, without using them.

These are devices that can no longer be used as personal mobile phones. because the battery doesn’t last as long as it used to, or its camera system has become somewhat obsolete compared to what current models can do. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t useful for something.

In fact, even older devices, those that don’t even have their own operating system, can be useful in some cases. It is not always necessary to have a smartphone with all the apps installed. In fact, sometimes it’s a good idea not to have it.

A mobile for children

Currently, the little ones in the house are used to having a phone in their hands from a very young age, even if it is not advisable. However, in some cases it is an alternative for them to use it, to distract themselves during a trip or to calm down when they are at the doctor, for example.

Despite this, It’s usually not a good idea to leave them our phone number.because it could fall and break, because we might need it at some point to call and because if applications need to be installed, they will end up being on our mobile. This will also prevent them from learning our PIN or unlock pattern.

If we have An old smartphone can be configured with the apps that we think are right for it.. It is better not to add a data connection via a SIM card and use it only with Wi-Fi, whether at home or outside, where we can use our mobile phone as a router.

Also for tweens

Another use case for an old, very old mobile phone might be to give your child their first mobile phone. a child between 10 and 12 years old, only when leaving home. In this case, it is better if it is a mobile phone with which you can call and receive calls, but which does not have an operating system with applications. In other words, no iPhone or Android.

I’m sure there are still some at home. old models that still work but are no longer used because their functionality is minimal. It is even possible to buy a new smartphone of this type for less than 15 dollars in stores like Amazon. Another option is to use any mobile phone, even a smartphone, but with a SIM card with only voice functions and no data rate. Of course, in this case it will still be possible to use it connected to a WiFi network, even if the parents do not know it.

music player

Another alternative use that can be given to an old cell phone is to be a music player for certain moments when we do not want to use our main device, or to lend it to a minor, for example. I should justInstall streaming apps or download content in MP3 format if we want.

Also, if it is a mobile phone with a certain duration It can even have a 3.5mm headphone port for wired headphones.. However, it surely has Bluetooth and it is possible to pair it with wireless headphones if preferred.

smart speaker

If you haven’t decided to buy a smart speaker yet because you don’t know whether you’ll use it or not, it’s possible use an old cell phone and set it to answer OK Google without having to touch it. This way it can be used as a speaker, even with its screen.

Of course, it is best to leave it connected permanently and, depending on where it is, it may be advisable to put a small support on it so that we can see the screen when it answers our questions. If we see that we use it a lot, we will know that it will be worth buying a speaker, with more sound power and, above all, better microphones to pick up the commands.

baby monitor

Another option is use your cell phone as a baby monitor camera. Two terminals are needed, but the main one we use at any time can be the viewer, leaving the old cell phone in the room always connected.

Of course, to do this we will have to install an application on both phones that will serve to communicate between the two devices. There are several free ones on the Google Play Store, but one of the best known is Saby, which has a monthly cost. Despite its cost, not having to buy dedicated hardware, which is not cheap, is a point in its favor.

TV remote control

If our old cell phone is one of those that had infrared transmitter, it can be left in the living room to serve as a second remote control. Or replace the main one if it is broken. Many applications can be used to exploit the IrDa sensor.

In addition, If we have a TV with Android TV or Google TV, we can also use Google Home to control the interface from the old mobile. We can even use it to cast videos with the Chromecast option if the applications are installed on the device.

Awakening

All phones come with a Clock app with alarm functions, like Google’s. We might wonder why we would want to use an old cell phone as an alarm clock if we have one for everyday use. But the reality It is a good habit not to take your cell phone into the bedroom..

Using it before bed can change our rest habits and even cause us to sleep less, especially if we are distracted by social networks for hours. Having it a mobile phone on which we can set an alarm with our own music but on which we have not configured any other applicationseven WiFi connection is not a good alternative.