You can transform your old smartphone into a controller for your smart home.
Rather of leaving your outdated smartphone collect dust in a drawer, why not give it a second chance at life by transforming it into a powerful controller for your smart home? Your underutilized gadget may be transformed into a specialized hub that allows you to manage lights, appliances, cameras, thermostats, and other devices, so making your smart home even more intelligent. All it takes is a few easy steps.
Why Should an Old Smartphone Be Reused?
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microphones, cameras, and brilliant displays are all features that are readily available on modern smartphones. These are all the fundamental components that are required for a smart home controller. Even if the phone is no longer suitable for day-to-day usage, it is still capable of connecting to your home network and running applications for home automation. In addition, repurposing an old phone is a technique to improve your smart setup that is both environmentally responsible and efficient with your finances.
The phone has to be prepared for its new role.
To begin, you should do a factory reset on the device in order to remove any personal data and guarantee that it is operating at its highest possible level. Disable any background applications or automated updates that aren’t required once the device has been reset. Because of this, the phone will continue to function normally and without any disruptions. If you want to prolong the amount of time that the battery may be used throughout the day, you should either keep it plugged in or choose a mode that saves power.
Install applications for smart homes.
You will need to download the applications that are essential for your smart home ecosystem. Your old phone may function as a dedicated dashboard, allowing you to control gadgets, see cameras, and manage routines. This is true regardless of whether you use Google Home, Alexa, or another platform. To ensure that the controller is always ready to use, you just need to set it up once and then log into your accounts.
Mount or dock your repurposed phone at a central spot inside the house, such as the living room, kitchen, or hallway. Your phone should be strategically placed around the house. A low-cost stand, a magnet holder, or a wall mount may be used to place it in such a way that it is easily accessible. In the event that you currently own a smart speaker or display, the smartphone may furthermore function as a visual interface or touch controller in conjunction with it.
Tailored for maximum effectiveness
Activate the “Do Not Disturb” feature to prevent receiving alerts that are not essential, and adjust the brightness of the screen to suit your needs. You have the ability to configure it to display live feeds from security cameras, to function as a display for the thermostat, or to work as a central control panel for the lights and switches. By using voice assistant capabilities or video call applications, a significant number of users additionally transform it into an intercom.
Uses Other Than Smart Control That Are Optional
More than simply a controller, your old smartphone may serve a variety of purposes. The device may be used as a baby monitor, an inside security camera, a digital picture frame, and even as a music controller for smart speakers thanks to its versatility. Without the need for continuous human input, it is able to carry out voice-command routines or planned activities thanks to the automation facilities that it has.
Remarks to Conclude
Even while an outdated smartphone may no longer be considered cutting-edge, it still has the potential to make your life easier when it is incorporated into a smart home setup. You can turn it into a dependable home automation center with a little bit of planning and imagination, which will allow you to save money while also lowering the amount of electronic trash you produce.