Nowadays it is almost essential to own a smartphone in order to check on the latest memes, but also to connect to the world easily. The only problem is that over time my smartphone always gets slower and the battery capacity drop rapidly. Now the question is what to do with the phones lying useless in the drawers? Can you make money with your old phones?

Since major phone companies are releasing new smartphone models yearly it is quite tempting to buy new phones with newer technologies. But simply throwing your old smartphone in the trash is not a good option for sure. 

There are several ways you can make money with an old mobile phone. Even a phone with a broken screen, dead battery, or outdated software has some worth. Every phone contains some really expensive components inside, that can be disassembled and reused in making new phones or other electronics DIY projects.

This means whether your mobile is in great condition or defunct, you can always get the most out of it and make money with your old useless phones.

How to Earn Money with Your Old Mobile Phones? 

We all want to stay updated with the latest technology and as soon as a new Android version or newer models with high-end specs is launched we get tempted to buy that. It is quite obvious that when we buy a new phone it retires the older phone. 

Most people do not know how to dispose of their phones responsibly. You will be amazed to find out that you can actually make a good sum of money with your old mobile phone.

There are several ways to make money with old phones, so it’s worth considering these options if you have an old phone lying around that you no longer use:

1. Sell it

You can sell your old mobile phone in Bangalore or you can also try selling it to a second-hand phone store in your local area. Before you sell your mobile phone, make sure it’s in good condition by cleaning it thoroughly. Remove any dirt or dust and wipe the screen with a soft cloth. 

Make sure to include all the details about the phone, its condition, and accessories if you want to get a better price for your old mobile phone. Also, you need to set a reasonable price for your phone based on its condition and market value. 

Consider negotiating with buyers to reach a fair price for both parties. Once you’ve found a buyer and agreed on a price, make sure to package the phone securely and ship it to the buyer if necessary.

2. Trade it in

A trade-in program for old mobile phones is a service offered by many mobile phone retailers and manufacturers. The program allows customers to trade in their old mobile phones for a discount on a new device. 

Technology today is innovating so fast, that trade-in or exchange programs benefit the customer to upgrade their devices giving access to better features and improved performance while making newer phones more affordable. Many mobile carriers and electronics stores offer trade-in programs where you can exchange your old phone for a newer one or receive a store credit. 

Trade-ins lower the price of the device, which allows more users to upgrade sooner. Typically, the customer will bring their old phone to the store or mail it in, and the retailer or manufacturer will evaluate the condition of the device to determine its value. The customer will then receive a credit or cash amount that can be applied toward the purchase of a new phone. 

Trade-in programs for old mobile phones are beneficial in a number of ways. They allow customers to upgrade to newer models without having to pay full price, they encourage responsible disposal of old devices, and they can help reduce e-waste by encouraging the recycling or refurbishment of old devices.

3. Recycling

Recycling old phones refers to the process of extracting useful materials from discarded or obsolete mobile phones to be reused in the production of new electronic devices or other products. The materials recovered through the recycling process can then be reused in the manufacturing of new electronic devices, reducing the need for new raw materials to be mined or extracted from the earth. 

Recycling also helps to prevent electronic waste from ending up in landfills, where it can pose a risk to the environment and human health due to the presence of hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. Recycling old phones can have a positive impact on the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and minimizing the amount of waste that is sent to landfills. 

Many mobile phone manufacturers and retailers offer recycling programs to encourage consumers to recycle their old phones responsibly. These programs help in disposing of your old devices in an environmentally-friendly manner and getting paid for them.

4. Rent it out as a security camera service

There are many free security camera apps available for download from the app store. You can choose the one that suits your needs and install it on both your old and new devices. Once you set up your old mobile phone as a camera, you can remotely monitor the live feed using the app installed on your new device or desktop. 

You can use your old mobile phone as a security camera by downloading an app like Alfred or Manything. These apps allow you to monitor your home or office remotely. This way you can utilize your old device and rent it out as a CCTV service to others.

5. Sell Your Old Phone As A Media Player

You can use your old mobile phone as a media player by storing music, movies, and TV shows on it and connecting it to your TV or speakers. Using your phone as a media player is quite simple, you can transfer the files via USB cable, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or by using cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive. 

Your phone may already have a built-in media player app, but if not, you can download one like VLC, or MX Player from the app store. Most media player apps come with settings that allow you to customize the playback experience, such as adjusting the playback speed, equalizer, or video playback quality.

Once you have set up your old device with these media player apps, you can sell it for money to those who want to provide their kids with a multimedia device that doesn’t risk kid’s privacy with social media apps as they can enjoy music or videos on the go without connecting the phone actually to the internet or cellular network.

6. Rent it out

Renting out your old phone can be a great way to earn some extra money while putting your unused phone to good use. You can rent out your old mobile phone to people who need a temporary device. Websites like RentNotBuy and Zilok allow you to rent out your old phone for a fee. 

Make sure your phone is in good working condition before considering renting it out. Check for any physical damages or software issues that may affect its functionality prior to renting out the device. Also, you can advertise your phone on classified websites, social media platforms, or other online marketplaces including clear photos of your phone, its specifications, and the rental fee. 

Once you have found a potential renter, set up a rental agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental, including the duration of the rental, the rental fee, and any penalties for damages or late returns. Make sure both you and the renter sign the agreement. Also, verify the renter’s identity and keep a record of their contact information.

7. Donate it

You can donate your old mobile phone to a charity or non-profit organization that accepts them. Some organizations refurbish old phones and give them to people in need. You can also donate your old phone to a local shelter that supports people in need. 

Before donating or selling your old phone, make sure to erase all personal data and remove any SIM cards or memory cards.

Also read: Know About The Insurance Claim for Your Phone