The sight of unused smartphones and other devices occupying unnecessary space in cabinets and drawers is common across most homes. Instead of letting these old devices gather dust, one can repurpose them to prolong their utility. This approach is a sustainable alternative to discarding the devices. Reusing outdated gadgets not only reduces electronic waste but also conserves resources and can save money. There are several DIY tech recycling ideas that help individuals achieve these objectives.
Repurpose an Old E-Reader Into a Portable Dashboard
Essentially, any large and clear display can be turned into an all-purpose dashboard for smart homes. Those who have stopped using old e-readers and switched to physical books can creatively use the display of those readers to integrate multiple smart home operations in one place. All one needs to do is install specific software tools on their e-reader to convert it into a dashboard that helps control various connected devices. The monochrome screen of most e-readers will give the smart home dashboard a minimalist look and make it easy to operate the ecosystem of linked gadgets.
As opposed to tablets, the screens of e-readers utilize less power and last for several days on a single charge. This means that people can use their e-reader dashboard without having to connect to power all the time. Repurposing an e-reader into a smart home dashboard gives users the large display of a tablet combined with the portability of a smartphone remote.
Repurpose a Smartphone Into a TV and AC remote
Many modern smartphones can be linked to smart devices. A particularly nifty application of this is the use of a smartphone to control one’s smart TV. Today, smart TVs are increasingly used as media streaming devices. In case users misplace the device’s remote, they need not purchase a new one. They can simply download the smart TV’s connecting application to their old phone, link any user accounts, and have a fully operational backup remote. This remote will help people switch between multiple streaming platforms and adjust the volume, brightness, and other elements on their smart TVs.
Similarly, several linking apps (and modern smartphones’ advanced software) help turn smartphones into makeshift remotes for air-conditioning systems. Users can raise or lower the temperature and regulate the fan speed using their smartphones by installing such apps and linking their smart ACs with their phones. Both of these applications are good examples of facilitating home automation with old devices.
Repurpose a Tablet Into an Alarm Clock
Rather than discarding old, unused tablets, they can be repurposed to expand their utility. Converting tablets into smart displays and dashboards is one of the most conventional applications of these devices. People can also reimagine their old, unused tablet as a dedicated bedside alarm clock. A tablet-alarm clock lets people rely less on their phones to set wake-up alarms, schedule appointments, and set reminders for various tasks during their day.
The first step involves positioning the tablet on a dedicated stand. After that, one can plug the tablet into a nearby socket to keep it powered. On the device, install a dedicated alarm clock application or use the operating system’s pre-installed clock app. Then, set the screen of the tablet to remain on permanently if needed. Users will still have the option of putting the display to sleep while they do the same at night. The set alarms and reminders will still ring on time even as the screen remains dark. The final step in this conversion process involves enabling voice commands to set or disarm the tablet alarm clock from afar.
Repurpose a Smartphone Into a Security Camera
Turning old tech into security systems is arguably the most clever way of repurposing electronics creatively. Security cameras and sensors tend to be ludicrously expensive. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on them, one can repurpose their old smartphone lying in their cupboard into intelligent security cameras for useful surveillance to ensure occupant safety.
A smartphone’s front and back cameras allow users to employ the device to monitor a selected area in and around their homes. For prolonged use, position the device close to a power socket to keep it connected to electricity.
The process of converting smartphones into surveillance cameras is straightforward. The first step involves placing the smartphone so its rear camera points in the desired direction. After this, plug the smartphone into a power socket. Finally, install and run a security camera app on the phone to turn it into a 24/7 surveillance gadget.
Repurpose an Old Laptop Into a Second Work/Leisure Monitor
Old laptops take up large amounts of space that could otherwise be used for better purposes. To improve the utility of such laptops, one can integrate them with their existing computer/laptop and use their screen as an intuitive second display for their work or personal operations. Many laptops enable users to wirelessly connect to other PCs with the “wireless display” or “project device” feature.
Some other examples of reimagining old devices and expanding their utilities include repurposing an old iPod into a portable hard drive and using an old tablet as a video conferencing station.
