<\/p>\n
Each time you upgrade to a new Android, your options are to either trade in your old phone or keep it. If you choose to keep your older Android, what should you do with it? You could stash it in a drawer or try to\u00a0sell it<\/span>. But you may\u00a0like the idea of making it useful — you did spend money on it, after all.\u00a0<\/p>\n If your phone’s too old to command a high trade-in value, or you’re looking to save some money on a webcam or a Google Home<\/span>, or you just like to tinker, there are some pretty ingenious ways to repurpose your old device and turn it into something you’ll actually want to use.<\/p>\n After all, smartphones are small, powerful computers with storage space and a camera. Your phone makes a handy substitute for lots of other electronics — you can even\u00a0turn it into a home security camera<\/span>\u00a0or diagnose your car’s mechanical problems. Read on for tricks that will give your old Android new life.<\/p>\n Convert your old Android into a webcam.<\/p>\n <\/span> Now is a great time to turn your old phone into a webcam<\/span>. You can use a number of free apps — including Zoom or Skype — to improve the quality of your video chats during quarantine<\/span>. Getting started is easy, and we give you all the tips you need for a top-notch setup<\/span>. Remember, even an older phone’s main camera could still be better than your laptop’s built-in webcam<\/span> — or no webcam at all.<\/p>\n Read more:<\/strong> Make Your Zoom Calls Run More Smoothly With These Tricks<\/span><\/p>\n The Hyperkin SmartBoy Mobile Device.<\/p>\n <\/span> You can play video games everywhere you go when you\u00a0turn your Android into a Nintendo Game Boy<\/span>. All you need to get started is a compatible Android phone and a $50\u00a0Hyperkin SmartBoy Mobile Device<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n In order to play the games, you’ll need to buy Game Boy cartridges (unless you still have them). But you can also play Game Boy Advance apps if you don’t have the retro cartridges.<\/p>\n Images take up so much storage space on your device, so store them on your old phone. You can use your new device to take the photos<\/span> and then send them to your older phone to free up space.<\/p>\n You can also use your old phone as a camera and take it places you normally wouldn’t want to take your new phone. For example, if you go to the lake or beach, you can take photos without worrying as much about dropping your phone in the water.<\/p>\n Read more:<\/strong> These 5 Phone Camera Tricks Will Add Some Flair to Your Instagram<\/span><\/p>\n It’s great having one remote that can do everything — think\u00a0Click<\/a>, the Adam Sandler movie. OK, maybe not that extreme. But being able to control all of your devices from one remote is a relief. Download a remote control app, such as iRule<\/a>, and then sync your phone to devices including your Xbox One<\/span>, Roku<\/a> and Apple TV<\/span>. <\/p>\n If you have smart light bulbs<\/span>, you can sync your phone to those as well. Follow these tips on how to turn your device into a universal remote<\/span> so you never have to wonder where your TV remote is hiding again.<\/p>\n Turn your Android into a Google Home.<\/p>\n <\/span> Repurposing your Android phone to be a Google Home<\/span>\u00a0smart speaker is simple and requires no app downloads. Make sure your phone is updated to the latest Android OS so you have “OK, Google.” Next, you’ll need to find a Bluetooth speaker to pair your phone with. Make sure both devices stay plugged in and on at all times. You’ll be ready to give Google commands<\/span> in no time. The best part is you won’t have to spend $129 on a Google Home. Learn more about what you can do with a Google Home here<\/span>.<\/p>\n Feel secure by turning your old phone into a home security camera<\/span>. Download a security camera app, like Alfred<\/a> (also works with an\u00a0iPhone<\/a>), to get started. Check on your house while you’re at work to make sure all is well. Place the phone in the main room of the house in a spot where you have the best view. <\/p>\n When you’re home, set it up outside (hidden, of course) to see who’s knocking on your door or to see any suspicious activity. Maybe you’ll find it’s just a raccoon that’s been leaving candy wrappers in your yard and not your neighbor’s kid.<\/p>\n Turn your phone into a baby monitor.<\/p>\n <\/span> Instead of running into your child’s room every time you think you hear crying or a strange noise, check to see if your baby is OK by turning your old phone into a baby monitor<\/span>. <\/p>\n You can set your old phone up in the room and access it from your current phone by installing Skype<\/a> on both devices. You can also use a baby monitor app like Dormi<\/a>. We haven’t tested them on real babies, but the customer ratings are excellent. You’ll feel better knowing that you can be in any room and still see your baby.<\/p>\n
\n Aloysius Low\/CNET
\n <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nTurn your old Android into a webcam<\/h2>\n
\n Hyperkin
\n <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nConvert your old Android into a Nintendo Game Boy<\/h2>\n
Store your photos on the old phone<\/h2>\n
Use your Android as a universal remote<\/h2>\n
\n Chris Parker\/CNET
\n <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nTurn your Android phone into a Google Home<\/h2>\n
Your Android can double as a home security camera<\/h2>\n
\n Alina Bradford\/CNET
\n <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nUse your old phone as a baby monitor<\/h2>\n
Turn your Android into a wireless mouse<\/h2>\n