Tip of the Week: Old Mobile Devices Still Have Value

Most smartphone users like to get a new phone every year or two. This isn’t just because the hardware or software on newer devices are better, but because after two years, many people have dropped their devices a half dozen times and there are cracks and dings in the device. After two years most device’s batteries start to degrade. Some newer software isn’t compatible or won’t run on older devices. Whatever your reason is for getting a new smartphone, you should know that your old smartphone still has some value. For this week’s tip, we’ll outline some ways you can use your old mobile device:

Remote into Your Home Desktop

Inside your average workplace, the Wi-Fi connection is widely available. By connecting your old phone to your Wi-Fi you can do quite a bit. One thing you can do is install apps on both your home machine and your mobile device (or your work machine and your mobile device) and use the old mobile to set up a remote connection to your home device. The more connected you are to the data you use, the more you can do.

Make It a Video Conferencing Hub

Using your old smartphone as a conferencing hub is a great way to communicate with contemporaries, customers, friends, and family. All you need to make it work is a stand of some sort, a power source, and a Wi-Fi connection.

Find Use at Your Desk

You can give an old device function by using it as a desk clock, a photo frame, or a calendar. Even if you don’t have a mobile carrier connected to the device, you can still use the app stores over a Wi-Fi connection.

Turn it into a Security Camera

If you feel as though you need a bit of extra security, you can use your old phone as a security camera. You will need to download an application that will allow you to view a live feed from the phone, but then all you need to do is ensure it is plugged in and positioned the way you want. This wouldn’t be a great replacement for a dedicated physical security system, but it’s good for keeping track of your pets.

If you don’t have plans for your old device, you can resell it if it’s in good shape or you can dispose of it. If that is the route you are going to go, contact Horne & Benik at (603) 499-4400 and our IT experts will help you recycle your device responsibly and properly.