Got an Old iPhone? Here’s How to Reuse It Smartly in 2025

Let’s be real: most of us have at least one old iPhone quietly collecting dust in a drawer. Maybe it’s outdated, slow, or replaced by a shinier model. But before it becomes e-waste, why not give it a second life?

With Apple’s long software support, your older iPhone is far from useless. You can transform it into a smart home remote, a travel buddy, or even a DIY project tool. In this guide, I’ll explore 24 smart ways to repurpose your old iPhone, why you might not want to sell or trade it in, and eco-friendly disposal options if reuse isn’t possible.

Why Not Sell or Trade-In?

Before we jump into repurposing ideas, you may wonder: “Why not just trade in or sell my old iPhone?”

• Low Trade-In Value: Older models like the iPhone 11 or 12 may only get around $100, while very old or damaged devices might not qualify at all.
• Personal Reasons: Maybe it was your first iPhone or still holds irreplaceable photos and memories.
• Hassle Factor: Data wiping, shipping, or dealing with lowball offers on eBay or Facebook Marketplace can be frustrating.

Sometimes, keeping it makes more sense. That old iPhone still has a capable camera, decent battery life (with a swap), and access to thousands of apps.

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Best Ideas to Repurpose Your Old iPhone

Give your old iPhone a second life with these creative, practical, and money-saving ideas.

1. Repurpose as a Smart Home Device

Thanks to Apple’s HomeKit (now enhanced with Matter support), you can turn your old iPhone into a dedicated controller without needing a fancy hub. 

• Dedicated HomeKit Remote: Download the Home app (built-in on iOS), sign in with your Apple ID, and connect it to your Wi-Fi network. From there, you can control Apple-compatible devices such as smart lights, thermostats, door locks, and more. 
• Apps for Smart Devices: Install apps like Philips Hue, Nest, or Logitech Circle and add accessories to control them. Moreover, Home+ or Controller for HomeKit apps let you create custom dashboards for quick access. 
• Smart Display Setup: For an always-on setup, dock it on a MagSafe charging station. It becomes a smart display! Check camera feeds from your doorbell, adjust the AC, or even automate home devices. 

Your old iPhone also supports voice commands through Siri for quick tasks. So, you have a cheap smart home upgrade. 

2. Transform It into a Dedicated Entertainment Hub

Why do you need another media player when your aged iPhone can do it all? It’s a powerful entertainment device in your pocket, and your primary iPhone can be left free to use.

• Mini iPod for Audio: Get apps like Apple Music, Spotify, or Podcasts, and sync your playlists. With offline downloads, you can jam out to tunes, audiobooks, or episodes without Wi-Fi. 
• Offline Video Vault: Download movies, TV shows, and YouTube playlists ahead of time. For commutes or places with spotty internet, your old iPhone is a perfect entertainment sidekick. 
• Portable Gaming Gadget: Subscribe to Apple Arcade and enjoy games without using up space on your everyday device. You can also play Nintendo or classic games using retro emulators. Just pair with a Bluetooth controller for a handheld console experience. 

Keep it docked with a stand and HDMI adapter for TV output, and it’s an entertainment hub for the whole family. 

3. Use as a Backup Camera or Webcam

Your old iPhone’s camera is still top-notch, so you can repurpose it for surveillance or video calls. It’s a game-changer for security or work setups.

• Home Security Camera: Apps like Alfred, Manything, or Presence let you use your iPhone as a motion-detecting security camera or baby/pet monitor. Mount it, set it up, and view live feeds, motion alerts, and playback on your main phone.  
• Webcam for Video Calls: Use Apple’s Continuity Camera or apps like Camo, EpocCam, etc. to turn your iPhone into a webcam for FaceTime, Zoom, and more. With sharper video than built-in laptop cams, it’s ideal for work or calls with family. 
• Travel or Vlog Camera: Utilize your previous iPhone as a backup camera for spontaneous shots or films when on the road. You don’t require additional devices with apps such as FiLMiC Pro and photography equipment. 

4. Make It a Fitness & Health Companion

Eliminate distractions while working out by converting your previous iPhone into a specialized fitness monitor. It is light, portable, and syncs perfectly with Apple’s ecosystem.

• Workout Tracker: Subscribe to Apple Fitness+ or workout apps like Strava. Your old iPhone can become a dedicated display in your home gym. Counts steps, calories, and more via the Health app.
• Music + Workout Without the Main Phone: Pair it with Bluetooth headphones for music-motivated sessions. Download playlists offline and use it as a workout-only device. No notifications interrupting your flow!
• Sync with Apple Watch: Even if your primary phone isn’t nearby, the iPhone keeps syncing fitness data from your Apple Watch. This lets the Watch function fully for workouts, stats, and activity history.

5. Create a Kid-Friendly Educational Device

Handing your kid a full-powered phone? Nah! Repurpose your old iPhone as a safe, controlled learning tool instead. It’s perfect for little ones without risks.

• Parental Controls & Screen Time: Set it up with Family Sharing, configure Screen Time limits, app restrictions, and content filters. You can manage their chats, apps, and screen time remotely from your phone.
• Safe Learning Platform: Download age-appropriate educational apps, storytelling platforms like Audible, YouTube Kids, or math and reading games.
• Wi-Fi-Only Device: Take out the SIM card to turn it into a secure, Wi-Fi-only study aid. Your child can learn without concerns about additional data costs. 

For security, turn on Guided Access to lock it to a single app, and use Ask to Buy for in-app purchases. It’s excellent as a bedtime reader or homework assistant and is more affordable than purchasing new. Apps such as Justalk Kids provide additional monitoring.

6. Turn It Into a Travel Buddy

While traveling, your old iPhone can be the ultimate utility sidekick, especially for offline adventures.

• Offline Maps & Translation Tools: Download maps on Apple Maps, Google Maps or Maps.me, and load language apps like Google Translate. Your previous iPhone is now your companion without roaming or data. 
• E-Book or Document Reader: I prefer reading books on my iPhone during a long flight. Just use eBook reader apps to download your favorite books or save your itinerary documents. 
• Emergency Backup Phone: Bring a local SIM when you travel. Your previous iPhone is ready to call, use local internet, or call emergency services if your primary device has failed. 

It’s compact, battery-efficient (keep it in airplane mode), and frees up your main phone. 

7. Advanced DIY Projects

Feeling crafty? Take your old iPhone to the next level with some DIY hacks that turn it into custom tech. 

• Raspberry Pi Companion: Connect via apps like Raspberry SSH or VNC Viewer to manage projects like control LEDs, sensors, or even a robot arm. Your iPhone is like a mini-display/control panel.  
• Car Dashboard Interface: Use a vent holder and permanently mount your phone in your car. Now, you can use it as your car’s infotainment for navigation, music, or hands-free calling. 
• DIY Photo Booth: Apps like Simple Booth or Pocketbooth use the camera for instant prints or shares. Stand your phone with a tripod, add props, and let guests snap away at parties. 

8. Safety, Security & Backup Device

In a pinch, your old iPhone can be a lifesaver, literally! Keep it as an emergency backup for peace of mind.

• Emergency Phone: Insert a basic SIM and keep it charged. If your main phone loses battery or breaks, you’re still reachable.
• 2FA Device: Use it just for authentication apps like Authy or Google Authenticator. It handles verification codes without relying on your primary device, safer for banking or logins.
• Encrypted Document Storage: Store sensitive files (with encrypted apps like Secure Shellfish or locked Notes) safely on that little backup.

With iOS 18’s enhanced privacy and security features, it will be your reliable companion for what-ifs. Ensure you keep it charged and out of sight.

Eco-Friendly Disposal if Nothing Works

If your old iPhone is truly kaput, it’s time to retire it. Perhaps the device no longer turns on, has a swollen battery, irreparable damage, or none of the apps will run, even after attempts to fix it. First, confirm that your only way is to replace the phone.

Then, go green with Apple’s Reuse and Recycling program. You can drop off your old iPhone, even if it’s broken, at stores or mail it in for free. They’ll refurbish, if possible, or recycle responsibly, extracting materials such as cobalt and rare earths. Some models may still get store credit.

For lithium batteries, follow safe disposal to avoid hazards. Use local e-waste centers or Apple stores. They safely break down parts to reduce landfill waste.

Breathe New Life Into Your Old iPhone

There you have it: a bunch of smart ways to repurpose your old iPhone, from smart home hero to fitness pal, travel tool, or DIY project star. With Apple’s epic software support keeping models half a decade older running, these ideas make the most of what you’ve got.

Before recycling through Apple’s eco-friendly programs, give reuse a shot. It’s better for your wallet and the planet. What will you try first? Let us know in the comments below!