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An old Android phone can still be useful when you give it one focused job: use it as an indoor camera, a compatible USB webcam, a music player, or a remote for a Cast-capable TV or speaker. Navigation and a photo display are also possibilities, but they depend more heavily on the phone’s hardware, software, and condition. Before setting anything up, check its security-update status, app compatibility, and battery health.
Before reusing an old Android, check whether it is fit for the job
Start with the exact model and Android version rather than assuming every Android phone supports the same features. Google’s certification and compatibility guidance explains that Play Protect-certified devices are tested against Android’s security and permissions model and ship with software builds containing recent security updates. Certification alone does not mean an older phone is still receiving updates: check the manufacturer’s update information for that model.
- Check certification and app behavior. Google warns that basic security has not been ensured on a device that is not Play Protect certified, and apps may not work as intended. Check the phone’s Play Store and the current listing for any app you plan to use. Google’s compatibility tests help establish that apps can work as intended, but the specific app still needs to support your handset and Android release.
- Inspect the battery and temperature. Do not leave a phone with a swollen battery in use. For a camera or webcam that will run for hours, keep it ventilated, use a compatible charger, and stop if it becomes excessively hot.
- Check the screen and connections. Navigation and photo-display use depend on a usable screen; USB webcam use depends on the phone’s port, software build, and manufacturer support.
1. Turn it into an indoor security, pet, or baby camera
A spare phone can serve as the camera while another device acts as the viewer, if a compatible app supports that arrangement. For example, the Google Play listing for RECAM Old Phone Security Cam describes screen-off streaming, charging the camera phone, encrypted video, and use for home security, pets, or baby monitoring. Those are the developer’s claims in its listing—not independent testing of performance or privacy. The listing says it was updated on 2026-09-18; still check that it supports your phone’s Android version.
Before installing any camera app, review its permissions and data disclosures, update status, and who can access the live feed. Choose a secure account and avoid pointing the camera where other people reasonably expect privacy. A stand can help aim the phone, and a compatible charger can keep it powered; neither is required for every setup. A repurposed phone is not a substitute for a tested alarm system or a dedicated safety monitor.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
2. Use it as a USB webcam—only if the phone supports it
Android’s official implementation documentation says USB webcam support is available on devices running Android 14 QPR1 or later, but the device build must enable the feature. That rules out treating this as a universal option for old Android phones. Check the phone’s USB settings for a webcam mode and confirm that the manufacturer supports it. If the option is absent, the Android version alone does not establish that the phone can act as a USB webcam.
The Android Open Source Project webcam documentation also flags power and thermal considerations when a camera runs for multiple hours a day. Keep the phone ventilated, use a compatible power source, and monitor it rather than leaving it to overheat.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
3. Make it a dedicated music or podcast player
A spare phone can separate listening from your everyday phone. Use audio files stored on the device or a streaming app that still supports its Android version, then pair headphones or a speaker. Google documents Fast Pair for compatible headphones and earbuds; both the accessory and handset need to meet the relevant compatibility requirements.
Streaming-app support and subscription requirements can change. Check the app’s current Play Store listing on the old phone before relying on it, especially if the handset no longer receives system updates.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
4. Use it as a Cast remote for a TV or speaker
Google says Cast lets a phone control compatible TVs and speakers from supported apps, including YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify. Open a compatible app, select its Cast control, and choose the target device available on your network. Whether this works depends on the particular app, TV or speaker, account, and network; some subscription services may be required.
Google’s cross-device services guidance also notes that some features require supported devices. Check the old phone and the receiving device before making this its main remote.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
5. Keep it as a dedicated navigation phone
A spare phone may be useful for navigation if its location hardware works, its mapping app is current and compatible, and its battery can handle the trip. Check that it can get a location fix where you plan to use it and that the map app still runs on the installed Android version. Mount it safely without obstructing your view, and set up routes before driving.
Do not assume an unspecified old handset will provide offline maps, current traffic, or reliable location. Those depend on the phone, app, data connection, and settings.
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- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
6. Use its screen as a small photo display
A phone with a usable screen can show selected photos, but the right app and setup depend on the handset and its Android version. Check app compatibility, screen-timeout and brightness controls, and whether the phone stays cool during extended display. Consider battery condition before keeping it plugged in for long periods; do not use a device with a swollen battery.
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