Smartphones and tablets have been around for years, which means you may have gone through several generations of devices. More and more outdated models are collected in desk drawers, which are usually of no use, they only take up space and collect dust.

However, a practical person can find a use for them. An Android device, regardless of age, has considerable potential, so you can breathe into them new life. Tips on how to do this are given below.

1. Wireless trackpad and joystick for computer

At correct selection software and a few minutes of setup, you can turn your old Android device into a controller for controlling Windows, Linux, or macOS computers.

You'll need an app called Unified Remote and a connection via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Free version The application allows you to control the mouse and keyboard, playback of multimedia content and power-related commands. Full version costs $4 and add individual elements controls for each program and other advanced features.

You need to download server software for your computer, after which the device will be ready to work as a wireless controller.

2. Remote computer terminal

If you want to access home computer from other places, an old Android smartphone or tablet can help. Through its screen you will see your computer screen.

The easiest way to do this is to use a free program Google Chrome Remote Desktop, which works with Windows systems, Linux, Chrome OS and macOS. Install Chrome app Remote Desktop into your computer's browser and follow the instructions to establish a connection. You can only connect to devices where you are logged in to the same account. Google entry. For security purposes, you will need to create a PIN code.

Once this is done, install a companion application on your Android device, through which you can connect to your computer's desktop using a PIN code.

3. Universal remote control

Even the oldest Android devices have enough power to act as a remote control remote control at home or at work. This will allow you to manage various devices and multimedia components without special devices and free up the main smartphone, which is useful for other things.

First download to your old smartphone or tablet required applications, such as Nest, Hue, etc. Add tools that allow you to manage audio and video streams. There are several ways:

• Connect your smartphone or tablet using the Google Chromecast keychain. After that, you can keep the old devices on your desk and use them as a hub for wireless control content, such as a YouTube video, that will be displayed on the TV screen.
• Install an application that turns your Android device into a remote control for your TV, set-top box, or DVD player. If your mobile device has an infrared sensor, it may have its own programmable application or use Smart program IR Remote. If there is no infrared sensor, look in Google store Play Store certain programs For driving. Panasonic, Sony, DirectTV, Android TV, etc. have such programs.
• Create a full-fledged media server with Plex help, then use your old devices as a remote control to stream local content to your TV. The media server is free, although subscriptions are available for $5 per month, $40 per year, and $120 forever.

4. Scientific research

Old, clunky Android devices can contribute to world science by helping to predict earthquakes and find cures for diseases. All this can be done through a program at the University of California at Berkeley called BOINC.

Need to download free application, select the project you like and configure the device to work with it. As long as the device is turned on, plugged in and has access to Wi-Fi, scientists from different institutions will be able to use its computing capabilities to analyze data. More information about BOINC projects can be found on Wikipedia. One thing to keep in mind is that your electricity bills may rise.

5. Security camera

Who needs fancy surveillance cameras when you have an unnecessary old Android smartphone. Using third-party apps, the camera on your device allows you to monitor your home, office, or anywhere else. There may even be advanced features like video recording and motion detection.

Download the free IP Webcam app or Pro version for $3.99 and follow the instructions. Then you can watch through the device’s camera and any compatible browser.

6. Video conferencing station

Set up your old Android device with your choice of video chat app: Skype, Hangouts Meet, Google Duo, or more. Place it in the docking station on your desk and have a permanent hotspot for meetings at work and with friends.

If you have enough old smartphones and tablets, you can create a video conferencing system for an entire office. Each device must be assigned to a separate account by account name or user name.

7. Kitchen command center

Old devices will come in handy not only in the office, but also in the kitchen. Need to use third party bootloader like Action Launcher or Nova Launcher to simplify your home screen and add simple gestures like double click to any part of the screen to launch voice search Android. This allows you to operate devices hands-free. More modern devices support voice activation and Google Assistant.

Next you need to place it on home screen the right applications. Netflix (relevant for the USA) and other video streaming services will turn the tablet into a TV with a cooking channel. Recipe apps and cloud-connected note-taking services, such as Google Keep, Evernote or OneNote. Through them, you can quickly view your own recipes and edit shopping lists with synchronization for other family members to see.

8. Expanding cellular capabilities

At using Google Project Fi (which is not relevant for Russia) as a wireless service for your current smartphone, you can take advantage of a small little-known bonus: get an additional SIM card with the ability to send traffic to other devices without overpaying.

You need to order a card on the Project Fi website, install it in an old smartphone or tablet, if it has a connector, and the device will have online access. You need to pay for the traffic consumed by the device per month, as usual tariff plan Fi, so the auxiliary device will complement the main one.

This opens a row interesting opportunities: the old smartphone can be used in case of loss, breakdown or discharge of the new one; you can make it an access point so as not to drain the battery of your main smartphone; give to children; make and receive calls through the main or alternative number.

9. Window to the world

You don't have best view from an office or apartment window? Make your old Android device show more interesting landscapes.

First, install the EarthCam Webcams app from the Play Store. Here you can access live broadcasts from cameras from all over the world. Select the one you want and click on the full-screen broadcast icon.

There are quite a few cameras online specifically for mobile devices. Launch your browser and find the appropriate view.

10. Digital photo frame

Nobody wants to lose valuable memories. Buy an inexpensive stand, connect the tablet to Charger and turn it into a photo frame with cloud access for your home or office.

If you use Google Photos, open the application, click on any photo in the main library or album and on the button with three dots on the right top corner, selecting the “Slideshow” command. The program will scroll through all available photos, so in your spare time you can indulge in memories.

11. E-book

Turn off notifications from Gmail and other annoying apps; you can even switch to airplane mode and read without any distractions.

12. Desk calendar

You can place the device on the table instead of a calendar. Will do pre-installed application Google Calendar with productivity-oriented elements is also good free program Cal from Any.do with a rich graphical interface.

13. Vehicle command center

Eliminate the need to be distracted by your smartphone in the car by turning old model always available command center. Find a convenient holder and secure it in safe place. Connect it to your car's jack and to your stereo speakers (via Bluetooth or 3.5mm headphone jack). Then you can use your main smartphone as a network access point or download music and maps in advance for navigation to the device via Wi-Fi.

Put Android app Auto and get a simple interface with large buttons and voice commands.

14. Educational tool for children

An old tablet may seem old to you, but by technological standards it is still quite good, so you can give it to your children for learning and education.

Tablets running Android 4.3 and later have a Restricted Profile feature. Open Settings > Users > Add user.

Select to add a restricted profile. You will be prompted to connect or disable access to each installed application, which will make it possible to choose which programs children can use.

If installed on your old device Android version 7.0 or later (unlikely) Google program Family Link will give you more controls, including time limits and daily activity reports. The program is currently available by invitation only; You can try to get an invitation on the Family Link website.

15. Electronic watch

Want to know the time? Old smartphone The dock can display a customizable clock on your desktop or nightstand. Application Google Clock is a great option to start with, especially if you want to set an alarm. Look for the "Screen Saver" option in the "Display" section of your operating system settings so that the clock will automatically show when you plug your device into a power outlet.

For even more visual appeal, install the free Timely app, which is not developed after purchase by Google in 2014, but continues to offer quite a lot of advanced functionality.

16. Gaming device

Put your briefcase aside and relax while playing. An old Android device is suitable for those who are not the most demanding in terms of graphics and games.

To turn it into a gaming device, search for Play store Store necessary games, you can also download an emulator for game consoles and connect joysticks.

17. Emergency device

Any smartphone is capable of calling the rescue service, even if it is not connected to cellular network. Keep your old device charged in your car or bag; if something bad happens and your current smartphone is dead or inaccessible, you will still be able to call ambulance, police, etc.

18. Test device

Android is a computer enthusiast's dream. Typically the system can be hacked (rooted) relatively easily to gain access to full list opportunities. Once this is done, you can install additional applications and completely change the operating system firmware with other functions and additional settings.

However, this increases the risk of breaking something. If you experiment like this with your main smartphone or tablet, there is a chance of depriving them of their functionality, and in addition, rooting usually voids the device’s warranty.

All this is not scary on an old device. Try your hacking skills on it; To find out how to root, search the Internet for the model name and version of the Android operating system. IN global network There is a huge community of Android enthusiasts, so you will definitely find useful guides for your device.

19. Sell it

The simplest option. What is old to you is new to someone else. For such sales in our country there is a popular Avito website. There you can see what devices other sellers are offering and at what price.

Before selling, please reset your device to factory settings. You also need to remove the memory card, if installed.

20. Give it as a gift

Do you feel generous? You can give the device to friends, relatives, or post an ad on the Internet. You can also look for a charity organization, orphanage, etc.

Those designed to work with two SIM cards are far from “champions” in terms of reliability. It’s better, after changing the device to a more functional one, continue to carry the old one with you, but with a second operator’s card.

Don't rush to change your phone just because it's old. Just replace the battery and continue using it. A clamshell or slider device can be made operational again by replacing the worn-out cable. This will require a special set of screwdrivers and about twenty minutes of free time.

Convert unnecessary phone in for . Disable everything in it sound signals, organize constant charging of its battery from the on-board network through the board removed from the charger for the “cigarette lighter”. Disguise it as one of the car blocks, following the precautions fire safety. Do not forget to use any SIM card installed in it at least once a paid service, otherwise it will be blocked. Connect to the phone search service, which every operator has today. In case of theft, such a device may help you find your “iron horse”.

If you are not satisfied only because it does not have GLONASS or GPS applications, add this function to it by purchasing a special navigation attachment. It has neither buttons (except for the reset button) nor a screen, and it exchanges information with the device via Bluetooth interface. Don't forget that the set-top box also has a battery that needs to be charged.

Related article

Tip 2: What can be done from old mobile phone

No matter how high-quality and good a thing is, after some time it inevitably deteriorates and breaks. However, it would be a pity to simply throw it away, because it served for several months or years. In this case, you should turn on your imagination and think about what you can make of it. Get a few ideas to help you find unexpected uses for your old mobile phone.

First of all, do not rush to make some unique thing out of an old mobile phone. Perhaps you will be able to sell it more or less profitably. To do this, you can contact a store that sells used devices, or place an advertisement for the sale of a phone in a local newspaper/online.

You can also use your old mobile phone for a second SIM card or give it to your grandmother. It won't be difficult for her to learn how to use it if it doesn't come with a lot of features.

What can be done from an old mobile phone if its casing is damaged?

In this case, it will be very useful to come up with an exclusive design for an old mobile phone using improvised means. For example, you can make an original case from a pack of cigarettes, knit or sew it and decorate it with beads.

As a result, you will get a unique thing that you won’t be ashamed to show off to your friends. In addition, you can try to make a car alarm or a USB camera for online communication from an old mobile phone.

Don't want to put in extra effort? In this case, just give yourself a relaxing self-massage. Turn on vibration mode on your phone and enjoy the pleasant sensations.

What can be done from an old mobile phone if its display is damaged?

This part of the mobile phone breaks down very often. If the device falls to the ground one or more times, at best an unaesthetic scratch will appear, and at worst, the display will stop showing anything at all. If this is your situation, don't be discouraged.

A damaged display can be replaced with another one. The cost of such repairs for older devices is relatively small. In addition, you can use the device as an independent mobile device to listen to uplifting music.

The only thing you will need to worry about is the speakers. If the model is very old, you will need an adapter to the connector on the outdated device.

What can you do with an old mobile phone if it won’t turn on at all?

If the old device is completely out of order and in general, you can arrange a mobile phone throwing competition with your friends. Surely you have several friends who also don’t know what can be done from an old mobile phone when nothing works in it.

This way you can have quite a fun time, and at the same time meet your friends whom you have not seen for a long time. So, in an open area, place an empty box at some distance (for example, 5-7 meters) and start holding a competition for accuracy. Alternatively, you can bet which of you will abandon your mobile phone further. Fun and!

If this option doesn't suit you, make a puzzle. Disassemble the old one cellular telephone piece by piece, and then try to put it back together when you don't know what else to do.

If you don’t want to break or disassemble your favorite thing, start collecting a collection of old mobile phones. Perhaps in some 10-20 years they will already become a rarity.

Finally, one more idea that may be useful to you: leave the cover from an old mobile phone and make a cigarette case.

Modern telephone- it is no longer just a means of communication with friends and relatives. Nowadays you won’t surprise anyone with a built-in mp3 player and camera. A modern phone is almost a computer; it has a processor and operating system, with its help you can organize and plan your entire working day, see high quality video or even get from one point of the city to another using GPS navigation.

Articles and Lifehacks

The modern consumer changes mobile devices so often that sometimes, instead of the problem of repair, he is faced with the question of disposing of an outdated device. Our article will tell you about what can be done from a broken phone- provided that it has not failed completely.

What can you make from a broken phone?

If the user has at least basic knowledge in the field of microelectronics, he will be able to use many useful devices that will be activated by a remote signal.

For example, you can make a video surveillance device from an old phone, as well as a regular bug. In addition, he will be able to make an alarm (both simple and anti-theft), a GPS navigator or video recorder for a car, or a barcode scanner. In most cases, you want the built-in camera and speaker to remain operational. In addition, additional software may be required. You can find a suitable program online. All this will give the old phone a second life.

It is noteworthy that you can even make a charger out of a mobile device, which will be used as a means of recharging the battery of another smartphone. None additional programs and you won’t need any equipment, it will work much longer.

If we want to make a video surveillance device, having a working camera of 3-16 megapixels is mandatory. In this case, you will also need a large memory card. A suitable program is downloaded from the Internet and installed on a PC, after which the phone with the recorded video is connected to the computer via a USB cable and the recording is viewed.

In a similar way, you can use your mobile device as a web camera, which is also quite convenient. If we need a long USB cable for any purpose, it can be ordered online with a designation such as high-speed.

We hope the reader now has a basic idea of ​​what can be done from a broken phone. Let's summarize.

What else can we make from a broken phone? Our verdict

Using additional equipment, we will be able to make no less useful devices from our device. For example, you can make a metal detector from a radio and a telephone. The principle of its operation is that the mobile phone will create the right wave, affecting the radio receiver, and metal - distorting frequency sounds. The idea of ​​turning your phone into an anti-theft device looks no less useful.

So, our mobile device can become a remote control, a battery, a tracking device, an additional part for assembling a flashlight and much more. If desired, it can even be used to emulate old game consoles. In other words, if we are patient, we will certainly find a worthy use for our old phone.

Mobile phones in our world have long become not just a means of communication, but an image accessory with large set others interesting features. Every year the choice of mobile phones becomes more and more, their capabilities are improved, and new models are produced. People change them, trying to keep up with innovations. And old mobile phones lie idle at home. In order not to throw them away, let's see what can be done from an old mobile phone.

Using an old mobile phone: ideas

Firstly, don’t rush to make something unique out of your old mobile phone. interesting thing. You may be able to sell it quite profitably. By going to a store that sells used phones, you won’t earn as much money as if you sold it through advertisements. The fact is that the store itself sets the price of your old mobile phone, and gives you only a small part after the sale.

But if your old mobile is very dear to you or it doesn’t make sense to sell it, then look at what you can make from an old mobile...

• Give a mobile phone to your grandmother. Learning to use it will not be difficult if it is old and not equipped a huge amount functions.
• Use your mobile phone for your second SIM card.
• Make a puzzle. Take your old cell phone apart and try to put it back together when you get bored.
• Start collecting a collection of old mobile phones; in a couple of decades they will become a rarity.
• If the phone is not dear to you, and there is no point in selling it for pennies, then just arrange a competition with your friends to see who can throw it the furthest. Somewhere a similar competition was held on a large scale.
• Make yourself a massager. Turn on vibration mode and go!
• Someone is making bugs out of mobile phones.
• Leaving the cell phone cover, make a cigarette case.

I would also like to tell you about the unique things that were made from an old mobile phone. Perhaps someone would like to repeat this invention.

One chemistry professor to get students to educational process, made a spectrometer out of an old mobile phone. Using it, you can analyze the spectrum and determine the properties of an object. If we talk about the everyday use of a spectrometer, then it can be used to measure the amount of protein in grain in meat or iron in the blood, for example. Anyone can make the device, since the professor does not keep the method a secret.

Parents with a rich imagination make old mobile phones toy cars to my children. The display with buttons faces the floor, wheels are attached to it, and the top of the machine is constructed from scrap materials. And modern children are so advanced that an old mobile phone can be given to them for use (as part of a game, of course, if the child is small).

More recently, some 5-6 years ago, smart phone was available only to a small number of technically advanced and, importantly, wealthy users. Then the prices of smartphones began to decline rapidly, and the capabilities began to increase, so that today they can be seen in the hands of both pioneers and pensioners. And many of us have managed to change several models during this time, so the issue of recycling old devices is becoming more and more pressing. Previously, it was easy to sell a used model or give it away to relatives in need. Today, more and more often, fully working devices find their final refuge somewhere in the far corner of a desk drawer.

In this article you will find some tips on how to give these devices a second life and put them to good use. So, let's take out our favorites, blow off the dust and go back to battle!

Room alarm clock

Are people still buying alarm clocks? Yes!

And some of them are with flexible settings, weather forecasting functions, task planning, and so on - cost a fair amount of money. However, any smartphone can handle this without any effort. And if you install one of the programs described in on your device, then not a single ordinary alarm clock can compare with yours. Or maybe you don’t need additional functionality, but just need unearthly beauty? Then Timely is your choice.

MP3 player

If you are a serious music lover and spend most of your day wearing headphones, then, undoubtedly, you should have already thought about purchasing a special device for this. After all, if you use your main phone, then by the evening you can be left without communication.

Therefore, take out your old smartphone, install a larger memory card there and use it as a specialized music player. Software There are plenty of options for this, for example, try the programs from this one. And if you are a fan of online radio, then you definitely won’t find anything better.

Tracking station

The need to monitor what is happening in the house in your absence may arise for several reasons. Perhaps you're wary of thieves, or maybe you want to know what your cat does when he's sure no one is watching. Well, let’s not forget about small children, for whom a whole class was invented to control special devices, called "baby monitors". In the latter case, pay attention to the application.

In addition, you can use your old smartphone or tablet not only to capture and transmit images, but also as a receiving device. IP Cam Viewer Lite will help you collect information from several web cameras located around the house or in different rooms.

Experimental gadget

operating room Android system offers endless possibilities for customization. Moreover, you can go as deep into the system as your knowledge and courage allow. Moreover, you can even change Android to something more original, for example or . The only problem is that not all experiences can be equally safe for your device. If you don't want to take risks or want to maintain the warranty of your new device, then your old Android will serve as a great testing ground.

cookbook

What should a smart gadget do in the kitchen?

Of course, help cook! In the app store you will find more than one or two collections culinary recipes. There are some that present dishes of a certain cuisine, some with a selection of recipes by product, some with pictures and videos. In general, for every taste in the literal sense of the word.

And if you go to YouTube, you will find many step by step instructions, clearly demonstrating the preparation of dishes. You will find the best of them in, and even better, subscribe to our channel- so you definitely won’t miss anything interesting. Here, for example, from the last one.

So feel free to place your old smartphone or tablet in the kitchen if you want to eat tasty and healthy. Moreover, it is better to keep your new expensive gadget away from boiling oil and greasy hands.

Digital frame

Yes, I agree with you that paying money for digital frames is one of the signs of insanity. But why not use an old gadget for this, which is still lying around idle. Let it stand on the nightstand and please the eye with your photographs or works the best professionals. For such applications there are many special programs, at least the one we described or, for example, Photo Slides.

Game console

Most likely, your old Android will no longer be able to handle modern games with cool graphics. But it can be used to emulate old gaming devices and launch classic games. Many of them, as we know, can give odds to modern blockbusters. Preparing your device for such an application is not at all difficult, especially if you use.

Car gadget

Your Android can be just as useful in a car. A device specifically dedicated for travel will allow you to avoid wasting the charge of your main phone and not having to worry about mounting it in the car every time. Such an Android car can serve as a device, or even, when connected to an audio system, as a media center. This use of smartphones can even bring certain bonuses in the form of new interesting functions that are not typical for conventional devices. For example, the Sygic program can display your route directly on windshield without interfering with the view of the road.

Of course, these are not all the ways to use worn-out smart gadgets. You can use them to control a quadcopter and other technological toys, as a media server, to control and manage home automation systems - the list goes on. In a word, a real geek will definitely come up with a worthy use for his favorite gadget. And be sure to share your experience with us!