You can upcycle old gadgets by giving each one a single, simple job. An old smartphone can become a bedside alarm clock or a home security camera. An old tablet works as a digital photo frame, video call station, or e-reader. An old PC can run a TV media center, and an old TV can loop aquarium or fireplace videos. Most projects need only a stand, a power outlet, and a free app.
Why Reuse Old Tech Instead of Tossing It
The world generated a record 62 million metric tons of e-waste in 2022. Less than a quarter of it, 22.3%, was documented as properly collected and recycled [1]. Keeping a working device in use means one less gadget in that pile, at least for now.
Throwing electronics in the trash also creates a safety problem. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found more than 240 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries at 64 waste facilities between 2013 and 2020. Cell phones, tablets, and laptops were among the most common sources [2]. For the bigger picture, read our guide to The Impact of E-Waste.
7 Upcycling Ideas for Old Gadgets
Upcycling means turning an unwanted item into something useful. These projects work with most phones, tablets, PCs, and TVs, even slower ones.
1. Turn an old smartphone into an alarm clock
A dedicated bedside alarm clock keeps your main phone out of the bedroom.
- Place the phone on a smartphone stand
- Plug it into a nearby outlet
- Open the built-in clock app or install an alarm clock app you like
- Set the screen to stay on if you want a visible clock
- Turn on voice commands to set or dismiss alarms hands-free
2. Turn an old smartphone into a security camera
An old phone can watch a doorway, a garage, or a pet while you're away.
- Point the phone's rear camera, which usually has better resolution than the front camera, at the area you want to watch
- Plug it into an outlet for continuous use
- Install a security camera app, such as AlfredCamera, and pair it with your current phone
See "Safety Tips for Upcycled Devices" below before you connect an older phone to your home network.
3. Turn an old tablet into a digital photo frame
Even a slow tablet has enough power to run a slideshow, and its larger screen shows photos better than a phone.
- Set the tablet on a tablet stand
- Plug it into an outlet
- Create a looping slideshow in the built-in photos app or a third-party app
- Schedule the screen to turn off at night to save power
4. Turn an old tablet into a video call station
Remember the video phone on The Jetsons? A tablet on a stand can do the same job. Very old tablets may struggle with smooth video, so try the photo frame idea if calls lag.
- Set the tablet on a stand at eye level
- Plug it into an outlet
- Install your preferred video call app, such as Zoom®, WhatsApp®, or FaceTime®
- Set the screen to turn off when not in use, or run a slideshow between calls
5. Turn an old tablet into an e-reader
You don't need a new e-reader when the Kindle® and Kobo™ apps run on Android™ and iOS tablets. A tablet's backlit screen is harder on your eyes than an e-ink display, so turn on the blue light filter for nighttime reading.
- Remove apps you don't need
- Install your favorite e-book and audiobook apps
- Turn on the built-in blue light filter
- Keep the tablet on your nightstand
6. Turn an old PC into a media center
An old desktop or laptop connected to your TV can serve up your movie and music library.
- Place the computer near the TV
- Plug it into an outlet
- Connect it to the TV with an HDMI cable
- Copy your video and music files onto the PC
- Install a media player such as VLC media player or Plex®
- Set the PC to sleep when you're not using it
7. Turn an old TV into a virtual aquarium or fireplace
A looping aquarium video can help you unwind after a long day, without the upkeep of a real tank. In winter, switch to a fireplace video.
- Place the TV where you want it and plug it in
- Connect it to your upcycled PC or a USB flash drive with a video on it, or stream directly if it's a smart TV
- Play the video on a loop
Older TVs can use more power than newer models, so turn the display off when no one is watching.
Safety Tips for Upcycled Devices
Older devices need a little extra care when they run all day:
Watch the battery. A phone or tablet left on the charger nonstop can wear out its battery faster. Turn on any battery-protection or charge-limit setting your device offers. If the battery swells, stop using the device and take it to an electronics recycler.
Check for security updates. Phones and tablets that no longer receive updates are riskier on your network. That matters most for a security camera. Use a strong, unique password, and put the device on a guest network if your router supports one.
Remove old accounts. Sign out of email, banking, and shopping apps before you give an old device a new job.
What to Do With Tech You Can't Upcycle
If a device is too old or too damaged to reuse, you still have options:
Sell or donate it. Working devices can go to a buyer, a school, or a nonprofit that refurbishes electronics.
Use a certified recycler. Look for recyclers certified to the e-Stewards® or R2 standards.
Return HP devices to us. HP Planet Partners accepts HP-branded computers, monitors, and printers. Visit HP Planet Partners hardware recycling to see the return options for your product.
Wipe your data first. You're responsible for deleting personal data before any device leaves your hands.
Recycle batteries separately. Take loose lithium-ion batteries to an electronics recycler or household hazardous waste site, never the trash.
Step-by-step instructions are in our guide on to How to Recycle Old Computers.
How to Get More Years Out of Your Next Device
The simplest way to cut e-waste is to buy less often:
- Ask whether your current device still does what you need before upgrading
- Choose a device with the memory and storage you'll need a few years from now
- Consider a second-hand or refurbished device
- Protect your purchase with an HP Care Packs service plan
Ready for an upgrade? Browse laptops and tablets and 2-in-1s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to upcycle electronics?
Upcycling electronics means giving an old device a new, useful job instead of throwing it away. Examples include turning an old smartphone into an alarm clock or security camera, or turning an old tablet into a digital photo frame.
What can I do with an old smartphone?
An old smartphone can be reused as a bedside alarm clock, a home security camera, a music player, or a remote control for smart home devices. Most of these uses need only a stand, a power outlet, and a free app.
Is it safe to leave an old phone plugged in all the time?
Leaving a phone plugged in constantly can wear out the battery faster. Turn on the phone's battery-protection setting if it has one. Stop using the phone if the battery starts to swell.
Can I throw old electronics in the trash?
Old electronics should not go in household trash or curbside recycling. Lithium-ion batteries in phones, tablets, and laptops can cause fires in garbage trucks and waste facilities. Take them to a certified electronics recycler or household hazardous waste site instead.
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About the Author
Harry Stewart is a Tech Takes contributor covering everything from laptop reviews to how-to guides.
