Summary
Our mobile devices get replaced often. In some cases, we trade them in for newer models. However, if you do get to keep your device, you can often find a new use for it. Here are four ways that you can put your old phone or tablet to good use.
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Transcript
Tomorrow is Earth Day, and in honor of Earth Day, we’re finishing our series on ways to put your old devices to use instead of throwing them out. Here are four things that you can do with your old phones or tablets.
For Personal Tech Media, this is Two Minute Tech. I’m Jim Herman.
Old phones and tablets can serve many purposes around your home. With the right app, you could use an old phone as an extra remote for a smart TV or a streaming device.
You could also put your phone on a stand and download one of many home security apps to turn your phone into an in-home camera or a baby monitor.
You could also use an old tablet as a digital photo frame. Use the built-in photos app, create a playlist, and tell it to display the images.
Fourth, you may want to keep your old phone charged up in your car or travel bag as an emergency backup. By law, you must be able to call 911 from any phone, even if it has no service. Also, if you’ve lost your new phone, you can take that emergency backup to a place with free Wi-Fi and locate your new phone before you get home.
And finally, there may come a point when it’s just time to get rid of that old phone. But many localities won’t let you just put it in the trash. Many tech stores like Best Buy and Staples and device manufacturers offer recycling programs. Just confirm that they will accept your items before you show up with them. City or county governments may also provide electronic recycling days, so you may want to check with your local government as well.