You’ve just gotten a smartphone. It is faster, the camera is better, and the battery can easily last all day. After the excitement fades, there is one question left to answer:

What should you do with your old phone?

Putting it in a drawer is simple. It might not be the smartest choice. Even an older smartphone can still have value. You can sell it, trade it in, repurpose it, donate it, or recycle it responsibly. 

Here are seven useful things you can do with your phone after getting a new one.

1. Trade It In for Cash or Credit

One of the choices is trading in your old smartphone.

Many phone makers, stores, phone companies and special trade-in services take phones and give cash, credit or discounts for a new one. The amount you receive usually depends on the phone’s model, age, storage capacity, condition, and whether it works properly.

Before accepting an offer, compare trade-in prices from different companies. A phone that receives a strong trade-in offer from one company may be worth much less with another. 

Also check if the phone is unlocked and if you still have the parts. These things can sometimes change how much it is worth.

Best for: People who want a simple way to get some money from their old phone.

2. Fix It and Sell It

If your old phone has a cracked screen, a weak battery, a damaged charging port, or another minor problem, fixing it before selling may increase its value. 

Don’t always think that every fix is worth paying for. Compare the repair cost with the phone’s value first.

For example: changing a battery on a top-of-the-line phone may make sense. Spending a lot on a cheap phone may not.

After the phone is working well you can sell it through a marketplace local buyer or used phone store. Be honest about the phone’s condition. Clearly say any remaining issues. Honest listings can help you avoid problems with buyers.

Best for: People whose phones still have value but need small fixes.

3. Keep It as a Backup Phone

Sometimes the best thing to do with a phone is just to keep it.

A backup phone can be very helpful if your new phone gets lost, stolen, broken or needs fixing. You can keep the phone charged and stored somewhere safe so it is ready when you need it. It can also help when you travel. Instead of carrying your expensive main phone everywhere, you could use the older one in certain situations. Just remember to keep the phone updated when possible and check the battery often.

Best for: Anyone who wants a phone without spending money on another one.

4. Repurpose It for Specific Tasks 

Your old smartphone does not have to stay your phone.

Without a SIM card, it can still work over Wi-Fi and become a dedicated device for certain tasks.

You could turn it into:

• A music or podcast player
• A GPS. Map device
• A smart-home control center
• A TV or media remote
• A digital photo frame
• A special book reader
• A baby monitor or security camera using the right app
• A basic game device

This can be very helpful if your old phone still has a good screen, speakers, camera or battery but no longer works well as a main phone.

Best for: People who like to use their technology more.

5. Give It to Someone Who Needs It

If you don’t need the phone and it still works, think about giving it away.

Working phones can help people communicate, get online, learn, find jobs, or access important apps. You can give it to a charity, community group, recycling program or another group that takes used phones. Before giving it away make sure your personal information is gone. Back up anything you want to keep log out of your accounts take out your SIM and memory card and do a factory reset.

Best for: People who want their phone to help someone else.

6. Recycle It the Right Way

Not every phone is worth selling or reusing. If your phone is very old, broken, or no longer working properly, recycling may be the best option. Don’t just throw a phone in the trash. Phones have batteries and other materials that need to be handled. Recycling can get parts back and cut down on electronic waste in landfills.

Look for an electronics recycling center a company take-back program, a store recycling service or another proper recycling option nearby.

If the battery is swollen, broken or looks bad don’t try to fix it yourself. Handle the phone carefully. Ask a professional for help.

Best for: Phones that are not useful anymore.

7. Remove Your Information Before Giving It

No matter what you decide to do with your old phone keeping your personal information safe should be your first step.

Your phone may have photos, messages, contacts, saved passwords, emails, money details, files and access to media.

Before selling, trading giving away or recycling the phone:

• Save your data and move it to your new phone — photos, contacts, and files should all be transferred before you do anything else.
• Transfer your authentication apps and accounts if you use them for two-factor authentication. 
• Sign out of your accounts and remove any device-specific account access where necessary. 
• Take out your SIM and memory card.
• Turn off device tracking or activation locks according to your phone’s rules.
• Do a factory reset.
• Restart the phone. Check that it shows the setup screen.

A factory reset is important because it takes your details off the phone before someone else gets it.

So What Should You Do With Your Old Phone?

There is no answer that fits everyone.

If the phone is new and, in shape selling or trading it may give you the best money back.

If it still. Is not worth much keeping it as a backup or making it a special device can help it last longer.

If you do not need it anymore. It works well giving it away can help another person get a phone they really need.

If the phone is too old or broken to use recycling is the better choice.

The main thing is not to leave the phone in a drawer or throw it away without thinking about your data or the planet.

Your old phone might still be of value. With the right choice, you can make some money, help someone else, give your old phone a second life, or recycle it responsibly.