Even an old phone can do this…

That’s absolutely true! The rate at which we upgrade our technology means that even older smartphones are incredibly capable.

The “this” that even an old phone can do, that most people are probably unaware of or underutilize, is often one of these:

1. Advanced Security and Tracking

Most people treat their old phone like a toy, but they often have better security features than they realize:

A Discreet Security Camera: Even a basic old smartphone can be connected to a power source, placed on a bookshelf, and run a free app (like Alfred or other webcam apps) to become a high-quality, live-streaming security or pet cam. You can monitor the feed from your current phone.
Emergency GPS Tracker: Older phones can be kept in a glove compartment or a child’s backpack. As long as they have a charge and a Wi-Fi connection (or even just location services enabled), they can be used with “Find My” apps (like Google’s or Apple’s) to track a vehicle or person in an emergency—no active cellular plan required for basic GPS location.

Instead of sitting in a drawer, an old phone is a perfect single-purpose tool that won’t be interrupted by texts or calls:

A “Smart” Universal Remote: You can install apps for every streaming service and connect it to a Bluetooth speaker and a smart TV. This makes it the dedicated media controller for your living room, ensuring nobody accidentally takes the main remote or gets distracted by personal notifications while picking a movie.
Digital Photo Frame/Wall Art: Old tablets or phones, when charged and running a slideshow app, make for a beautiful, rotating digital photo display.

A Retro Gaming Console: An old Android phone that might feel sluggish with new apps can be the perfect size and power for running retro-game emulators (like NES, SNES, or classic PlayStation). It becomes a dedicated portable gaming machine.

Which of these hidden uses for an old device sounds most appealing to you?