I usually keep all of my old iPhones. The 3 and 4 are a little outdated. My kids were using my iPhone 5 on WiFi at their Mom's until they got iPads. I got the phone back and am wondering what to do with it. It has to have some type of interesting use besides going into a drawer. I've thought about selling it. Looks like I can get a few hundred dollars if I do that (32GB AT&T). There are a few apps that I can download to use it as a security camera at home. That's something I'm considering. What are some other options?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Uses for old iPhones?
- Thread starter iMas70
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Sell it to someone for a few hundred dollars who will use it. No use just letting it sit in a drawer and depreciate in value.
I agree. It's a waste having a bunch of old devices sitting there collecting dust.
I keep one for backup and sell the rest.
We keep all of our old phones.
I mainly put mine to use as media devices. I do not know what my wife does with hers.
As media devices they are great. Music, video, wifi, games for the kids, etc.
If someone I know needs a phone I give it away. Both my wife and I gave away our HTC Touch Pros which allowed two people on Sprint SERO to retain their $30-45/month completely unlimited plans.
A friend of mine got my 3GS exactly when he needed a new phone.
At some point I'm pretty sure I'll be able to gift someone with my iPhone 5.
This is why I never sell my phones when I am done with them.
I mainly put mine to use as media devices. I do not know what my wife does with hers.
As media devices they are great. Music, video, wifi, games for the kids, etc.
If someone I know needs a phone I give it away. Both my wife and I gave away our HTC Touch Pros which allowed two people on Sprint SERO to retain their $30-45/month completely unlimited plans.
A friend of mine got my 3GS exactly when he needed a new phone.
At some point I'm pretty sure I'll be able to gift someone with my iPhone 5.
This is why I never sell my phones when I am done with them.
Donate them to your local school that can't afford its own 1:1 program. If you live in an affluent area, I'll be happy to take them and provide a receipt so you can have a tax write-off. We are constantly begging for old phones/tablets. We will never be a 1:1 school, but it's nice to have all our students able to go online to use some of the amazing tools currently available.
Keep at least one around as a backup phone. I have a 3GS thats ready to roll if my 6 acts up. Its also nice to have if I got to the lake or camping and don't want to risk damaging or losing the nicer phone. I'll also throw the sim card in the 3GS and take it with me if I know i'll be getting dirty at work and don't wanna cover the nice phone in grease. eBay has nice little micro to SIM card adapters for cheap, or you can make one out of an old credit card.
I've sold several older iPhones on eBay and have always been pleased with the final selling price.
I also keep my old iPhones as mediadevices. My iPhone 3G 16 GB is a musicplayer & radio connected to my stereo system. When my iPhone 4 32 GB stops being my main phone it will probably also will be connected to my hifi or be my e-book library back up unit.... There's lot's of uses!
Keep one for traveling/backpacking. I am currently traveling for 2.5 weeks and wishing I had a iPhone 4s or 5s. Carrying a 6 around strictly for text, calls, maps, and light internet is too much size. The loud/target factor is also a concern. Take a cheaper phone you care less about in case you get mugged or gets stolen.
I sell mine, so I don't have a collection. It helps offset the cost of the next model I get.
Agreed. We used a couple older iPhone 5 last time we traveled overseas. I gave those away and next time, will probably use our current 6/6+ (after we upgrade).
I get them unlocked by AT&T and use them for international travel using local SIMs. Plus they are worth more unlocked if you decide to sell here or abroad.