What to Do With Your Old Smartphone?

Are you holding on to an old smartphone which you no longer use? Maybe you upgraded to a newer model or switched to a different brand, but the old device is still sitting in a drawer, collecting dust.

There is no reason to do that anymore.

While it may seem harmless to keep your old phone as a backup or a sentimental keepsake, it’s actually more beneficial to get rid of it or find a different use for it. Not only can you free up space and declutter your home, but you can also help the environment or save money in the process.

In this article, we’ll explore the different options available for dated cell phones, including trading in/selling, recycling, donating, and some other smart ways to use them.

Read on to learn how to make the most of your old device!

What to Do With Your Old Smartphone: Your Options

If you do not know what to do with an old device of yours, we have good news. There are many options for you. Some of them simply help you get rid of a smartphone you no longer need.

Others will reward you for it. Choosing the best solution depends on your needs, the time you can spend researching, and of course, your preferences.

In any case, now is the best time to act! Let’s explore your options:

1. Trade in or Sell Your Used Smartphone: Upgrade or Get Extra Cash

This is usually the option most people opt for. The reason is simple: By trading in or selling your old phone, you can get rid of a device you don’t need any more while getting paid for it. The process of trading involves giving your old phone to the carrier or retailer you’re buying your new phone from.

In exchange, you’ll receive a discount on your new phone or a credit toward your trade-in account. Trade-in programs are offered by a variety of companies, including Apple, Samsung, Verizon, and Best Buy, to name a few.

When deciding whether to trade in or sell your old phone, consider the value of the phone and the convenience of the process. Trading in is often the easiest option, as you can complete the transaction at the same time as purchasing your new phone. However, you may not receive as much value for your old phone as you would if you sold it independently.

On the flip side, selling your phone can be a more involved process, but it usually results in a higher payout. There are multiple ways to sell your smartphone online for cash. Most people choose to sell their used devices using trustworthy buyback portals such as Gadget Salvation, Gazelle, and many others.

Overall, trading in or selling your unwanted phone can be a smart way to get some extra money. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each option and properly prepare your phone for its new home (backup data, remove SIM card, clean your phone).

2. Recycle Your Phone

This option is very popular for phones that can’t be sold. For example, If your old smartphone is no longer functional and you’re unable to sell it. Recycling is a responsible option that can benefit the environment.

Recycling your phone ensures that its components are properly disposed of or repurposed, reducing the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills.

There are many websites and programs available that can help you safely ship your gadget for recycling. Many major smartphone manufacturers, such as Apple and Samsung, offer recycling programs that allow you to send in your old device for proper disposal.

In addition, you can look up third-party companies that specialize in electronic recycling near you through platforms like Earth911 and RecycleNation.

3. Donate Your Old Smartphone

If your old smartphone is still in working condition, but you don’t want to bother selling it, you can always donate it to a charitable organization.

Many non-profits, schools, and other institutions accept used electronics as donations to be used for a variety of purposes, such as providing communication devices to vulnerable individuals or using them for educational purposes.

Before donating your phone, you must erase all personal data and reset the device to its factory settings. And if you have spare accessories, such as chargers or cases, include them with the phone.

4. Other Clever Ways to Use Your Old Smartphone

Last but not least, there are other ways to use your old smartphone if you don’t want to get rid of it. In other words, instead of keeping your old device in a drawer, you can use it as:

• An alarm clock: Your old smartphone can serve as a reliable alarm clock that won’t drain your new device’s battery.
• An e-reader: You can download your favorite e-reader app and turn your old smartphone into a dedicated reading device.
• A media player: Load up your old phone with music, podcasts, or audiobooks and use it as a portable media player for the gym or on long trips.
• A gaming device: If your old device is still capable of handling mobile games, you can download your favorite games and turn them into a gaming device.
• A wireless camera: Repurpose your old phone as a wireless security camera or baby monitor. To do that, you can use apps like Manything or Alfred.
• A digital photo frame: If your smartphone has a large screen, you can load up your favorite photos and create a unique digital photo frame.
• A remote control: Many TV boxes (Apple TV, Roku, etc) now have apps that allow you to control them with your old smartphone.

Wrap Up

In today’s fast-paced tech world, it’s common to upgrade to a new phone nearly every year! But what should you do with that older model now? As we have seen, there are several smart options you can choose from.

Trade-in programs and resale sites are the best ways to actually earn something from a cellphone you no longer want. Alternatively, you can make a positive contribution to the community by donating or recycling it instead. Finally, the other practical uses we have explored can help you find a new purpose for your dated smartphone.