Repurpose Old IPhone: 7 Interesting Uses With Internet

Got an old iPhone lying around? Don't let it gather dust! Even without a SIM card, your trusty old iPhone can still be a powerhouse of functionality, especially with internet access. Guys, there are tons of interesting ways to repurpose your old iPhone, turning it into a valuable tool or entertainment hub. Let's dive into some cool ideas and breathe new life into that device.

1. Dedicated Smart Home Hub

Transform your old iPhone into a dedicated smart home hub, acting as a central control panel for all your connected devices. This is one of the most practical and rewarding uses for an old iPhone, especially if you're invested in the smart home ecosystem. Think about it: you can control your lights, thermostat, security cameras, and even your coffee maker, all from one convenient location.

First, you need to identify the smart home platforms you're already using or planning to use. Popular options include Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. Each platform has its own compatible devices and apps, so make sure your devices are compatible with the platform you choose. Once you've chosen your platform, download the corresponding app on your old iPhone. For example, if you're using Apple HomeKit, download the Home app. If you're using Google Assistant, download the Google Home app. If you're using Amazon Alexa, download the Amazon Alexa app.

Next, connect your smart home devices to your chosen platform. This usually involves following the instructions provided by the device manufacturer. In most cases, you'll need to connect your devices to your Wi-Fi network and then add them to the platform's app. The process is usually straightforward and involves scanning a QR code or entering a device-specific code. After you've connected your devices, you can start creating scenes and automations. Scenes allow you to control multiple devices with a single tap or voice command. For example, you can create a "Goodnight" scene that turns off all the lights, locks the doors, and sets the thermostat to a comfortable temperature. Automations allow you to trigger actions based on specific events, such as the time of day or the position of your phone. For example, you can create an automation that turns on the lights when you arrive home or that sends you a notification when the front door is opened.

By using your old iPhone as a dedicated smart home hub, you can declutter your primary phone and create a more streamlined smart home experience. Imagine having a single, always-on device that controls your entire home, making your life easier and more convenient. This is a fantastic way to extend the lifespan of your old iPhone and get the most out of your smart home devices.

2. Baby Monitor or Pet Cam

Turn your old iPhone into a reliable baby monitor or pet cam, providing peace of mind and a watchful eye on your loved ones. This is a fantastic way to repurpose your device and save money on dedicated monitoring equipment. With the right apps and setup, your old iPhone can become an invaluable tool for keeping tabs on your baby or furry friend.

To set up your iPhone as a baby monitor, you'll need to download a baby monitor app from the App Store. There are many great options available, both free and paid, offering features like live video streaming, two-way audio, motion detection, and temperature monitoring. Some popular apps include Cloud Baby Monitor, Dormi, and Baby Monitor 3G. Once you've downloaded and installed the app, you'll need to install the same app on your primary phone or tablet, which will act as the parent unit. Place your old iPhone in the baby's room, ensuring it has a clear view of the crib or play area. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network, and then follow the app's instructions to pair them. Now you can monitor your baby from anywhere in your home, receiving alerts if the baby cries or if motion is detected.

Similarly, you can use your old iPhone as a pet cam to keep an eye on your furry companions while you're away. The setup process is similar to setting up a baby monitor. Download a pet cam app, such as AlfredCamera or Presence, on both your old iPhone and your primary device. Position your old iPhone in a location where it can capture a wide view of the area where your pet spends most of their time. You can even set up motion detection alerts to notify you if your pet is being particularly active or getting into mischief. Some pet cam apps also offer features like two-way audio, allowing you to speak to your pet and soothe them if they're feeling anxious.

Using your old iPhone as a baby monitor or pet cam is not only cost-effective but also incredibly convenient. You can check in on your loved ones from anywhere, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to stay connected even when you're not at home. Plus, the high-quality camera on your iPhone ensures a clear and detailed view, so you won't miss a thing. This is a smart and practical way to repurpose your old iPhone and make a positive impact on your family's life.

3. Dedicated Music or Podcast Player

Transform your old iPhone into a dedicated music or podcast player, creating a portable entertainment hub that won't drain the battery on your primary phone. This is an excellent way to enjoy your favorite tunes and podcasts without any distractions or interruptions. With a bit of setup, your old iPhone can become the ultimate audio companion.

First, you'll need to decide which music and podcast apps you want to use. Popular options include Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and Google Podcasts. Download your chosen apps from the App Store and sign in with your existing accounts or create new ones. Next, download your favorite songs and podcasts for offline listening. This will allow you to enjoy your content even when you don't have an internet connection, such as during your commute or while traveling. Most music and podcast apps offer a download option, allowing you to save content directly to your device. Organize your music into playlists and subscribe to your favorite podcasts to keep your library fresh and up-to-date.

You can also connect your old iPhone to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones for an enhanced listening experience. This is especially useful if you're using your iPhone as a music player for parties or gatherings. Simply pair your iPhone with your Bluetooth device, and you're ready to go. Consider purchasing a portable Bluetooth speaker that you can easily take with you on the go. This will allow you to enjoy your music and podcasts wherever you are, whether you're at the park, the beach, or a friend's house.

Using your old iPhone as a dedicated music and podcast player offers several advantages. It frees up space on your primary phone, preventing your music and podcast library from cluttering your device. It also saves battery life on your primary phone, as you won't be constantly streaming audio. Plus, it allows you to create a personalized entertainment experience, tailored to your specific tastes and preferences. Whether you're a music enthusiast or a podcast aficionado, repurposing your old iPhone as an audio player is a smart and enjoyable way to extend its usability.

4. E-reader

Convert your old iPhone into a portable e-reader, allowing you to carry your entire library with you wherever you go. While the screen may be smaller than a dedicated e-reader like a Kindle, an iPhone is still perfectly capable of providing a comfortable reading experience, especially for shorter reads or when you're on the move. This is a fantastic way to repurpose your device and dive into the world of literature without investing in another gadget.

To get started, download an e-reader app from the App Store. There are many excellent options available, including Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and Libby. Each app has its own features and benefits, so it's worth exploring a few to find the one that best suits your needs. Kindle is a popular choice for its vast selection of books and seamless integration with Amazon's ecosystem. Apple Books is a great option for Apple users, offering a clean and intuitive interface. Google Play Books provides access to a wide range of books and audiobooks. Libby is a fantastic app for borrowing books from your local library for free.

Once you've downloaded your chosen e-reader app, you can start building your digital library. You can purchase e-books from the app's store, download free e-books from websites like Project Gutenberg, or borrow e-books from your library using Libby. Most e-reader apps allow you to customize the reading experience, adjusting the font size, font style, brightness, and background color to your liking. This is especially important for comfortable reading on a smaller screen. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for your eyes.

Reading on your old iPhone can be surprisingly enjoyable. The device is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. You can read on your commute, during your lunch break, or before bed without straining your primary phone's battery. Plus, having your entire library in your pocket means you'll always have something to read, no matter where you are. Turning your old iPhone into an e-reader is a smart and sustainable way to enjoy your favorite books and make the most of your device.

5. Dedicated Gaming Device

Transform your old iPhone into a dedicated gaming device, providing a distraction-free platform for all your mobile gaming adventures. This is a brilliant way to repurpose your old device and unleash its gaming potential, without draining the battery or cluttering your primary phone. With a vast library of games available on the App Store, your old iPhone can become a portable gaming powerhouse.

Start by exploring the App Store and downloading your favorite games. There are games available in every genre, from puzzle games and strategy games to action games and racing games. Some popular titles include Among Us, Call of Duty: Mobile, Genshin Impact, and Candy Crush Saga. Many games are free to download and play, while others require a one-time purchase or offer in-app purchases. Consider subscribing to Apple Arcade, a subscription service that provides access to a library of hundreds of ad-free games for a monthly fee.

To enhance your gaming experience, consider purchasing a Bluetooth gaming controller. Many controllers are compatible with iPhones, providing a more tactile and immersive gaming experience. A controller can be especially useful for games that require precise controls, such as action games and racing games. You can also connect your iPhone to a larger screen using an HDMI adapter or AirPlay. This will allow you to play games on your TV or monitor, creating a more immersive gaming experience.

Using your old iPhone as a dedicated gaming device offers several benefits. It frees up storage space on your primary phone, preventing your games from cluttering your device. It also saves battery life on your primary phone, as you won't be constantly running graphics-intensive games. Plus, it allows you to create a dedicated gaming setup, tailored to your specific preferences. Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, repurposing your old iPhone as a gaming device is a smart and fun way to extend its usefulness.

6. Secondary Camera

Utilize your old iPhone as a secondary camera, capturing photos and videos without filling up the storage on your primary phone. This is a practical and creative way to repurpose your device, especially if you enjoy photography or videography. Your old iPhone can serve as a backup camera, a dedicated camera for specific purposes, or even a creative tool for experimenting with different angles and perspectives.

Your old iPhone's camera is still a valuable asset, even if it's not the latest model. You can use it to capture everyday moments, document your travels, or even create professional-quality photos and videos. Consider using your old iPhone as a dedicated camera for specific activities, such as taking photos of your pets, capturing time-lapses, or recording videos for social media. This can help you keep your primary phone's camera roll organized and prevent it from becoming cluttered.

To get the most out of your old iPhone's camera, explore the various camera apps available on the App Store. Many apps offer advanced features and controls, such as manual focus, exposure compensation, and RAW image capture. Some popular camera apps include Halide, ProCamera, and VSCO. You can also use your old iPhone to experiment with different photography techniques, such as macro photography, long exposure photography, and panoramic photography.

Using your old iPhone as a secondary camera offers several advantages. It frees up storage space on your primary phone, allowing you to capture more photos and videos without worrying about running out of space. It also allows you to experiment with different camera settings and techniques without affecting your primary phone's camera. Plus, it provides a convenient and portable camera that you can take with you wherever you go. Whether you're a casual photographer or a serious enthusiast, repurposing your old iPhone as a secondary camera is a smart and resourceful way to extend its functionality.

7. Universal Remote Control

Turn your old iPhone into a universal remote control, simplifying your home entertainment setup and eliminating the clutter of multiple remotes. This is a clever and practical way to repurpose your device, giving you control over your TV, sound system, and other devices from a single interface. With the right apps and accessories, your old iPhone can become the ultimate remote control.

To get started, you'll need to download a universal remote control app from the App Store. There are many options available, both free and paid, offering varying degrees of compatibility and features. Some popular apps include iRule, Harmony, and AnyMote Universal Remote. These apps typically use Wi-Fi or infrared (IR) to communicate with your devices. If your old iPhone doesn't have an IR blaster, you may need to purchase an external IR adapter. These adapters plug into the Lightning port and allow your iPhone to send IR signals to your devices.

Once you've downloaded and installed a universal remote control app, you'll need to configure it to work with your devices. This usually involves selecting the brand and model of each device and then following the app's instructions to program the remote. Most apps have a built-in database of devices, making the setup process relatively straightforward. You can also customize the remote's layout and buttons to suit your preferences.

Using your old iPhone as a universal remote control offers several benefits. It simplifies your home entertainment setup, allowing you to control all your devices from a single interface. It eliminates the clutter of multiple remotes, freeing up space on your coffee table and making it easier to find the remote you need. Plus, it provides a convenient and intuitive way to manage your home entertainment system. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply looking for a more streamlined experience, repurposing your old iPhone as a universal remote control is a smart and practical solution.

Conclusion

So, guys, don't let that old iPhone sit in a drawer! These are just a few of the many interesting ways you can repurpose it with internet access. From a smart home hub to a dedicated gaming device, your old iPhone still has plenty to offer. Get creative, explore the possibilities, and give your trusty old device a new lease on life!