9 Cool Things You Can Do With an Old iPhone – Don’t toss that old iPhone just yet! It’s time to give your old phone a second life. From turning it into a dedicated music player to using it as a security camera, there are tons of creative ways to repurpose your old iPhone and put it to good use.
Let’s explore some of the coolest things you can do with your old iPhone!
Whether you’re looking to declutter your home, save some money, or simply find new ways to utilize technology, this list offers a variety of options to consider. From turning your old iPhone into a dedicated music player to using it as a portable GPS device, the possibilities are endless.
Turn It Into a Dedicated Music Player
Imagine a world without the distractions of notifications, emails, and social media. An old iPhone can be your portal to this serene listening experience, transforming into a dedicated music player. It’s like having a personal concert hall in your pocket, where you can fully immerse yourself in your favorite tunes without the constant digital noise.
Setting Up an Old iPhone to Stream Music
Setting up your old iPhone for streaming music is a breeze. Here’s how:
- Download a Music Streaming App:Choose your favorite music service like Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora.
- Sign In or Create an Account:Log in to your existing account or create a new one if you’re trying a new service.
- Connect to Wi-Fi or Cellular Data:Ensure you have a stable internet connection to stream music smoothly.
Transferring a Music Library
Transferring your music library from your current iPhone to the old one is straightforward:
- Connect Both iPhones to a Computer:Use a USB cable to connect your old iPhone and your current iPhone to your computer.
- Use iTunes or Finder:Depending on your computer’s operating system, use iTunes (for older macOS and Windows) or Finder (for newer macOS) to manage your music library.
- Transfer Music:Drag and drop the music files from your current iPhone’s music library to the old iPhone’s music library in iTunes or Finder.
Maximizing Battery Life
Here are some tips to prolong your old iPhone’s battery life when using it as a dedicated music player:
- Turn Off Unnecessary Features:Disable features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular data, and location services when not in use.
- Lower Brightness:Reduce the screen brightness to conserve battery power.
- Use Airplane Mode:When you’re not streaming or using cellular data, switch to Airplane Mode to save even more battery.
- Close Unused Apps:Regularly close apps you’re not using to prevent them from draining battery in the background.
Use It as a Security Camera
Turning your old iPhone into a security camera is a fantastic way to keep an eye on your home, office, or even your pet while you’re away. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to expensive security systems, and with the right apps, you can access live feeds and recordings remotely, all from your smartphone.
Setting Up Your iPhone as a Security Camera
You’ll need a few things to get started:
- Your old iPhone
- A reliable Wi-Fi connection
- A security camera app like Alfred or Manything
Once you have these, follow these steps:
- Download and install a security camera app.Alfred and Manything are popular choices, offering features like live streaming, motion detection, and recording. Alfred even allows you to use your old iPhone as a baby monitor.
- Set up the app.Create an account and follow the app’s instructions to connect your iPhone to the app. You’ll need to grant the app access to your camera and microphone.
- Position your iPhone strategically.Choose a location that provides a clear view of the area you want to monitor. Make sure the iPhone is securely placed, as it’s going to be recording 24/7.
- Configure the camera’s features.Most apps offer customization options like motion detection sensitivity, recording duration, and video quality. You can tailor these settings to your specific needs.
Transform It Into a Digital Photo Frame
A digital photo frame is a great way to showcase your favorite memories and add a touch of personalization to your home. Using an old iPhone as a digital photo frame can be a great alternative to buying a dedicated device, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution.
Setting Up Your Digital Photo Frame
To turn your old iPhone into a digital photo frame, you’ll need to download and install a photo frame app. There are several great options available, including Dayframe and Google Photos. These apps offer a range of features, such as customizable slideshows, timer settings, and even the ability to display photos from cloud storage services like Google Drive or iCloud.
- Dayframeis a popular app designed specifically for creating digital photo frames. It allows you to create slideshows with transitions, adjust the display time for each photo, and even set up a timer to automatically turn the screen on and off.
- Google Photosis a versatile app that offers a wide range of features, including photo storage, editing, and sharing. You can use Google Photos to create a slideshow of your photos and set it to play on your old iPhone.
Creating a Slideshow of Photos
Once you’ve chosen an app, you can start creating a slideshow of your photos. Most photo frame apps offer a simple and intuitive interface for creating slideshows.
- Select the photos you want to include in your slideshow. You can choose photos from your iPhone’s photo library, cloud storage services, or even social media accounts.
- Adjust the order of the photos and set the duration for each photo.
- Add transitions between photos to create a smooth and engaging slideshow.
Customizing Display Settings
To personalize your digital photo frame further, you can customize the display settings. This includes options such as:
- Brightness:Adjust the screen brightness to suit your environment.
- Rotation:Choose whether you want the photos to rotate automatically or stay in a fixed orientation.
- Timer:Set a timer to automatically turn the screen on and off at specific times.
Choosing the Best Photos for a Digital Photo Frame
When choosing photos for your digital photo frame, consider the following tips:
- High-quality photos:Select photos with good resolution and clarity to ensure they look their best on the screen.
- Variety of subjects:Include photos of different subjects, such as family, friends, pets, travel destinations, and hobbies.
- Meaningful memories:Choose photos that evoke happy memories and bring a smile to your face.
Make It a Kitchen Companion
Your old iPhone can be a lifesaver in the kitchen, offering a wealth of features to make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. With its large screen, easy-to-use interface, and access to a vast library of apps, your old iPhone can become your go-to kitchen companion.
Using an Old iPhone for Recipes, Timers, and Cooking Videos
Using an old iPhone in the kitchen allows you to easily access recipes, set timers, and watch cooking videos without needing to worry about your main phone getting messy or damaged.
- Recipes:Many apps, like Allrecipes and Epicurious, provide a wide variety of recipes, complete with detailed instructions and nutritional information. You can even search for recipes based on specific ingredients you have on hand.
- Timers:The iPhone’s built-in timer is a lifesaver for setting reminders for different cooking stages. You can even set multiple timers for different tasks, ensuring that everything cooks perfectly.
- Cooking Videos:Platforms like YouTube and MasterClass offer a plethora of cooking videos, from basic techniques to elaborate recipes. You can learn new skills, get inspiration, and watch demonstrations from renowned chefs.
Setting Up Hands-Free Voice Control for Recipes
Hands-free voice control makes cooking even easier, allowing you to navigate recipes, set timers, and adjust volume without having to touch your phone.
- Siri:iPhone’s built-in virtual assistant, Siri, can be used to read recipes aloud, set timers, and search for specific information.
- Third-Party Apps:Apps like Google Assistant and Alexa can also be used to control your iPhone, allowing you to use voice commands to navigate recipes and control other smart home devices.
Finding and Using the Best Kitchen Apps
The App Store offers a wide array of kitchen apps to enhance your culinary experience.
- Recipe Apps:Allrecipes, Epicurious, and Yummly are popular options, providing a vast database of recipes, meal planning tools, and personalized recommendations.
- Timer Apps:The iPhone’s built-in timer is reliable, but dedicated timer apps like “Kitchen Timer” offer more advanced features, including multiple timers, countdown alarms, and customizable sounds.
- Cooking Video Apps:YouTube, MasterClass, and Food Network’s app offer a wide range of cooking videos, from beginner-friendly tutorials to advanced techniques.
- Grocery List Apps:Apps like AnyList and OurGroceries allow you to create and manage grocery lists, share them with others, and even find deals and coupons.
Use It as a Portable GPS Device
An old iPhone can be a lifesaver when you’re navigating unfamiliar roads or trying to find your way around a new city. It’s a convenient and reliable way to get directions, especially if you don’t want to rely on your primary phone’s battery.
Setting Up GPS Navigation Apps
To use your old iPhone for GPS navigation, you’ll need to download a navigation app like Google Maps or Waze. Both apps offer comprehensive mapping and turn-by-turn directions. Once you’ve downloaded the app, open it and sign in with your Google account.
You’ll be able to use the app to search for destinations, get directions, and track your location.
Downloading Maps for Offline Use
If you’re planning a trip to a remote area or are concerned about losing cell service, you can download maps for offline use. This allows you to access navigation information even when you’re not connected to the internet. In Google Maps, you can download maps by searching for a specific area and tapping the “Download” button.
Waze also offers a similar feature.
Tips for Using GPS Features for Travel and Commuting
- Before you leave, make sure your iPhone is fully charged. You don’t want to run out of battery while you’re navigating.
- Use a car charger to keep your iPhone powered up during long drives.
- Consider using a mount to keep your iPhone secure and visible while you’re driving.
- If you’re traveling to a new city, download the offline maps before you go. This will ensure you have access to navigation information even if you don’t have internet access.
- Use the “avoid tolls” or “avoid highways” options in your navigation app to customize your route.
- Use the “share location” feature to let friends or family know where you are.
Turn It Into a Kid’s Tablet
Giving your child an old iPhone can be a great way to entertain and educate them without breaking the bank. It provides a safe and controlled environment for them to explore apps, games, and educational content.
You can turn your old iPhone into a dedicated music player, a portable photo frame, or even a security camera. But if you’re looking to upgrade your entire Mac setup, you might want to check out How To Perform a Manual Mac System Migration.
This guide will walk you through the process of transferring all your data from your old Mac to a new one, making sure you don’t lose any of your precious files. After you’ve upgraded your Mac, you can even use your old iPhone as a remote control for your new setup!
Setting Up Parental Controls
Setting up parental controls on an old iPhone is crucial to ensure your child’s safety and prevent them from accessing inappropriate content. Apple’s built-in Screen Time feature offers robust parental controls. You can restrict app usage, set screen time limits, block specific websites, and monitor your child’s online activity.
To access Screen Time, go to Settings > Screen Time and enable it. You can then set daily limits for app usage, block specific websites, and configure other restrictions.
So you’ve got an old iPhone lying around, and you’re wondering what to do with it. Well, there are tons of cool things you can do, like turning it into a dedicated music player, using it as a security camera, or even using it as a remote control for your smart home devices.
And if you’re ever worried about accidentally deleting important files on your Mac, you can check out this guide on How to undelete files in Mac OS X. But back to the old iPhone, you could even turn it into a travel companion with a dedicated GPS app, or use it as a kid-friendly tablet.
The possibilities are endless!
Creating a Child-Friendly User Interface
To make the iPhone more user-friendly for your child, consider customizing the home screen and limiting access to certain features. You can rearrange apps, create folders for easier navigation, and remove unnecessary apps that might be confusing or distracting.
For instance, you can create a folder labeled “Games” and place all the games your child can access within it. You can also remove apps like the App Store, Safari, and other apps that might be inappropriate for their age.
Selecting Apps and Games
When selecting apps and games for your child, prioritize educational content, creativity, and age-appropriateness. Look for apps that encourage learning, problem-solving, and creativity.
For example, apps like Khan Academy Kids, ABCmouse, and Duolingo are excellent educational apps that can help your child learn basic skills. You can also find games that promote cognitive development, such as puzzles, logic games, and memory games.
Use It as a Dedicated E-Reader
Giving your old iPhone a new life as a dedicated e-reader is a great way to enjoy books without breaking the bank. You can ditch the bulky and expensive e-reader and enjoy a dedicated reading experience with a device you already own.
You can totally turn your old iPhone into a super cool alarm clock, a dedicated music player, or even a remote control for your smart home. And if you want to really unlock the potential of that dusty device, check out How to use iOS 8 like a boss.
Learning some iOS 8 tricks will help you squeeze every bit of juice out of your old iPhone, even if it’s just for fun. You might be surprised at all the cool things you can do with it!
Setting Up Your iPhone for Reading
Setting up your old iPhone for reading is easy and requires only a few simple steps. You’ll need to download an e-reading app, like Kindle or Kobo, and set up an account. Once you have an account, you can download books from the app’s store.
You can also transfer e-books to your iPhone from your computer, but it’s best to use the app’s built-in store to ensure the book is formatted correctly.
Optimizing Your iPhone’s Display for Reading
The display settings on your iPhone can significantly impact your reading experience. To ensure comfortable reading, adjust the display settings for optimal brightness, contrast, and font size.
The brightness of your iPhone’s screen should be adjusted to match the ambient light. A bright screen in a dimly lit room can strain your eyes.
The font size should be adjusted for optimal readability. You can also experiment with different fonts to find the most comfortable option.
The contrast of the display can be adjusted to make the text easier to read. A high contrast setting will make the text appear sharper and more defined.
Finding and Downloading E-books
There are many places to find free and paid e-books. The app stores for Kindle and Kobo offer a vast selection of books, and you can also find free e-books on websites like Project Gutenberg and Open Library.
When choosing e-books, consider your interests and reading preferences. There are e-books available for every taste, from classic literature to modern fiction and non-fiction.
Turn It Into a Remote Control
Imagine a world where you can control all your smart home devices with your old iPhone. You can dim the lights, adjust the thermostat, turn on your TV, and even play music, all with the touch of a button. This is the power of turning your old iPhone into a dedicated remote control.
Setting Up Your iPhone as a Remote Control
You can easily turn your old iPhone into a remote control by using apps like Alexa or Google Home. These apps allow you to connect and control your smart home devices from your iPhone.To set up your iPhone as a remote control, you’ll need to download the Alexa or Google Home app from the App Store.
Once the app is installed, you’ll need to create an account and connect your smart home devices to the app. This usually involves connecting your devices to your home Wi-Fi network.Once your devices are connected, you can use the app to control them.
For example, you can use the Alexa app to turn on your lights, adjust the temperature of your thermostat, or even play music on your smart speaker.
Using Your iPhone to Control Specific Devices, 9 cool things you can do with an old iPhone
- TVs:You can use apps like the Samsung SmartThings app or the LG ThinQ app to control your TV from your iPhone. These apps allow you to change channels, adjust the volume, and even access streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
- Lights:If you have smart lights, you can control them from your iPhone using apps like Philips Hue or LIFX. These apps allow you to turn your lights on and off, adjust the brightness, and even change the color of your lights.
- Thermostats:You can use apps like Nest or Ecobee to control your thermostat from your iPhone. These apps allow you to adjust the temperature, set schedules, and even monitor your energy usage.
Finding and Using the Best Remote Control Apps
When choosing a remote control app, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Compatibility:Make sure the app is compatible with your smart home devices.
- Features:Choose an app that offers the features you need, such as the ability to control multiple devices, create custom routines, and set schedules.
- User Interface:Choose an app with a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate.
Donate It or Sell It
Giving your old iPhone a new life is a great way to reduce e-waste and potentially earn some cash. Whether you choose to donate it or sell it, you’ll be contributing to a more sustainable future and getting some value out of your device.
Preparing Your Old iPhone for Donation or Sale
Before donating or selling your old iPhone, it’s important to prepare it properly to ensure it’s in good condition and ready for its new owner. This includes wiping all personal data and resetting the device to factory settings.
- Back Up Your Data:Before erasing your iPhone, back up all your important data, such as photos, contacts, and messages, to iCloud or your computer. This ensures you don’t lose any valuable information.
- Sign Out of All Accounts:Sign out of all your Apple accounts, including iCloud, iTunes, and App Store. This will remove your personal information from the device.
- Erase All Content and Settings:Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. This will completely wipe your iPhone and restore it to its factory settings.
- Remove SIM Card:If you’re donating your iPhone, remove the SIM card. If you’re selling it, make sure the SIM card is included.
Finding Organizations That Accept Donated iPhones
Many organizations accept donated iPhones, including charities, schools, and non-profit organizations. They use these devices to provide access to technology for people in need, educational purposes, and other initiatives.
- Cell Phones for Soldiers:This organization collects used cell phones and provides them to active-duty military personnel stationed overseas.
- The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:They accept donated iPhones to help victims of domestic violence stay connected and safe.
- Local Schools and Libraries:Many schools and libraries accept donated iPhones for educational purposes.
Selling Your Old iPhone for the Best Price
Selling your old iPhone can be a great way to get some cash back for your device. You can sell it online through various platforms or locally through classifieds or pawn shops.
- Check the Value of Your iPhone:Before selling, research the current market value of your iPhone model based on its condition, storage capacity, and age. Online tools like Gazelle, SellCell, and Swappa can provide estimates.
- Choose a Reputable Platform:When selling online, choose a reputable platform with buyer protection measures. eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are popular options.
- Take Clear Photos:Take high-quality photos of your iPhone from different angles, showcasing its condition. This helps potential buyers assess its value.
- Provide Detailed Descriptions:Include detailed information about your iPhone’s model, storage capacity, condition, and any accessories included.
- Set a Realistic Price:Research similar iPhones being sold on the market and set a competitive price. Consider factors like condition, age, and demand.
Wrap-Up: 9 Cool Things You Can Do With An Old IPhone
So, there you have it – nine cool things you can do with an old iPhone. It’s amazing how versatile these devices can be, even after they’ve been replaced. So, instead of letting your old iPhone gather dust, give it a new purpose and get creative with your tech!
Common Queries
Can I still use my old iPhone if it’s not updated to the latest iOS?
Yes, you can still use your old iPhone even if it’s not updated to the latest iOS. Many of the features we’ve discussed will work on older versions of iOS. However, some apps may require a newer iOS version to function properly.
It’s a good idea to check the app’s requirements before using it on an older iPhone.
Is it safe to use an old iPhone as a security camera?
Using an old iPhone as a security camera can be safe if you use a reputable app and take the necessary precautions. Be sure to choose an app with strong security features, such as encryption and password protection. Also, make sure to position the camera in a secure location and avoid using it to monitor sensitive areas like bathrooms or bedrooms.