In today's fast-paced world, technology changes rapidly, and we often find ourselves replacing our old gadgets with the latest and greatest models. But what should you do with your old Android device that's been lying around? Don't just toss it in the trash! There are many great uses for an old Android device, and in this article, we'll explore 21 of them that you might find particularly useful.
Smart Home Hub
One of the best ways to use an old Android device is to turn it into a smart home hub. With the right apps installed, you can control your lights, thermostat, security cameras, and other smart devices from your old phone or tablet. You can even use it as a voice assistant by installing Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. This is a great way to upgrade your home without spending a lot of money on new smart devices.
To get started, you'll need to download some apps. There are many options available, but some of the most popular include SmartThings, Home Assistant, and OpenHAB. Once you've installed the app, follow the setup instructions to connect your smart devices to your old Android device.
Portable Media Player
If you love listening to music or watching videos on the go, your old Android device can make a great portable media player. Simply load it up with your favorite songs and videos, and you'll have a pocket-sized entertainment center that you can take with you anywhere.
To get started, you'll need to transfer your media files to your old Android device. You can do this by connecting it to your computer via USB and dragging and dropping the files onto the device. You can also use apps like Google Play Music or VLC to stream music and videos directly from the internet.
Home Security Camera
If you're looking for a way to keep an eye on your home when you're away, you can turn your old Android device into a home security camera. With apps like Alfred or AtHome Camera, you can use your old phone or tablet to monitor your home from anywhere in the world. These apps can even send you notifications when they detect motion, so you can always stay on top of what's happening at home.
To set up your old Android device as a home security camera, simply install the app and follow the setup instructions. You'll need to position your device in a strategic location, such as near a door or window, and connect it to your home Wi-Fi network. Once you've done that, you'll be able to monitor your home from your new phone or tablet.
Turn it into a digital photo frame
Another great use for an old Android device is to turn it into a digital photo frame. With its large screen and high-quality display, an old Android tablet or smartphone can be an excellent device for displaying your favorite photos. You can download apps like Google Photos, and set your old device to display a slideshow of your photos on a loop.
To make your old Android device into a digital photo frame, all you need is a stand or holder to prop it up, and a power source to keep it charged. You can set it up on your desk, bookshelf, or anywhere else that you want to display your photos, and enjoy a constant stream of memories.
Remote Control
You can use your old Android device as a remote control for your other electronic devices. With a free app like Unified Remote, you can easily control your computer or media center using your old phone. You can use your phone to control your music, adjust your volume, and even navigate your computer's desktop. This can be a great way to repurpose an old device and make it useful again.
Create a dedicated e-reader
If you love reading, you can use your old Android device as a dedicated e-reader. Download your favorite e-book apps, such as Amazon Kindle or Google Play Books, and you'll have a portable reading device that you can take with you anywhere.
Make a digital recipe book
If you're a foodie and love to cook, you can turn your old Android device into a digital recipe book. Download your favorite cooking apps, such as Tasty or Allrecipes, and save your favorite recipes for quick and easy access.
Use it as a dedicated language translator.
Download a language translation app and use your old Android device to help you communicate in foreign languages.
Use it as a dedicated document scanner.
Download a document scanner app and use your old Android device to scan documents and receipts.
Use it as a dedicated meditation and mindfulness tool.
Download meditation and mindfulness apps and use your old Android device to help you relax and de-stress.
Use it as a kitchen helper.
Mount your old Android device in your kitchen and use it to display recipes, watch cooking videos, and set timers.
Turn it into a dedicated workout tracker.
Download a fitness app and use your old Android device to track your workouts and monitor your progress.
Turn it into a gaming device.
There are plenty of great games available on Android, so why not turn your old device into a dedicated gaming device?
Turn it into a dedicated GPS device.
Use your old Android device as a dedicated GPS device for your car, bike, or other outdoor activities.
Now that you have your old Android device set up as a GPS tracker, here are some great uses for it:
- Keep track of your kids
If you have young children, you can use your old Android device to keep track of their location when they're out and about. This is especially useful if your kids are old enough to go out on their own but you still want to make sure they're safe.
- Monitor elderly family members
If you have elderly family members who live alone or have mobility issues, you can use your old Android device to keep track of their location and ensure that they're safe. You can set up geofencing alerts to notify you when they leave their home or if they stray too far from their usual routine.
- Track your pets
If you have a pet that likes to wander off or escape from your yard, you can use your old Android device to keep track of their location. You can attach the device to your pet's collar and set up alerts to notify you if they leave a certain area.
- Monitor your vehicle
You can also use your old Android device to monitor the location of your vehicle. This is especially useful if you have a fleet of vehicles that you need to keep track of, or if you want to ensure that your vehicle is safe and secure.
- Use it as a backup GPS device
If you're going on a road trip or hiking in a remote location, you can use your old Android device as a backup GPS device. Just make sure to download offline maps beforehand so that you can still use the device even if you don't have internet access.
Use it as a baby monitor:
Download a baby monitor app and use your old Android device as a baby monitor. You can even set it up to send alerts when your baby wakes up or starts crying.
Make it a digital alarm clock:
Download a clock app and use your old Android device as a digital alarm clock. You can even set it up to wake you up to your favorite music.
Turn it into a dedicated podcast player:
Load up your old Android device with your favorite podcasts and use it as a dedicated podcast player. You can even connect it to a Bluetooth speaker for a better listening experience.
Use it as a backup phone:
If your primary phone ever breaks or runs out of battery, you can use your old Android device as a backup phone. Just make sure to keep it charged and ready to go.
Transform it into a Wi-Fi Hotspot:
Use your old device as a Wi-Fi hotspot for your other devices, so you can stay connected on the go.
Donate it to charity
Last but not least, if you don't want to use your old Android device for any of the above options, consider donating it to charity. Many charities accept old phones and tablets, and they will either refurbish them and give them to people in need, or sell them and use the proceeds to fund their programs. This is a great way to give back to your community and make a difference.
Conclusion:
As you can see, there are many great uses for an old Android device. With a little creativity and the right apps, you can repurpose your old phone or tablet into a useful tool that can improve your daily life. So, before you throw away that old device, consider giving it a new lease on life with one of these ideas!
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