There are many useful and meaningful things you can do with old iPhones, including:
- Use as a Secondary or Backup Phone: Insert a spare SIM card and keep it as an emergency or secondary phone.
- Give to Family: Pass your old iPhone to children, parents, or grandparents who may not need the latest features.
- Kids' Device: Use it as a device for kids to play games, watch videos, or do homework without risking your main phone.
- External Storage: Use the old iPhone as a flash drive or external storage for photos, videos, and files.
- E-Book Reader: Install book apps to dedicate the device for reading.
- Apple TV Remote: Use the iPhone as a remote control for Apple TV.
- Retro Gaming Console: Load your favorite games and use it as a gaming device.
- Digital Photo Frame: Display photos as a slideshow on the screen.
- Donate: Donate to charity organizations, schools, or causes to help others.
- Recycle: Recycle at Apple or other programs to safely dispose of it and help the environment.
- Home Security Camera or Baby Monitor: Use apps like Alfred Camera to repurpose your old iPhone as a security camera.
- Smart Speaker: Pair it with a Bluetooth speaker and use Siri for voice commands.
- Dedicated Music Player: Load music and use it separately for workouts or travel.
- GPS Navigation: Download navigation apps and use it as a dedicated GPS device for your car.
- Sell or Trade-In: Sell the old iPhone for cash or trade it in for credit toward a new device.
Before giving away, selling, donating, or recycling, make sure to back up important data, erase all personal information by resetting the device, and remove any SIM or SD cards. These options let you extend the life of your old iPhone, help others, or responsibly recycle it to reduce e-waste and environmental harm. If you'd like, I can provide detailed steps for any specific option. Let me know! This information is based on current advice from multiple sources including Apple and tech blogs.
