How to repurpose your old iPhone for a new purpose

Before discarding your old iPhone, consider it a valuable source of untapped potential.

An old iPhone can be repurposed in numerous ways, giving it a new lease on life as a versatile gadget that can serve as a smart home hub or a dedicated digital companion.

Here are some of the best ways to use your old iPhone.

1. Turn it into a ‘dumb phone’

Why not turn your iPhone into a "dumb phone" to reduce screen time and stay more present? A "dumb phone" is a basic mobile device that focuses on essential communication functions like calling and texting, while minimizing digital distractions through limited internet access and app capabilities.

Steps to disable apps and notifications

Disable notifications:

• Open Settings
• Tap on Notifications
• Select each app and toggle off Allow Notifications

Delete unwanted apps:

• Press and hold the app icon on the home screen
• Tap Remove App

Factory reset (Optional):

• Back up your data, if needed
• To erase all content and settings on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.

2. Give it to your kids

Introducing your child to technology while being mindful of your budget can be achieved by giving them your old iPhone, which is a cost-effective option for a new phone.

Monitoring your child's app and content access can be done through Family Sharing and parental controls, which also helps bring them into the Apple ecosystem.

Steps to set up Family Sharing and Parental Controls

Set up Family Sharing:

• Open Settings and tap on your name at the top.
• Select Family Sharing and tap Add Family Member to invite your child.
• If your child does not have an Apple ID, you can create one for them by selecting "Create an Account for a Child" and following the instructions to set it up.
• If they already have an Apple ID, they can invite people by tapping "Invite People" and selecting the preferred method of sending the invitation (AirDrop, Messages, or Mail).

Enable Parental Controls:

• Open Settings and scroll down to tap on Screen Time
• Under the Family section, tap on your child's name
• If Screen Time is not already enabled, tap Turn On Screen Time
• Follow the prompts to set it up as your child’s device.
• Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions
• Rewritten sentence: "I need to find a new job."
• Toggle on Content & Privacy Restrictions
• You can now customize settings such as app limits, content restrictions, and downtime settings.
• To set time limits for specific categories or individual apps, go to App Limits and select the desired options.
• To limit explicit content or purchases, visit the relevant sections under Content & Privacy Restrictions.

Effectively manage your child's device usage and ensure they have access to appropriate content.

3. Repurpose it as a webcam

Apple's Continuity Camera feature allows for seamless use of an iPhone as a webcam for a Mac or Apple TV. Although newer models excel in this function, older iPhones can still be excellent webcams, particularly for online meetings and video calls.

With iOS 18, your old iPhone can function as a dedicated continuity camera for Apple TV, providing superior video quality for FaceTime or Zoom calls with loved ones.

Steps to use your iPhone as a webcam

• Download webcam apps: Consider apps like EpocCam or DroidCam from the App Store
• To connect your iPhone to your computer, follow the app's instructions for USB or Wi-Fi connection.
• Choose your iPhone as the camera source in video conferencing apps such as Zoom or FaceTime.

With your old iPhone, you can achieve better video quality without buying an external webcam.

4. Make it a dedicated music player

Instead of using your primary iPhone for music, consider repurposing your old one as a dedicated MP3 player. This way, you can listen to your favorite tunes or podcasts without being distracted by text messages or social media notifications. This is an excellent option for workouts, long drives, or when you just want to relax with music.

5. Use it as a remote or smart home controller

Controlling your TV with your iPhone can be inconvenient when it's tied up as a remote. To solve this problem, you can turn your old iPhone into a dedicated Apple TV remote, allowing you to control your TV without using your primary phone.

Steps to set up your old iPhone as a remote

Set up Apple TV remote feature:

• Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network
• To access the Control Center on the old iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner.
• Tap on the Apple TV remote icon and follow the prompts to connect

Manage smart home devices:

• You can download smart home apps such as Apple Home or those designed for your devices, like Philips Hue.
• Follow the app instructions to add and control devices

Your old iPhone can serve as a central control unit for all your smart home devices, including adjusting lights and thermostats, monitoring security cameras, and more.

6. Save it for gaming

Your old iPhone can be an excellent portable gaming console as many classic and modern games run smoothly on it. With subscription services like Apple Arcade, you can access a vast library of high-quality games at a low cost. This is a fun and affordable way to enjoy mobile gaming without draining your main iPhone's battery life.

7. Convert it into an e-reader

An old iPhone can be an excellent e-reader for book enthusiasts. With apps like Kindle or Apple Books, you can easily download and read books and graphic novels on the phone's display. Since you're not using your primary iPhone, there are no notifications to disrupt your reading experience.

You can disable all apps and notifications on the old device to have a peaceful reading experience, and you can still connect your AirPods to listen to audiobooks while on the go.

Kurt’s key takeaways

You don't have to throw away your old iPhone just because you bought a new one. There are many ways to repurpose it, such as using it to increase productivity or control your smart home. This way, you can prolong its life and get the most out of your investment.

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