Why You Shouldn't Throw Away Your Old iPhone: Practical Ways to Repurpose It
Even if your old iPhone no longer receives updates, it can still serve as a music player, bedside alarm, smart home remote, or even a first phone for a child.
An old iPhone that has lost software support doesn't have to sit in a drawer or end up in the trash. The device can still perform many useful functions.
Music Player and Alarm Clock
Turn your old iPhone into a dedicated music player by clearing out all apps except for music streaming services. Download songs and play them via a Bluetooth speaker. You can also place it on your nightstand with a charger – iPhones running iOS 17 or later support StandBy mode, which turns the screen into a clock and alarm when placed horizontally.
Navigation and Content Creation
With a Wi-Fi connection or personal hotspot, an old iPhone can serve as a bike or motorcycle navigation device. For content creators, it's great for time-lapse videos, audio recording, or as an extra camera for multicam setups – FinalCut Pro's Live Multicam can connect up to four iPhones or iPads.
Smart Home Hub
Position your old iPhone in a central spot with a smart home app to control lights, TV, and music. Family members can activate scenes like "Gaming Night" with a tap or voice command. It can also function as a remote for Apple TV, Roku, or Fire TV.
Security Camera and Baby Monitor
Using an app like AlfredCamera, your old iPhone can become a home security camera. Place it in a nursery or living room to keep an eye on pets or children while you're away.
Hand It Down
An old iPhone makes an excellent first phone for a child – let them use it only at home on Wi-Fi or with a basic plan. It also suits older relatives who need a simple device. If no one wants it, sell it on sites like Gazelle or Swappa, donate to organizations such as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence or Cell Phones for Soldiers, or trade it in at Apple. As a last resort, recycle it at retailers like Best Buy or Staples.
Always wipe and reset the device before passing it on. Even if it no longer powers on, never throw it in the trash – it's harmful to the environment. As long as it works, there's always a creative use for it.
