What to Do with an Old Smartphone

Have you got an old smartphone tucked away in a drawer? You’re not alone. In Australia, around 3-4 million mobile phones are discarded every year, with an estimated 23 million unused phones currently stored in homes across the country. Despite this stockpile, only 1% of Australians properly recycle their devices. That means most end up as e-waste, despite the fact that they still hold value.

You can be smart about it and prevent this while earning some good cash. If you’ve been wondering what to do with an old smartphone, there are many practical options. Instead of letting it gather dust, you can sell, donate, recycle, or repurpose it. This blog explores these choices while providing clear and simple tips on how to go about it properly.

Unused smartphones may seem harmless when left in a drawer, but they have a hidden impact. In 2023, the average replacement cycle stretched to almost four years, meaning more devices are sitting idle for longer. Each phone contains materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium that can be harmful if not handled properly. Manufacturing a single device also produces around 60kg of CO₂ emissions. By reusing or recycling old phones, we can reduce waste, cut emissions, and limit the environmental damage caused by discarded devices.

There are many ways to make use of a phone you no longer need. Some options get you a good price for it, while others focus on reducing waste or finding new uses. The choice depends on what matters most to you—saving cash, helping the environment, or simply getting creative at home. Let’s look at some choices to consider before deciding on selling or recycling.

1) Sell Your Old Smartphone for Cash

If your phone still works, selling is often the smartest choice. You can get money for old phone models that are still in good condition. This allows budget buyers to get a quality device at a lower price. One option is to use online marketplaces where you set the price and deal directly with buyers. For a faster and more convenient process, Mobile Guru offers quick quotes, easy postage, and payment within 24 hours. Trade-in programs from major phone brands and retailers are also available, giving you credit towards your next purchase.

2) Creative Ways to Reuse Your Old Smartphone

Old smartphones can become useful tools around the home instead of gathering dust. Here are some simple but clever ideas for repurposing them:

• Turn it into a Security Camera: Your old phone can be transformed into a security camera with the help of apps like Alfred, which are free and easy to use. Just set it up to watch your front door, baby’s room, or pets while you are away. These apps let you view the live feed on your new phone and send alerts if they detect movement.
• Dashcam for Your Car: Mount your old smartphone in your car to use as a dedicated GPS navigator or dashcam. This is much cheaper than buying a separate device.
• Create a Dedicated Music Player: Your old phone can become a music player for the gym, car, or home. Load it with your favourite songs or streaming apps and connect it to Bluetooth speakers or an aux cable.
• Use it as a Gaming Device: Old phones work well as gaming devices. You can download games for children or enjoy classic games on them without being interrupted by calls or messages.
• Make it a Remote Control: Many apps let you use smartphones as a remote for your TV, streaming services, or smart home gadgets. It’s a simple way to give it a new purpose.

3) Give Your Phone to Family Members

Your old smartphone might be perfect for a family member. Kids can learn to use technology safely with a phone that doesn’t have a data plan. On the other hand, seniors who want a simple smartphone often prefer older models. If the basic functions still work well and the interface is easy to understand, consider this option.

4) Donate Your Old Smartphone

Old phones can also make a real difference when donated. Several organisations accept such devices to support people in need. A donated phone can help someone stay connected with family, search for jobs, or call for help in emergencies.

Even phones that no longer work can still have value. Some programs recycle parts or use broken devices to fund community projects. Donating is a simple way to give your phone a second life while supporting causes important to you.

5) Recycle Your Phone Responsibly

Recycling keeps useful materials out of landfills. It also reduces pollution and supports local jobs. You can drop phones at store kiosks, manufacturer take-back schemes, local e-waste centres, or council collection days. Many places also accept chargers and other accessories.

You can also trade in old phones for cash, which gives your device a second life while rewarding you financially. Before you recycle or trade in, back up your data and sign out of all accounts. Remove the SIM and any memory card, then perform a factory reset to erase personal information. Last but not least, avoid removing the battery unless the centre specifically asks you to.

Before you let go of your old smartphone, take a few simple steps first to ensure safety. This protects your data and keeps personal information safe. Here’s how you can do so:

• Back Up First: Always back up your data before doing anything else. This ensures your photos, messages, and contacts are safe and easy to restore. Use built-in tools or cloud backups, depending on your device.
• Sign Out and Remove Accounts: Make sure you sign out of all accounts—email, social media, cloud services and payment apps. If you skip this, the next owner might still be able to access them.
• Pull Out SIM and Memory Cards: Take out the SIM card and any micro-SD cards. They often contain data and can reconnect to your network or other apps later on.
• Deactivate Security Locks: Phones sometimes have built-in features that lock or activate on reset. Disable services like Device Protection (FRP) on Android, or Find My on Apple devices. This prevents activation issues for the next user.
• Perform a Factory Reset: Once you’re backed up and signed out of everything, use the phone’s settings to perform a complete factory reset. This removes your photos, apps and accounts.
• Add Extra Security (Optional but Smart): For Android, encrypt your data before the reset. This adds a layer of protection in case someone tries to recover your information later. You can upload harmless content—like random photos—and reset it again. That way, any remaining traces won’t belong to you.
• When in Doubt, Consider Physical Destruction: Factory resets may not remove everything. Experts have shown that some data can still be retrieved unless properly erased or destroyed. If your phone holds very sensitive data, crushing or breaking the storage chip is a last-resort option.

The best option for disposing of your old smartphone depends on its condition and what you need. If it’s in good working order, selling it usually gives the most value. If there are issues, but it still turns on, you might reuse it for simple tasks—or you can sell it for a fair price to us.

At Mobile Guru, we make the selling process simple and secure. Our Australian-owned business follows a straightforward three-step process that helps you get paid for old phones at competitive rates. We beat any price quote and provide free express shipping through Australia Post.

Our process is simple: create a sell order, post the device, and get paid. Once we receive your phone, we check the condition and send you a revised quote. If you accept the quote, the payment is processed on the same business day. During busy periods, this may vary, but we still ensure a response within 24-48 hours.

We purchase phones from leading brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and more. Whether your phone is brand new, used, or even broken, we’ll make you an offer. Our precise valuation system considers factors like make, model, age, condition, and current market demand to provide competitive quotes.

The process is quick. Visit our website, choose your phone’s specifications, select its condition, and receive an instant quote. If you accept the offer, we will provide free express shipping to send us your device. You can choose payment by PayPal, bank transfer, or PayID.

We accept phones in various conditions, including those with cosmetic damage, functional issues, or devices that won’t turn on. We also accept locked phones and devices with bad ESN/IMEI, but you must disclose this information when creating a sell order. However, we don’t purchase phones that are blacklisted by carriers, iCloud or Google-locked, or have water damage. Moreover, make sure that you’ve paid all outstanding contract dues and received a “No Dues Certificate” from your network provider if the phone is still under contract.

For professional help with what to do with an old smartphone, you can reach Mobile Guru on 1300 362 017 or email us at hello@mobileguru.com.au. We offer free quotes and handle the entire selling process for a stress-free experience. After selling us your phone, you can also get an upgrade by looking at the collection we have for sale here.