Many of us have old iPhones collecting dust in drawers, especially as there were 153 million iPhone users in the US in 2023 alone. With each new upgrade, the number of unused phones rises, contributing to the global issue of e-waste. And this leads evermore to the question of “what to do with old iPhones”. Electronic waste is not just an inconvenience—it’s an environmental hazard. According to the University of Michigan, in 2019 the world generated 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste, and only 17.4% of that was recycled properly. This has major implications for climate change; the formal recycling of that small percentage of e-waste helped prevent up to 15 million tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.
By recycling iPhones, we can reduce our environmental footprint and even make a difference in the lives of others. Instead of letting old them accumulate and become part of the e-waste problem, consider how they can still serve valuable purposes, whether through donation or innovative repurposing ideas.
Continue reading to explore meaningful ways to give your old iPhones new life while positively impacting the environment and supporting great causes!
Creative Ideas to Repurpose Your Old iPhone
Use It as a Security Camera
An old iPhone can easily be repurposed as a home security camera or baby monitor. Apps like Alfred Camera and Manything allow you to monitor your home remotely. Whether you’re checking in on pets or ensuring home security while away, this simple solution offers an effective use of your unused device.
Turn It into a Smart Speaker
You can also turn your old iPhone into a smart speaker. By pairing it with a Bluetooth speaker and enabling Siri for voice commands, you create a cost-effective alternative to Amazon Echo or Google Home. This setup allows you to play music, control smart home devices, and get voice-guided answers without having to purchase a new smart speaker.
Create a Digital Photo Frame
Use your old iPhone as a digital photo frame by installing apps like LiveFrame. This is a great way to keep treasured memories alive and display a rotating gallery of photos, turning an old device into a constantly updated picture frame.
Make It a Dedicated Music Player
Convert your old iPhone into a dedicated music player. Use it for workouts, road trips, or as a home sound system by loading it with your favorite playlists and connecting it to portable speakers. This setup lets you keep your main device free for other tasks while enjoying your favorite tunes without interruptions.
Set It Up as a GPS Navigation System
Turn your old iPhone into a GPS device for your car. By downloading navigation apps like Waze, you can create a dedicated system for driving directions. This helps reduce strain on your everyday phone’s battery and gives you peace of mind on long trips.
Turn It into a Portable Gaming Device
Your old iPhone can become a great source of entertainment as a dedicated gaming device. Load it with light mobile games, making it perfect for kids or as a source of casual entertainment. This way, your main phone stays free for essential tasks, while the old one handles the fun.
Donate It to Help Military Personnel and Veterans
If you need one more suggestion of what to do with old iPhones, one of the most impactful ways is by donating them to Cell Phones for Soldiers. Your donated phone can either be sold or refurbished, with the proceeds used to provide calling cards for military personnel overseas. Refurbished devices are also given to veterans with service plans, supporting their reintegration into civilian life by keeping them connected with loved ones, job opportunities, and important services.
How to Recycle Your Old iPhone with Us
If you’re ready to donate your old iPhone, follow these steps to ensure your device is properly prepared and securely handed off:
- Backup Your Data: Before recycling your iPhone, ensure you’ve backed up your important data. You can use iCloud or iTunes to save your contacts, photos, and other vital information.
- Wipe Personal Data: Once you’ve backed up your data, it’s crucial to wipe all personal information. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings to remove everything from the device. For a more detailed guide, check out this helpful article: How to Dispose Of Old Cell Phones.
- Remove SIM and SD Cards: Be sure to take out any SIM or SD cards from the iPhone before donating.
- Pack Securely: Once your device is reset, pack your iPhone securely. Use bubble wrap or padded packaging to ensure it remains safe during shipping or transport.
- Donate: You can either drop your device off at a local drop-off location or use a self-paid label to ship it directly.
By donating, you’ll be contributing to a great cause, supporting military personnel and veterans, and reducing e-waste. For more information, head over to our donation page and make a difference today.
Where to Recycle Old iPhones
There are several easy and convenient ways to recycle your old iPhone through Cell Phones For Soldiers. You can either visit one of our numerous drop-off locations or ship your devices directly to us.
- Drop-Off Locations: To make recycling your old iPhone hassle-free, we offer a wide network of drop-off locations where you can conveniently drop off your device. This is an excellent option for those who prefer a hands-on approach or have only one or two devices to donate.
- Shipping Options: If visiting a drop-off location isn’t feasible, you can ship your old iPhones to us. If you’re donating 10 or more phones, we will cover the shipping costs. For fewer devices, you can use a self-paid label to send your devices via mail.
Whether you’re near a drop-off location or prefer the shipping option, your donation will help reduce e-waste while supporting military members and veterans.
Encourage Community Involvement
Hosting community drives is another option for what to do with old iPhones and a powerful way to rally your community behind a cause that helps both the environment and our troops. By organizing collection drives for old iPhones and other electronics, you can multiply the impact and help spread awareness about the importance of recycling e-waste responsibly. These efforts not only raise awareness about electronic waste but also demonstrate the power of collective action when it comes to supporting veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Consider reaching out to local schools, libraries, businesses, or community centers to partner in your drive. You can set up collection boxes or host an event where community members can drop off their old devices. By involving children, families, and local organizations, you foster a deeper connection to the cause and can educate others about the significance of properly recycling or donating electronics.
Community drives are also a great opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life, and how donating old electronics can directly help provide them with essential communication tools. Each iPhone donated helps fund calling cards for service members overseas or provides refurbished phones to veterans, giving them the resources to connect with loved ones and access vital services.
For those looking to take the lead in organizing a drive, we provide all the necessary tools and guidance on our volunteer opportunities page. Whether it’s a one-time event or an ongoing community initiative, your efforts can have a long-lasting and meaningful impact.
Wrapping Up
In summary, finding new uses for old iPhones not only helps reduce the growing issue of e-waste but also creates opportunities to make a positive social impact. Whether you’re turning your old device into a home security camera, a digital photo frame, or a dedicated music player, these creative ideas breathe new life into your iPhone while preventing it from ending up in a landfill.
Moreover, by donating your old iPhones, you are directly supporting military personnel and veterans, helping them stay connected with their families and navigate their transition to civilian life. Taking just a small step, like organizing a community drive to collect electronics or donating a single device, can make a significant difference. It’s a simple but powerful way to contribute to both environmental sustainability and the well-being of those who have served our country.
Every device repurposed or donated has the potential to leave a lasting impact. So, whether you’re looking to reduce clutter or support a cause, your old iPhone can still make a meaningful difference. Explore the ideas we’ve shared or donate your devices today to be part of something bigger!
