I usually upgrade my old phone every two years, then repurpose it for other tasks. I don’t see the point in letting it go to waste, especially if it’s fully functional and the battery hasn’t degraded much.

The best thing about Android phones is that they are do-all devices that can handle many work or entertainment tasks when paired with the right media players or reading apps. Repurposing them isn’t just a sensible thing to do and can also save you from buying other devices you don’t need. Here are five easy ways I reuse old Android phones.

Music player

No interruptions

Many people prefer dedicated music players to avoid notifications and constant pop-ups that break concentration and spoil the experience. I agree, and I like to use my old Android to enjoy music at the beach and don’t want interruptions. It already has the built-in hardware and software, and I just need to configure it to my liking.

I first perform a factory reset on the phone to remove all the apps and data I no longer need. I then ensure there’s no sim card and I disable Wi-Fi. I keep Bluetooth on to connect my earbuds. After that, I plug my phone into my PC and copy the music files I want to listen to onto it. Then I download a music app, like VLC, to play them. I create my playlists, and I’m good to go.

I prefer offline listening, but it’s understandable if you’d like to access Spotify or other streaming services. You can either download the music you like for offline listening later or use a sim card or Wi-Fi to access the service.

E-Book reader

You don’t need a kindle

Converting my old phone into an e-book reader is simple. I reset the phone to its factory settings. Then I install reading apps like PocketBook or Librera to access my reading material.

After installing the apps, I change a few settings to optimize my phone for reading. I adjust the in-app settings, like font style and size, to make the text bigger and clearer. Then I activate greyscale mode on my phone to make the display as close to an e-reader as possible. I prefer covers with a built-in stand I can use to prop my phone up while reading.

Video camera

CCTV at your fingertips

I’ve also turned my old Android phone into a security camera, and it doesn’t cost a thing. To do this, I download a free app called AlfredCamera on the old phone I want to use as a camera. Then I do the same on the phone I want to view it from. Connecting the two is as simple as scanning a QR code.

The app is user-friendly and lets me choose my front or rear camera and use the microphone to record audio. I can also switch the settings, so the phone camera becomes the viewer, and vice versa. The tricky part is getting the phone into the ideal viewing position. It’s small enough to fit anywhere, but you’ll need to plug it in for long-term use. I still think it’s handy as a makeshift baby monitor or for free porch viewing.

Handheld game console

Mobile and PC titles

An old Android phone can work as a handheld game console and provide hours of entertainment. You’ll need a mobile controller to turn your phone into a game console. I usually prefer controllers that lock onto my phone from the side and connect via the charging port.

These controllers are plug-and-play and don’t need much configuration when you attach them. The best models have integrated cooling fans and their own pass-through charging port, so you can keep your phone topped up while you play.

On the software side, I download the games I like from the Google Play Store. I also download the Steam-link app to play my PC games on my phone. It lets me access all my Steam titles and play them on mobile as long as my phone and PC are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Car head unit

Upgrade your navigation system

Adding an old Android phone to an old car can give it a big infotainment upgrade. I did this to my wife’s car to add a new navigation system and access streaming services, and it didn’t cost much.

All I needed was a phone holder with a built-in charging pad. I chose the ESR Omnilock Car Charger because it holds the phone firmly in place with a magnet and charges it wirelessly. Then I placed my phone on the holder and connected it to the old head unit via Bluetooth to access the speakers.

My phone turned into an Android Auto head unit and I could play music off my phone through the car speakers and access Google Maps to find new destinations.

Brand

ESR

Qi-Certified

Yes

Color

Black

Speed

25W

Modules

Charger, USB-C cable, arm, charging pad

Compatible Devices

iPhone, Android