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After upgrading to a new iPhone, you're left with a decision: What do you do with the old one? 

Patrick Holland/CNET

When it comes time to upgrade to a new phone, you're faced with a decision. Do you trade it in and get a discount, or do you hang on to it? I can't fault you if you want to get a discount on a new phone, especially on the already affordable iPhone SE. That said, don't be so quick to ditch your old phone.

Even with just Wi-Fi access and no cellular connection, your old iPhone ($699 at Apple) can still be useful. For example, you can program it as a spare Apple TV ($179 at Apple) remote, or repurpose it as a security camera to keep an eye on your front door. 

Before you repurpose your old phone, I suggest resetting it to factory condition (Settings > General > Reset) and setting it up as a new device. You should also disable any features you won't be using, like iMessage to prevent your messages from constantly causing your phone to sound and vibrate. 








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Here are eight great, cheap or even free options for your old iPhone. 


A cheap security camera
Keep an eye on your front porch or the side of your house by turning your old iPhone into a security camera. You'll need some extra gear, like a mount or tripod, a wide-angle lens attachment and a spare charger, but you shouldn't have to spend a lot to get it up and running. 

Read through our guide for getting the security camera app called Alfred set up and running. Once that's done, you'll be able to check in on your home from anywhere. 



Turn your phone into a security camera. 

Colin McDonald/CNET


Get the most out of Apple Arcade
Instead of draining your phone's battery and dealing with constant notifications while you or your kids are trying to beat a hot new game, use your old iPhone as a dedicated gaming device. Sure, the screen isn't as big as, say, a Nintendo Switch, but you're still going to have a blast. And with Apple Arcade's $5 a month subscription for access to its entire game catalogue, hours of gaming awaits you. 

Even if you don't have an Apple Arcade subscription, there are countless free games from Fortnite to Hearthstone to Blackbox. 



There are plenty of great games waiting for you. 

Angela Lang/CNET


Turn your old iPhone into a dedicated FaceTime or Zoom hub
With most of us practicing social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, routine video calls over FaceTime or Zoom are the new norm. Keep your old iPhone charged and in a central location, giving you and your family an always-ready device for video calls. This is especially handy if you have kids who frequently want to call relatives or friends. It gives them the freedom to call, and gives you the peace of mind that something won't happen to your new phone. 

Or if you're using Zoom to join workout classes, be it on an exercise bike or yoga, you can mirror your screen on your big-screen TV to make it easier to follow along.