Hey friends, I’m Jessica. If you’re anything like me, you probably have at least one old iPhone sitting in a drawer somewhere. Maybe its battery doesn’t last long anymore, maybe the screen has a small crack, or maybe you just upgraded to the newest model because you love staying up to date. Trust me, I get it. I upgrade often for research and testing, and over the years, I’ve collected quite a few iPhones that still work fine but don’t get used daily.

Instead of letting your older iPhone gather dust, you can actually repurpose it in some surprisingly useful and creative ways. In fact, an older iPhone still has enough power, storage, and connectivity to perform everyday tasks really well. So today, I’m sharing five practical, fun, and clever ways you can give your old iPhone a second life.

These ideas aren’t just about saving money; they’re about getting the most value out of something you already own. Let’s get started.

1. Turn Your Old iPhone into a Dedicated Home Security Camera

One of the most useful ways to repurpose an old iPhone is to convert it into a security camera. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on new smart cameras when your old iPhone can handle the job easily.

Why this works so well:

• The camera on older iPhones is still very clear, especially models like the iPhone 8, X, or XR
• iPhones have stable Wi-Fi connections
• They can work 24/7 if plugged in
• There are plenty of apps designed specifically for turning phones into security cameras

All you need is:

• A mount or stand
• A charging cable
• A security camera app

Once you install the app and connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi, you can monitor your home from anywhere. Many of these apps let you view the live feed on your current phone, send motion alerts, record footage, or save videos in the cloud.

Practical uses:

• Front door monitoring
• Baby room or toddler room camera
• Pet monitoring
• Garage or backyard camera
• Store room or office watch camera

If you ever wanted security but didn’t want to spend on new hardware, this is one of the cheapest and most effective options.

2. Turn It into a Dedicated Music or Podcast Player

If you’re like me, you probably use your main iPhone for everything. But sometimes, it’s nice to have a separate device just for entertainment. Your old iPhone can become the perfect music, audiobook, or podcast device.

Set it up like this:

• Connect it to Bluetooth speakers in your home
• Use it as a dedicated Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube Music player
• Store playlists offline and use it in areas with weak Wi-Fi
• Turn it into a kitchen or gym music station

Why this is helpful:

• It keeps your main phone free during workouts or chores
• You avoid draining your main phone’s battery
• You can store a huge library of songs offline
• It works great in your car if your car doesn’t have CarPlay

I personally use one of my older iPhones as a dedicated home speaker controller. It stays plugged in next to the living room speaker and works instantly without switching apps on my main phone.

If you’re someone who loves music or podcasts, this is one of the best ways to reuse an old iPhone.

3. Use It as a Smart Remote for Your Home Devices

Smart homes are becoming more popular, and older iPhones make excellent dedicated remotes. Instead of constantly switching apps on your primary phone, you can turn your old iPhone into a central remote for all your devices.

Compatible devices include:

• Smart TVs
• Roku
• Android TV
• Fire TV
• Google Chromecast
• Bluetooth speakers
• Smart bulbs
• Smart thermostats
• Security cameras
• Smart plugs
• AC units that support Wi-Fi control

Imagine having one single device that controls your entire home automation setup. That’s exactly what an old iPhone can do.

Why this is convenient:

• No interruptions from calls or messages
• The device stays in one place
• You can hand it to guests or kids without exposing your main phone
• You avoid switching apps constantly
• You reduce distractions while controlling your smart home

You can even mount the old iPhone on a wall using a small frame and turn it into a smart-home command center. It looks modern, clean, and makes smart home management much easier.

4. Use Your Old iPhone as a GPS Navigation Device

Maybe you travel a lot or drive long distances. Older iPhones still handle GPS navigation really well. You can use your old device as a dedicated GPS system in your car.

Here’s why this is useful:

• No more draining your main phone’s battery during long drives
• You can keep maps open the entire time
• It works great even without a SIM card
• Offline maps can be downloaded for areas with poor signal
• You can use it for bike rides or walking navigation

Apps like Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze work flawlessly, even on older iPhones. Many people mount their old phone permanently in their car just for navigation, music, and hands-free controls.

If your car doesn’t support CarPlay or Android Auto, an old iPhone can fill that gap perfectly.

This setup is amazing for:

• Uber or Lyft drivers
• Delivery drivers
• Road trips
• Outdoor biking
• Motorcycle navigation
• Long-distance commuters

It’s one of the most practical ways to repurpose a device you’re not using daily.

5. Turn Your Old iPhone into a Kids’ Entertainment and Learning Device

If you have kids, nieces, nephews, or younger siblings, you know how much they love playing with phones. But giving them your main device isn’t always ideal.

Instead, turn your old iPhone into:

• A kids’ game device
• A learning app device
• A digital coloring pad
• A reading tablet
• A dedicated YouTube or streaming device
• A homework helper
• A distraction-free study device

One thing I love about this idea is the huge amount of parental control Apple offers.

You can:

• Restrict apps
• Set screen time limits
• Disable unwanted content
• Lock purchases
• Block explicit media
• Allow only educational apps

This makes your old iPhone a safe and fun way for kids to:

• Learn new languages
• Play puzzles
• Read interactive books
• Watch educational videos
• Practice math
• Explore creative apps like drawing or music

You get to repurpose your old device while giving them something entertaining and educational at the same time.

Bonus Ideas If You’re Feeling Creative

If you still want more, here are a few extra fun ways to repurpose an old iPhone:

Turn it into a bedside alarm clock

Install a custom clock or sleep tracking app. Keep it on the nightstand.

Make it a digital photo frame

Display rotating photos of family or trips.

Use it as a dedicated camera for content

Great for social media reels, TikToks, or recording tutorials.

Convert it into a kitchen assistant

Use it to display recipes, timers, grocery lists, or cooking videos.

Use it as a travel-only phone

Keep it offline, load your trip details, maps, and emergency numbers.

Use it as a fitness tracker

Pair it with a Bluetooth heart-rate monitor and fitness apps.

Older iPhones still have a lot of power, so the possibilities are almost endless.

Final Thoughts

Before you toss, sell, or recycle your old iPhone, think about all the things it can still do. Whether it’s a security camera, a dedicated music player, a smart home remote, a navigation device, or a kids’ learning tool, your old iPhone can still serve an important role in your everyday life.

I’ve personally repurposed multiple older iPhones over the years, and it always surprises me how much value you can squeeze out of a device that’s no longer your main phone. Many people think an old iPhone is useless, but in reality, it’s a small and powerful computer that’s capable of so much more.

If you have one lying around, try at least one of the ideas from this list—you’ll be surprised how much you end up using it.